Austin, TX — April 29, 2025, Andrew Gilbert was injured in a car accident at about 12:50 a.m. on State Highway Spur 69/West Koenig Lane.

A preliminary accident report indicates that a 2016 Honda Civic was headed east when it collided with an eastbound Ford F-650 at the intersection of North Lamar Boulevard.

Honda driver Andrew Gilbert, 41, was seriously injured in the crash, according to the report. The other driver was listed as suffering a possible injury.

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

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

After a crash like this, I think most people have plenty of questions. However, some questions tend to be overlooked by crash investigators. While initial reports may point to what happened, they often leave out why it happened, and that distinction can make all the difference for those trying to understand the full story.

First, did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? It’s important to remember that official crash reports are just the beginning. They can confirm the time, place and vehicles involved, but they don’t always dig deep into the causes. In this case, knowing that the vehicles collided while traveling in the same direction raises immediate questions. Was one vehicle slowing down or stopped? Did one attempt a turn? Were any traffic signals or signage missed? Without detailed scene reconstruction or witness interviews, crucial elements might get overlooked. In my experience, even something as subtle as faded road markings or confusing lane design can shift the understanding of fault.

Second, has anyone looked into the possibility that a vehicle defect caused the crash? Vehicle defects don’t announce themselves; they often hide behind the assumption that a driver must have made a mistake. But in cases like this, where a Honda Civic and a much larger Ford F-650 collided, it’s worth asking if either vehicle had mechanical problems. Could the Honda have had a brake issue that prevented it from slowing down? Did the Ford have any lighting or visibility issues that made it harder to detect? Defects related to tires, steering or even software glitches in newer models can lead to catastrophic results. Unfortunately, unless someone specifically checks for these problems, they tend to go unexamined.

Third, has all the electronic data relating to the crash been collected? Modern vehicles are packed with electronic systems that record valuable information. Things like speed, braking, steering inputs and even GPS data can paint a much clearer picture of what happened in the moments before impact. But this data doesn’t last forever: it can be overwritten or lost if not retrieved quickly. In collisions involving newer model cars, especially when injuries are serious, preserving this data should be a priority. It can show whether a driver reacted properly or if something unexpected occurred.

In the end, understanding a crash like this one isn’t just about knowing where and when it happened; it’s about asking the right questions to uncover the how and why. Those affected deserve a full picture, and that starts by making sure no stone is left unturned.

Takeaways:

• Initial crash reports often miss deeper causes like road design or signage issues.
• Vehicle defects, such as brake or lighting failures, should always be considered.
• Electronic data from the vehicles can provide essential context but must be collected quickly.
• A full investigation goes beyond who hit whom; it seeks to explain why the crash occurred.
• Asking these questions can make a critical difference in understanding liability and prevention.