Austin, TX — December 12, 2024, Two people were injured following a car accident that occurred at around 12:30 P.M. on I-35.

An investigation is underway following a four vehicle collision that sent two people to the hospital during the afternoon hours of December 12th. According to official reports, the accident occurred in the northbound lanes of I-35 near National Park Blvd. and involved a total of four vehicle.

When first responders arrived on the scene they found that five people had been injured, but only two suffered serious injuries wile the rest reportedly sustained minor injuries. Those that were seriously injured were transported to the hospital for treatment. At this time it remains unknown exactly how the accident occurred, and the identity of the injured person as well as the status of their injuries remains unknown.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When incidents like this occur, three critical questions must guide the inquiry: (1) Did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? (2) Has anyone looked into the possibility that a vehicle defect contributed to the crash? (3) Has all the electronic data relating to the crash been collected?

First, it is essential to ensure that the investigation is thorough and considers all potential contributing factors. Multi-vehicle collisions often involve complex interactions between vehicles, road conditions, and driver behavior. Were any of the vehicles traveling at an unsafe speed, or were there sudden stops that might have triggered the chain reaction? Did road conditions, visibility, or construction zones play a role? Investigators should document skid marks, debris patterns, and damage to all vehicles to reconstruct how the collision unfolded. Statements from drivers and witnesses, as well as any available video footage, are also crucial in piecing together the events.

Second, the possibility of vehicle defects contributing to the crash must not be overlooked. With four vehicles involved, it is possible that a mechanical issue in one or more of them—such as brake failure, tire blowouts, or steering malfunctions—set off the collision. Forensic examinations of all the vehicles involved are necessary to rule out or confirm the presence of such defects. Ensuring the vehicles are preserved and available for expert analysis is a key step in this process.

Finally, collecting and preserving electronic data is critical to understanding the circumstances of the crash. Modern vehicles are equipped with systems that record vital information, including speed, braking, and steering inputs leading up to the collision. Additionally, dash cameras or nearby traffic surveillance systems could provide visual evidence of the incident. Cell phone records from the drivers involved should also be reviewed to determine whether distraction played a role. Prompt action is required to secure this data, as delays could result in its loss or unintentional overwriting.

Answering these three questions—thorough investigation, potential vehicle defects, and the collection of electronic data—ensures that no aspect of the collision is overlooked. A comprehensive inquiry is essential to provide clarity and accountability for those injured in the crash and to identify potential measures to improve road safety and prevent similar incidents in the future.