Hidalgo County, TX — December 20, 2025, Angel Silva Lopez ant two others were injured in a car accident at approximately 11:15 p.m. along the U.S. Highway 83 service road.

According to authorities, 70-year-old Angel Silva Lopez and a 16-year-old boy were traveling in a Ford F-150 pickup truck at the U.S. 83 service road and Tom Gill Road intersection when the accident took place.

Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, a westbound Chevrolet Impala occupied by a 35-year-old man entered the intersection against a red light. A collision consequently occurred between the front-end of the Impala and the back-right quarter of the pickup truck.

Silva Lopez reportedly sustained serious injuries over the course of the accident. The teen from the Ford and the man from the Impala both suffered minor injuries, as well, according to reports.

Additional details pertaining to this incident are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When a crash sends multiple people to the hospital and early reports suggest someone ran a red light, it’s tempting to treat the case as closed. But red light violations—especially late at night—aren’t always as clear as they sound. Getting to the truth requires more than pointing fingers. It takes a detailed look at what happened and why.

Did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash?

Collisions at intersections depend heavily on timing—seconds can make the difference between a safe pass and a serious crash. Did investigators review the light cycle and confirm whether the Impala truly entered against a red signal? Was there any attempt to reconstruct speeds and angles using physical evidence from the scene? Without video footage or solid witness statements, these cases can quickly become murky. A full reconstruction is essential to know if someone ran the light—or misjudged it.

Has anyone looked into the possibility that a vehicle defect caused the crash?

If the Impala really did run the red, that still doesn’t rule out mechanical failure. Were the brakes working correctly? Did the accelerator stick or fail to disengage? It’s also worth considering whether the pickup truck had functioning lights or reflectors in the area of impact, especially since it was struck on the back-right quarter. These are questions that don’t get answered unless both vehicles are physically inspected for defects—something that’s too often skipped in late-night crashes.

Has all the electronic data relating to the crash been collected?

Both vehicles likely hold critical data that could clarify what really happened. The Impala’s event data recorder could reveal when the driver braked, how fast the car was going, and whether any evasive action was attempted. GPS data might show the vehicle’s trajectory or whether it slowed before entering the intersection. These records are particularly valuable when conflicting accounts arise—or when a red light violation is alleged without video confirmation.

Crashes like this one should never be reduced to a traffic violation on paper without first exploring every factor that could’ve influenced the outcome.

• Intersection collisions hinge on timing—reconstructions must verify traffic light phases.
• Mechanical inspections can uncover defects that affect braking or visibility.
• Vehicle data may confirm speed, braking, and driver response leading into the crash.