Houston, TX — April 4, 2025, Anthony French was killed in a car accident at about 2:15 a.m. in the 8300 block of Flintridge Drive.

Authorities said a Dodge Ram 1500 was headed north on Seeker Road when it left the road after crossing the intersection at Flintridge Road and ended up in a ditch.

Driver Anthony Earl French, 65, died at the scene of the crash, according to authorities.

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

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When I read about a crash like this, my first thought is that I hope the family of the man who lost his life is able to receive not only support but also clear answers about what happened. A vehicle leaving the road and crashing into a ditch in the early morning hours may appear to be a straightforward single-vehicle crash, but in my experience, these situations often involve more than what first meets the eye. To fully understand what led to this fatal incident, we need to ask three critical questions.

First, did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? When a vehicle travels through an intersection and ends up off the road, it’s essential to determine whether that happened due to driver input, or because of an external factor. Were there any signs of evasive maneuvers, such as swerving to avoid another vehicle or obstacle? Was the road surface compromised by debris, weather or poor maintenance? Were the intersection’s signage and lighting adequate for nighttime visibility? A proper scene analysis should include a full reconstruction, particularly when a crash occurs at night in a relatively low-traffic area.

Second, has anyone considered whether a vehicle defect may have played a role? The Dodge Ram 1500 involved in the crash should be carefully examined for mechanical or electronic failures. Did the steering system malfunction or lock up unexpectedly? Was there a brake failure, or a suspension or tire issue that could have caused the vehicle to drift or become unstable? At highway or suburban speeds, even a minor failure in one of these systems can be enough to cause a driver to lose control. If the truck is not preserved and inspected, important evidence about its performance may be lost forever.

Finally, has all the electronic data related to the crash been collected? The Ram’s engine control module likely stores valuable pre-crash data: vehicle speed, throttle position, braking activity and steering inputs. That information can help reconstruct the final moments before the crash and determine whether the driver was attempting to stop, turn or accelerate. In addition, any GPS or location data, surveillance footage or dashcam video may help show whether the driver encountered an obstacle or another vehicle at the intersection. This kind of data must be retrieved promptly before it is overwritten or lost.

Crashes like this deserve a full and careful investigation; not just for the sake of assigning cause, but to ensure that any contributing factors, whether mechanical, environmental or external, are identified. A man lost his life, and those left behind deserve the full truth about what led to that loss. By asking the right questions and securing the relevant evidence, we help ensure that those affected receive the clarity and accountability they deserve.