Dallas, TX — January 18, 2025, a pedestrian was injured in a car accident at about 9 p.m. on South Harwood Street.

A preliminary accident report indicates that a 2019 Dodge Charger was heading southeast near Interstate 30 when it hit a pedestrian.

The pedestrian, a 70-year-old man whose name has not been made public, was seriously injured in the crash, according to the report. The Dodge driver was not injured.

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

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When I read about a crash like this, my first thought is that I hope the injured pedestrian is receiving the care he needs and that investigators are doing everything they can to determine how the collision occurred. Pedestrian crashes, especially those involving serious injury, demand close scrutiny of not just the actions of the driver, but also the environment in which the crash took place. To fully understand what happened on South Harwood Street, we need to ask three critical questions.

First, did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? Understanding the circumstances of the pedestrian’s presence on or near the roadway is key. Was he in a crosswalk or intersection? Was he attempting to cross mid-block, and if so, were there any nearby designated crossing areas? At 9 p.m., visibility becomes a major factor. Was the area well-lit, and were there any obstructions that could have affected the driver's or pedestrian’s view? A thorough investigation should document these conditions and gather any available eyewitness accounts or surveillance footage to determine what each party could see and when.

Second, has anyone looked into whether a vehicle defect may have contributed to the crash or its severity? The 2019 Dodge Charger should be evaluated for any issues with its headlights, brakes or steering systems. A malfunction in any of these components could reduce a driver’s ability to respond to unexpected hazards. Additionally, if the vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed, investigators should consider whether all safety systems — including forward-collision warning or automatic emergency braking, if equipped — were functioning correctly. These are especially relevant in newer vehicles like the Charger.

Finally, has all the electronic and digital data related to the crash been collected? The Dodge Charger is equipped with an event data recorder that can capture important pre-crash information such as speed, throttle position, brake use and steering input. This information can help clarify whether the driver was taking appropriate action before the impact. GPS data or footage from traffic or security cameras can also provide valuable context. Timely collection of this evidence is essential to preserve accuracy and support the investigation.

Pedestrian crashes are often more complex than they initially appear. A 70-year-old man was seriously injured, and determining whether this collision could have been avoided requires a careful, evidence-based approach. By asking the right questions and gathering the necessary data, investigators can provide the kind of clarity that both the injured party and the community deserve, while also identifying opportunities to make the area safer for others in the future.