Converse, TX — October 25, 2024, three people were injured in a car accident at about 10:25 p.m. on F.M. 78/Old Seguin Road near Crestway Road.

A preliminary accident report indicates that a 2019 Jeep Cherokee was stopped at a red light on F.M. 78 when it was hit from behind by a 2001 Chevrolet pickup.

The driver of the Jeep, a 53-year-old man, was seriously injured in the crash, according to the report, while two passengers — a 42-year-old woman and a 12-year-old boy — suffered minor injuries.

The pickup driver fled the scene after the crash, the report states.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the Bexar County crash.

Commentary

When I read about a crash like this, my first thought is that I hope the victims receive the care and answers they need. A rear-end collision is a type of crash that should be among the most preventable, particularly when one vehicle is stopped at a red light. But when the striking driver flees the scene, that turns what could have been a clear-cut investigation into a much more troubling situation. To understand what really happened on F.M. 78 near Crestway Road, we need to ask three critical questions.

First, did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? In any hit-and-run, time is of the essence. Was the scene examined for vehicle debris or paint transfer that could identify the make and model of the fleeing Chevrolet pickup? Were any local traffic or security cameras reviewed to track the vehicle’s direction of travel after the crash? Investigators must also look for eyewitness accounts or digital evidence, such as dashcam footage, that could help locate the driver and confirm how the crash unfolded. It’s not enough to note that someone fled: those responsible must be held accountable, especially when injuries are involved.

Second, has anyone considered whether a vehicle defect played a role in the crash or its severity? The Jeep Cherokee involved in the crash should be examined to ensure all safety systems functioned properly. Did the seats, headrests and seatbelts respond as they should in a rear-end collision? Was there any failure in the Jeep’s lighting system that could have prevented the other driver from realizing it was stopped? On the other side, if the Chevrolet pickup is located, it should be inspected for brake function, tire condition and any evidence of mechanical failure that could have contributed to the driver’s inability to stop in time. These are questions that demand thorough mechanical and forensic examination.

Finally, has all the electronic data related to the crash been collected? The Jeep Cherokee is likely equipped with an engine control module that stores pre-crash data such as speed, brake usage and throttle position. That information may help confirm the vehicle was stopped at the time of impact, as reported. If the pickup is found, its control module may contain data that shows whether the driver attempted to brake, or if the vehicle’s systems failed. Additionally, GPS and video evidence from nearby locations may help identify the fleeing driver or track their vehicle after the crash. Time is critical when it comes to securing this type of data.

Crashes like this one deserve a full and transparent investigation. A man was seriously hurt, and a woman and child were also affected, all while the person responsible left the scene. That makes it more important than ever to ask the right questions and preserve the evidence that can reveal what really happened. By doing so, we not only pursue accountability but also give the injured the best chance at understanding — and acting on — the full truth.