Martin County, TX — February 13, 2025, Brandon Macomber was killed and Jacob Hogan, and Christopher Tranovich were injured in a car accident at about 1:45 p.m. on State Highway 176.

Authorities said an eastbound 2024 Ford F-250 crashed into a 2020 Toyota Camry that was turning left onto F.M. 1212.

Toyota passenger Brandon Macomber, 39, died in the crash, while driver Jacob Hogan, 28, suffered serious injuries, according to authorities.

Ford driver Christopher Tranovich, 45, was treated for minor injuries at a Midland hospital, authorities said.

No further information about the crash has been made public at this time. The accident remains under investigation.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When I see reports of a crash involving a turning vehicle, I know many people assume the driver making the turn simply didn’t yield. But experience has taught me that these crashes are often more complicated than they first appear. Before drawing any conclusions, there are three critical questions that should always be asked to ensure a full and accurate investigation.

The first question is whether authorities conducted a thorough investigation. Left-turn crashes often involve questions about visibility, timing and right-of-way. Was the Toyota waiting for a clear opening, or did something obstruct the driver’s view of the oncoming Ford? Was there any signage or traffic control at the intersection, or was it an open turn across fast-moving traffic? Investigators should analyze skid marks, vehicle damage and witness statements to reconstruct the sequence of events. A surface-level report that assumes the turning driver was at fault without considering these factors wouldn’t provide the full picture.

The second question, which is often overlooked, is whether a vehicle defect played a role. The Ford F-250 is a large, heavy-duty truck that requires a significant distance to stop at highway speeds. If the brakes weren’t functioning properly, the driver may not have been able to slow down in time. Similarly, if the Toyota experienced an issue with acceleration, steering or visibility (such as a malfunctioning turn signal) that could have contributed to the crash. The only way to determine whether a mechanical failure played a role is through a forensic examination of both vehicles before they are repaired or scrapped.

The third question is whether all electronic data has been collected. Both vehicles likely have engine control modules that could provide key details about the crash, such as speed, braking and steering inputs in the moments before impact. If the Ford was traveling at excessive speed or if the Toyota’s turn was more abrupt than expected, that data could clarify what happened. Additionally, traffic cameras or nearby surveillance footage could provide visual confirmation of how the crash unfolded. If this evidence isn’t secured quickly, valuable information could be lost.

At the end of the day, a crash like this raises serious questions that deserve thorough answers. A proper investigation is the only way to ensure that those affected understand exactly what happened. When lives are lost and others are seriously injured, the least the community owes is a complete and accurate explanation of why the crash occurred.