Burnet County, TX — September 26, 2024, Carol Jarecki was killed following a car accident at approximately 4:00 p.m. along State Highway 29.

According to authorities, 61-year-old Carol Jarecki was traveling in an eastbound Hyundai Elantra at a stop due to traffic conditions on S.H. 29 in the vicinity east of C.R. 333 when the accident took place.

Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, the Elantra was rear-ended by a Jeep Renegade. The impact pushed the Elantra forward into the rear-end of a Chevrolet pickup truck, which was pushed forward into the back of an 18-wheeler's trailer.

Jarecki reportedly suffered critical injuries over the course of the accident and was transported to a local medical facility by EMS in order to receive necessary treatment. She was ultimately unable to overcome the severity of her injuries, having later been declared deceased. Additional details pertaining to this incident are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When someone is killed after being rear-ended while stopped in traffic, it’s tempting to view the crash as a straightforward case of driver inattention. But in my experience, even crashes that appear simple at first glance deserve closer examination. To fully understand what happened—and whether the outcome could have been avoided—there are three essential questions that should be asked.

First, did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? In chain-reaction collisions, it’s important to understand the sequence and timing of each impact. A proper investigation should evaluate vehicle spacing, speeds, and whether any drivers had time or space to react. Thorough crash reconstruction can make the difference between understanding a momentary lapse and uncovering a more complex breakdown in judgment or safety.

Second, has anyone looked into whether a vehicle defect played a role? In rear-end collisions, people often overlook the possibility of mechanical issues like brake failure or faulty cruise control systems. If the vehicle that initiated the crash had a defect that compromised its ability to stop, that’s critical to know. But unless someone examines the vehicle promptly, that evidence may be lost before it’s ever considered.

Lastly, has all available electronic data been collected? Modern vehicles—especially those involved in a multi-vehicle collision—often contain event data recorders that capture braking, throttle position, speed, and other key information leading up to the crash. That data can help clarify whether the driver of the vehicle that caused the initial impact attempted to stop and whether the vehicle responded appropriately. In some cases, dashcams or nearby surveillance may offer additional clarity.

Understanding how and why a crash happened is essential—especially when someone has lost their life. The answers don’t always come easily, but they can’t be found unless the right questions are pursued from the start. 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.