Tarrant County, TX — November 22, 2024, Angelica Patrick was injured in a car accident at approximately 12:30 a.m. along Interstate Highway 30.

According to authorities, 29-year-old Angelica Patrick was traveling in a Toyota Rav4 on I.H. 30 in the vicinity east of Montgomery Street when the accident took place.

The cause of the accident remains unclear. Officials indicate that, for reasons yet to be confirmed, the Rav4 was struck by a Kia Forte. Patrick reportedly suffered serious injuries over the course of the accident. No other injuries have been reported. 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 I see reports like this, my main concern is whether Angelica Patrick and her loved ones will get the answers they need about what happened. A collision like this—where one vehicle strikes another—might seem straightforward, but experience has taught me that there’s often more to the story than meets the eye. That’s why it’s important to examine three key questions when looking into any serious crash.

The first question is whether authorities have conducted a thorough investigation. Law enforcement will typically document the scene, take statements, and look for any obvious contributing factors like speeding or intoxication. However, not all investigations are equally detailed, and important details can sometimes go overlooked. Were there any independent witnesses? Did road or weather conditions contribute? Did officers have enough time and resources to reconstruct the crash properly? Answering these questions is essential to understanding the full picture.

The second question to consider is whether anyone has looked into the possibility of a vehicle defect. While many assume driver error is to blame in these situations, mechanical issues can also play a role. If the Kia’s brakes failed or if the Rav4 had an unexpected mechanical malfunction, those could be critical factors in understanding what happened. Unfortunately, crash investigations rarely account for potential defects unless someone specifically requests that possibility be explored. A forensic examination of both vehicles could help determine whether a mechanical issue contributed to the crash.

Finally, it’s important to determine whether all relevant electronic data has been collected. Modern vehicles store a wealth of information that could provide insight into the moments leading up to the crash. The Rav4’s engine control module may have recorded speed, braking, and steering inputs, which could help clarify whether Patrick had time to react. Traffic cameras or nearby surveillance footage may offer additional visual evidence. Even cellphone data could be relevant if distraction played a role. The sooner this data is secured, the more useful it will be in getting a clear understanding of what happened.

At the end of the day, answering these questions could be essential to understanding what really happened and why. A thorough examination of all three of these issues—including the quality of police investigations, possible vehicle defects, and electronic data—is the least that can be done to ensure that those affected by the crash receive the clarity they deserve.