Houston, TX — October 26, 2024 Brenda Cardenas was injured following a car accident that occurred at around 10:08 P.M. on Gray Street.

An investigation is ongoing following a car accident that left one person injured during the evening hours of October 26th. According to official statements, Branda Cardenas was travelling north on Crawford St. passing through the Gray St. intersection, when another vehicle driving west on Gray ran a red light causing Cardenas's vehicle to strike them.

First responders arrived on the scene they found that Cardenas had sustained serious injuries, and she was transported by EMS to a hospital. At this time the events leading up to the accident remain unclear, and the status Cardenas's injuries remain unknown, however this remains an ongoing investigation.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When a crash occurs at a busy intersection, particularly one involving an apparent violation of traffic signals, it’s essential to conduct a thorough investigation to understand the events leading up to the collision. In this case, where one person was seriously injured, three critical questions should guide the investigation: Did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? Has anyone considered whether a vehicle defect contributed? And has all the electronic data—both from the vehicles and other sources—been collected?

The first priority is to evaluate the depth of the official investigation. Intersection accidents often involve complex dynamics, including right-of-way disputes and visibility issues. Did investigators assess whether the traffic signals at Gray Street and Crawford Street were functioning properly at the time of the collision? Were witnesses interviewed, and was the crash scene documented to capture skid marks, debris, and vehicle positions? These steps are vital for reconstructing the sequence of events and determining how and why the other driver ran the red light.

The second question concerns whether a mechanical issue could have played a role in the collision. The possibility that the vehicle which ran the red light experienced brake failure or another mechanical malfunction must be considered. Similarly, the other vehicle involved should also be examined for any defects that might have influenced the driver’s ability to react or control the vehicle upon impact. A forensic examination of both vehicles is key, but this requires preserving them in their post-crash condition to ensure all potential evidence is available for review.

Finally, collecting all relevant electronic data is critical, and this includes data from cell phones. Modern vehicles often contain event data recorders, or “black boxes,” that capture critical details such as speed, braking, and steering inputs leading up to the collision. Surveillance or traffic cameras in the area may also have recorded footage of the incident. However, cell phone data is an additional and often overlooked source of information. Examining cell phone records can help determine whether either driver was distracted in the moments leading up to the crash, such as by texting or using apps. This information is invaluable in reconstructing the circumstances of the collision and ensuring accountability. Like other forms of data, cell phone records must be retrieved promptly to avoid loss or unavailability.

By addressing these three questions, the investigation can ensure a complete understanding of what caused the collision and whether any contributing factors, such as mechanical failure, distracted driving, or environmental conditions, played a role. For those affected by incidents like this, a thorough and focused investigation provides the best chance for clarity, accountability, and informed next steps.