Houston, TX — May 18, 2025, Aniya McCarty was injured in a hit-and-run accident at about 10:45 p.m. in the 9400 block of South Main Street/U.S. Highway 90 Alternate.

A preliminary accident report indicates that an unknown vehicle was heading west on Westridge Street it collided with a 2018 Dodge Charger, causing it crash into three unoccupied vehicles at the intersection with Main Street.

Dodge driver Aniya McCarty, 21, was seriously injured in the crash, according to the report.

No other injuries were reported.

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

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

Serious crashes leave more than damaged vehicles behind. They raise questions about what really happened and whether the full story will ever come to light. When key details are missing, the need for a careful and complete investigation becomes even more important.

One question that always comes up is whether authorities went beyond a basic review of the scene. In a situation involving a hit-and-run, it’s critical to know if investigators took the time to fully reconstruct the sequence of events. Was the crash site mapped with precision tools? Were vehicle resting positions measured and analyzed? Did anyone examine how fast each vehicle was traveling or whether evasive action was attempted? In many cases, some officers have advanced training in crash reconstruction, while others may only document the surface facts. A thorough investigation requires more than photographs and a short report. It takes time, skill, and attention to detail.

Another important issue is whether anyone considered the possibility of a vehicle defect. Mechanical failures are not always obvious. A brake problem, steering malfunction or electronic throttle issue can play a role without leaving visible clues. The vehicles involved should be carefully inspected before repairs or salvage. Even in a hit-and-run case, the condition of the known vehicle can reveal whether something went wrong mechanically in the moments before impact. Without that inspection, a key piece of the puzzle may be overlooked.

There’s also the question of electronic data. Modern vehicles store valuable information in their onboard systems. Data can show speed, braking, throttle input and seatbelt use in the seconds leading up to a crash. Phones may hold clues about distraction, and nearby surveillance or traffic cameras may capture the fleeing vehicle. If that information isn’t preserved quickly, it can disappear. A complete review of electronic evidence often provides clarity that witness statements alone cannot.

Crashes like this demand more than surface answers. When investigators dig deeper — into reconstruction, mechanical condition and digital records — they give everyone a clearer understanding of what truly occurred. Without that effort, important facts can remain hidden.

Key Takeaways:

• A detailed crash reconstruction can reveal more than a basic police report.
• Mechanical inspections may uncover hidden vehicle defects.
• Electronic data from vehicles and phones can provide critical evidence about what happened.