Freestone County, TX — December 22, 2024, three people were injured in a car accident at approximately 10:00 p.m. along Interstate Highway 45.

According to authorities, the accident took place in the northbound lanes of Interstate Highway 45 in the vicinity of the U.S. Highway 84 junction.

The cause of the accident remains unclear. Officials indicate that, for reasons yet to be confirmed, a collision took place between three northbound vehicles: a Toyota Camry occupied by a 23-year-old man, a Nissan Versa occupied by a 53-year-old man and a 57-year-old woman, and a Honda Civic occupied by a 24-year-old man.

The woman from the Camry and the man from the Versa each sustained minor injuries, but the woman from the Versa reportedly suffered serious injuries. The man from the Civic was apparently unhurt. Additional details pertaining to this incident are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.

Commentary

When multiple vehicles are involved in a crash on the interstate and injuries result, especially at night, it's easy to assume it was just a matter of someone not paying attention. But in my experience, particularly in multi-vehicle collisions like this one on I-45 near the U.S. 84 junction in Freestone County, the reality is often more complex. To truly understand what caused the crash and whether it could have been avoided, there are three key questions that should be asked.

First, did the authorities conduct a thorough investigation into the sequence of events? With three vehicles involved, it’s important to determine which vehicle initiated the chain of events and whether traffic flow, sudden braking, or an unexpected obstacle played a role. Investigators should examine roadway conditions, visibility, lighting, and spacing between vehicles at the time of the crash. Without a clear reconstruction, there’s a risk of overlooking how the crash unfolded and why.

Second, has anyone explored the possibility that a mechanical failure in any of the vehicles contributed to the crash? Even something as simple as a brake issue or a failed signal light could lead to a misunderstanding between drivers and result in a multi-vehicle collision. Mechanical problems are not always visually obvious and require a detailed inspection of each vehicle to uncover—something that can only be done if the vehicles are preserved and examined before repairs or disposal.

Lastly, has all the electronic data from the involved vehicles been collected? Modern vehicles like the Camry, Versa, and Civic are typically equipped with event data recorders that capture vital pre-crash information such as speed, brake use, throttle input, and steering activity. That data can help identify whether one vehicle braked suddenly, veered unexpectedly, or failed to react altogether. Additionally, dashcams or surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic infrastructure could offer visual evidence of what took place. This kind of information is time-sensitive and should be secured quickly.

When people are injured and the circumstances remain unclear, it’s not enough to go with assumptions. Asking these questions is the least that can be done to ensure that those affected by this crash get the clarity and closure they deserve.