Baylor County, TX — December 7, 2025, Alica Costilla was injured in a single-vehicle accident at about 5 a.m. on U.S. Highway 277.

A preliminary accident report indicates that a 2008 Volkswagen Jetta hit a highway since while heading northeast near Seymour.

Driver Alica Costilla, 40, was seriously injured in the crash, according to the report.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the Baylor County crash at this time.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When serious accidents happen in the early morning hours, they often leave behind more questions than answers. The quiet roads and lack of witnesses can make it even harder to piece together what actually occurred. But even in these quieter moments, the need for a full and focused investigation doesn’t change.

Did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? Given the time and nature of this single-vehicle incident, it’s critical to ask how deeply investigators looked into the circumstances. Was there a thorough reconstruction of the crash scene, or did they rely on surface-level assumptions? Officers should have laser-mapped the area, measured skid marks and examined any potential signs of pre-crash maneuvers. It’s also important to consider whether the driver’s condition, behavior or route before the crash was reviewed. Some departments have experienced crash teams, but in many areas, limited resources or training gaps can lead to crucial details being missed.

Has anyone looked into the possibility that a vehicle defect caused the crash? When a car strikes a fixed object without a clear reason, mechanical failure should always be on the table. Older vehicles like the one involved here could be more susceptible to issues such as brake system malfunctions, steering problems or electronic control failures. These aren’t always visible at the scene. A qualified inspection can reveal whether a sudden failure left the driver with little or no ability to avoid the crash. Unfortunately, this step is often overlooked unless someone insists on it.

Has all the electronic data relating to the crash been collected? Even in older vehicles, some crash data can be retrieved, especially if the car is equipped with an engine control module. Reviewing that information alongside phone activity, GPS logs or nearby traffic camera footage can clarify whether there were signs of distraction, sudden braking or loss of control. Without pulling this digital thread, any conclusion about what happened remains shaky at best.

Accidents like this one call for more than assumptions. They demand that someone take the time to ask, “What might we be missing?” It’s those overlooked details that often make all the difference in understanding what truly happened.

Key Takeaways:

• Surface-level crash reviews often miss hidden causes like mechanical failures or driver actions.
• Mechanical inspections are vital, especially with older vehicles in single-car crashes.
• Electronic data, when gathered, can confirm what the scene alone can’t reveal.