Houston, TX — November 14, 2024, Badr Sadik was injured in a hit-and-run accident at about 11:50 p.m. at Washington Avenue and Reinerman Street.

A preliminary accident report indicates a brown Ford F-150 hit a pedestrian and an unoccupied 2013 Chevrolet Suburban while turning onto Reinerman Street.

Pedestrian Badr Sadik, 35, suffered suspected serious injuries in the crash, according to authorities.

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

Commentary

When I read about a hit-and-run crash like this, my first thought is that those affected deserve clear answers about what happened. That may seem straightforward, but in my experience, many crash investigations fail to explore key details that could provide a full understanding of the incident. To get to the truth, three critical questions must always be asked.

First, did authorities conduct a thorough investigation? In hit-and-run cases, identifying the driver is a top priority, but it’s equally important to understand why the crash happened in the first place. Did authorities check whether the area was well-lit and whether the pedestrian was visible? Were there traffic control devices at the intersection, and were they functioning properly? Did any witnesses provide details that could clarify whether speed, distraction or impairment played a role? Without a detailed investigation, crucial evidence could be missed.

Second, has anyone considered whether a vehicle defect contributed to the crash? The fleeing driver’s Ford F-150 may have had mechanical issues that prevented proper control, such as faulty brakes, steering malfunctions or even defective headlights. Additionally, if the truck swerved unexpectedly, it raises the question of whether the driver was reacting to an unforeseen issue with the vehicle. Unfortunately, defect-related crashes often go unnoticed because people assume driver error is always to blame. A proper investigation should consider all possibilities.

Finally, has all available electronic data been collected? Because the driver fled, surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras will be key in tracking down the vehicle. If authorities locate the truck, its black box data could reveal speed, braking and steering inputs before the crash. Additionally, cell phone data from the driver, if obtained, could show whether distraction played a role. Securing this evidence quickly is crucial, as delays can lead to lost or altered information.

At the end of the day, a person has suffered serious injuries, and the least that can be done is to ensure a full and fair investigation that leaves no stone unturned. The only way to truly understand what happened — and to hold the responsible party accountable — is by asking the right questions and making sure every piece of available evidence is examined.