Galveston County, TX — November 2, 2024, a pedestrian was killed in a car accident at about 10:50 p.m. on State Highway 87.

A preliminary accident report indicates a 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer was heading west near Barbados Drive when it hit a pedestrian.

The pedestrian, a 35-year-old man whose name has not been made public, died in the crash, according to the report.

The Chevrolet driver is not facing any charges or citations at this time, the report states.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the Bolivar Peninsula crash.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When I read about a crash like this, my first thought is that I hope investigators are doing everything possible to provide the victim’s family with clear, evidence-based answers. A pedestrian struck and killed on a state highway at night is a scenario that unfortunately raises more questions than are typically answered in an initial report. To truly understand what happened on State Highway 87 near Barbados Drive, we need to ask three critical questions.

First, did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? Pedestrian collisions — particularly those occurring at night on high-speed roads — require close attention to visibility, roadway lighting and driver line of sight. Was the area well-lit, or was the pedestrian walking in an area where they could have been obscured? Were there crosswalks, shoulders or pathways available? Investigators must document whether the driver had a reasonable opportunity to see and avoid the pedestrian, and whether the pedestrian was positioned in a way that was consistent with expected behavior in that environment. A full scene analysis, including physical evidence and any nearby surveillance footage, is key to answering those questions.

Second, has anyone considered whether a vehicle defect might have contributed to the crash? The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer is a new model and likely equipped with modern safety technology, including pedestrian detection, emergency braking and lane departure systems. If the vehicle failed to identify and respond to a pedestrian in the roadway, that’s a serious concern. Were the headlights properly aligned and functional? Were there any fault codes in the safety systems that could explain a failure to alert the driver or apply the brakes? These questions can only be answered through a thorough mechanical and electronic inspection of the vehicle, something that should be done before any repairs or changes are made.

Finally, has all the electronic data related to the crash been collected? The Trailblazer’s engine control module can store critical pre-crash data: speed, brake application, throttle position and steering input. That data can help determine whether the driver was speeding, distracted or attempted any evasive maneuver. In addition, GPS or telematics data may help track the vehicle’s movement leading up to the impact. If the pedestrian had a cell phone or wearable device, it may also contain location or motion data that could help clarify their position and movement before the crash. As with all digital evidence, it must be secured quickly before it is lost.

Crashes like this demand a full, impartial investigation. A man lost his life, and it’s not enough to conclude that no charges were filed and move on. By asking the right questions, preserving the evidence and exploring all possible contributing factors, we can help ensure that the full truth is uncovered, and that the family of the victim receives the clarity and accountability they deserve.