Chapel Hill, NC — July 4, 2025, Two people were injured following a car accident that occurred at around 7:30 P.M. on E. Franklin Street.

According to reports, a two-vehicle accident occurred on East Franklin Street near Carolina Avenue which caused one of the vehicles to catch fire. The cause of the accident is currently unknown.

When first responders arrived on the scene they found that both drivers were injured, one seriously, and transported them to the hospital for treatment. The identities of the drivers have not been released, and authorities have not released an update on the status of the investigation.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When a crash ends with one vehicle catching fire, it’s clear something went seriously wrong—but fire often destroys the very evidence that could explain why. That’s why it's critical that investigators act quickly and thoroughly to preserve what can still be known.

1. Did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash?
With injuries to both drivers and fire damage involved, a full-scale reconstruction is not just helpful—it’s necessary. That includes mapping out vehicle positions, calculating impact angles, and examining whether either driver made an evasive maneuver or unexpected move before the crash. The presence of fire complicates things, but it shouldn’t lower the bar for investigative depth. In cases like this, it’s essential to determine whether the investigation included digital scene documentation and a careful review of both drivers’ actions.

2. Has anyone looked into the possibility that a vehicle defect caused the crash?
A vehicle catching fire raises real questions about possible mechanical or electrical issues—whether they caused the crash or were triggered by the impact. Electrical shorts, fuel system failures, or battery issues (especially in hybrid or electric models) can escalate quickly after a collision. But beyond the fire, it’s also important to consider whether one of the vehicles had a pre-crash malfunction—brake failure, steering problems, or a system error—that contributed to the impact. Without a post-collision inspection, those possibilities can be missed entirely.

3. Has all the electronic data relating to the crash been collected?
Even when fire damages part of the vehicle, data stored in protected modules often survives. Event data recorders can reveal vehicle speed, braking, throttle use, and steering input in the final seconds before impact. That information could clarify who was doing what—and whether either vehicle responded properly. Phone records, GPS data, and nearby security camera footage might also add key context. If this information hasn’t been secured early, it may be lost or overlooked.

When serious injuries and fire are involved, assumptions won’t cut it. Clear answers depend on a deliberate effort to recover, review, and understand every trace of what happened before the moment of impact.

Key Takeaways:

• Crashes involving fire require advanced scene reconstruction and careful analysis of driver actions.
• Fire may result from a post-crash issue, but it could also point to a pre-existing vehicle defect.
• Digital data from vehicles and surrounding sources is critical to understanding how the crash occurred.