Brewster County, TX — January 22, 2025, Brett Jones was killed in a car accident at about 1 a.m. on State Highway 118.

Authorities said a 1999 Toyota Hilux pickup was headed north near the Big Bend Observatory when it overturned for an unknown reason.

Tennessee resident Brett Nathaniel Jones, 23, died in the crash north of Terlingua, according to authorities.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the Brewster County crash at this time. The accident is still being investigated.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When I read about a crash like the one in Brewster County, my first thought is that those affected deserve clear answers about what happened. A vehicle overturning on the highway might seem like an unfortunate accident, but in my experience, serious crashes often turn out to be more complex than they first appear. That’s why there are three critical questions that should be asked in any crash investigation.

First, did the authorities conduct a thorough investigation? Single-vehicle crashes in remote areas can be especially challenging to investigate. If the crash happened at night, were visibility and road conditions properly considered? Did investigators examine the roadway for hazards like debris, uneven pavement or animals that might have contributed to the crash? Without a detailed accident reconstruction, important factors could be missed, leaving unanswered questions about what caused the vehicle to overturn.

Second, has anyone looked into whether a vehicle defect played a role? The Toyota Hilux involved in this crash was over two decades old, meaning mechanical failure is a real possibility. Tire blowouts, steering malfunctions or suspension issues could have contributed to the vehicle overturning, especially if the driver was not engaged in any risky maneuvers. Older vehicles are also more prone to structural weaknesses that may make them less stable in emergency situations. If the truck wasn’t examined by an expert before being released or scrapped, key evidence of a defect may already be lost.

Lastly, has all electronic data related to the crash been collected? While older vehicles like this one may not have the same level of onboard data storage as modern cars, they can still contain valuable information in their engine control module, which may provide insight into speed, throttle position and other factors leading up to the crash. Additionally, surveillance footage from nearby businesses, traffic cameras or dashcams from passing vehicles could provide valuable evidence. Even cell phone data could be useful in determining the vehicle’s exact location and movement before impact. If authorities haven’t gathered this information, an independent investigation may still be able to do so.

At the end of the day, every serious crash deserves a complete and thorough investigation. Just because a vehicle overturns doesn’t necessarily mean driver error was the sole cause. Those affected deserve to know whether every factor was properly considered. Without answering these three key questions, it’s impossible to say with certainty what led to the crash, and that’s not a conclusion anyone should have to accept.