Cherokee County, TX — April 13, 2025, Robert Liles was killed and Charles Burris was injured in a car accident at about 5:10 a.m. on F.M. 346.

A preliminary accident report indicates a southbound 2008 Honda Accord collided with a northbound 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche near Eastdale Lane.

Honda driver Robert Liles, 46, of Bullard died in the crash east of Shadybrook, according to authorities, while Chevrolet driver Charles Burris, 68, or Lindale was seriously injured.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the Cherokee County crash.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When I read about a crash like this, my first thought is that I hope those involved receive clear, evidence-based answers about what caused the collision. A head-on crash between two vehicles traveling in opposite directions raises critical questions about vehicle positioning, road conditions and possible contributing factors. To understand what happened on F.M. 346, we need to ask three critical questions.

First, did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? In any head-on collision, determining how the vehicles came to occupy the same lane is essential. Was one of the drivers attempting to pass another vehicle? Was there a curve or obstruction that limited visibility? Were the road’s markings and signage adequate and well-maintained? Investigators should reconstruct the scene carefully, examining skid marks, impact points and final vehicle positions to determine which vehicle left its lane and why.

Second, has anyone considered whether a vehicle defect may have contributed to the crash? Both the 2008 Honda Accord and 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche should be thoroughly inspected for mechanical or electronic issues that could have impaired driver control. A sudden loss of steering, brake failure or tire blowout could easily cause a vehicle to veer out of its lane. Additionally, given the severity of the outcome, investigators should examine whether each vehicle’s safety systems — such as airbags, seatbelts and structural components — functioned properly during the collision. These evaluations are important not only for understanding what happened, but also for identifying any broader safety concerns.

Finally, has all the electronic and digital data related to the crash been collected? Both vehicles are likely equipped with engine control modules that can store pre-crash data such as speed, throttle position, brake use and steering input. This information can help confirm whether either driver attempted to avoid the crash and how each vehicle was behaving in the seconds before impact. Surveillance footage or GPS data, if available, may also provide additional insight into the timeline and circumstances. Preserving this data early is essential to ensure its accuracy.

Head-on crashes like this require more than initial assumptions or conclusions based solely on direction of travel. A person lost their life, and another was seriously injured. Determining the full set of contributing factors — whether human, mechanical or environmental — is the only way to provide the clarity and accountability that the parties involved and their families deserve. A thorough and impartial investigation is the first step toward achieving that goal.