Fannin, County, TX — January 24, 2025, Adrianne Pennington was killed following a car accident that occurred Friday evening on SH 121.

An investigation is underway following a car accident that left one person dead during the evening hours of January 24th. According to official reports, Adrianne Pennington was traveling on SH 121 in the northbound lanes when for unknown reasons the vehicle collided with the rear of a trailer being hauled by a separate vehicle.

When first responders arrived on the scene they found that Pennington had sustained critical injuries and they were transported to the hospital for treatment where she later succumbed to her wounds. At this time it remains unknown what caused the vehicle to lose control, however this remains an ongoing investigation and more details may be released by authorities in the future.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When I read about an accident like this, my first thought is how important it is for investigators to determine exactly what happened. Rear-end collisions involving trailers present unique challenges, and understanding the full sequence of events is essential to providing clarity. In this case, three key questions should guide the investigation.

The first question is whether authorities are conducting a comprehensive investigation. Crashes involving vehicles striking the rear of trailers require careful examination of factors such as road conditions, visibility, and lighting at the time of the collision. Was the trailer properly equipped with reflective markings and functioning taillights? Were there any environmental factors, such as rain, fog, or road debris, that could have played a role? Additionally, have any witnesses been interviewed, and has available surveillance or traffic camera footage been reviewed? These details are critical for reconstructing the events leading up to the crash.

The second question is whether a vehicle defect could have contributed to the accident. Mechanical failures, such as brake malfunctions, steering issues, or lighting system failures, can sometimes cause or worsen a collision. If the driver attempted to brake but the vehicle did not respond as expected, a malfunction in the braking system or collision-avoidance technology could be a factor. Additionally, the trailer itself should be inspected to determine whether it met safety requirements and was properly secured.

Finally, has all electronic data related to the crash been collected? Most modern vehicles are equipped with an electronic control module (ECM), which records key data such as speed, braking activity, and steering inputs in the moments before impact. Analyzing this information can provide valuable insights into whether the driver attempted to avoid the collision and whether the vehicle responded properly. Additionally, if there were any nearby security cameras or dashcams, reviewing their footage could help clarify what happened. Securing and preserving this evidence promptly is essential for a thorough investigation.

Answering these three questions is essential to fully understanding the cause of this crash and ensuring that all possible factors—whether related to road conditions, vehicle performance, or other influences—are carefully examined. A detailed investigation not only provides clarity for those affected but also helps identify any broader safety concerns. Every crash warrants this level of scrutiny, as the findings can contribute to improved road safety and help prevent similar incidents in the future.