Harris County, TX — October 22, 2024, a man was injured in a pedestrian versus car accident at approximately 11:00 p.m. along Greens Road.

According to authorities, a 29-year-old man was apparently attempting to cross Greens Road in the vicinity east of Interstate Highway 45 when the accident took place.

Officials indicate that the pedestrian was struck in the roadway by a westbound Toyota Corolla. The pedestrian reportedly suffered serious injuries due to the collision; he was transported to a local medical facility by EMS in order to receive necessary treatment. Additional details pertaining to this incident—including the identity of the victim—are not available at this point in time.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle while crossing a road at night, people often assume the individual crossed without caution or the driver simply didn’t see them in time. But in my experience, particularly with incidents like this one on Greens Road near Interstate 45, these types of crashes often demand a closer look. To understand how this collision happened and whether it could have been prevented, there are three important questions that should be asked.

First, did the authorities thoroughly investigate the roadway conditions and visibility at the time of the crash? At 11:00 p.m., lighting and road design play a critical role in pedestrian safety. Investigators should determine whether there were crosswalks nearby, whether the lighting was sufficient, and whether signage or road markings alerted drivers to pedestrian activity in the area. Without this context, it's difficult to assess whether the environment gave either party a reasonable opportunity to avoid the collision.

Second, has anyone considered whether a mechanical or visibility-related issue may have affected the driver’s ability to react in time? A malfunctioning headlight, worn brakes, or compromised windshield visibility could all impair a driver’s ability to detect and respond to someone crossing the road. These types of vehicle-related factors often go unnoticed unless a proper forensic inspection is conducted—something that’s only possible if the vehicle is preserved and reviewed shortly after the crash.

Lastly, has all available electronic and video data been gathered to support a reconstruction of the incident? The Toyota Corolla likely contains an event data recorder that could provide critical information about the vehicle’s speed, brake usage, and steering input at the time of impact. That data, along with any surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras, could help clarify the pedestrian’s location and movements just before the collision. Timely collection of this evidence is key to ensuring it isn't lost.

When someone is seriously hurt and the details surrounding the crash remain uncertain, it’s not enough to rely on assumptions. Asking these questions is the least that can be done to ensure that those affected by this crash get the clarity and closure they deserve.