La Marque, TX — August 5, 2024, one person was injured in a car accident at about 3:15 a.m. on State Highway 146.

A preliminary accident report indicates a 1998 Ford Ranger was heading northwest on the highway when the driver lost control. The truck rolled several times before coming to rest on its roof in a ditch about 30 yards away from the road.

The driver, a 34-year-old man from San Juan, suffered serious injuries in the crash, according to authorities. His name has not been made public.

The man said another vehicle rear-ended his truck before the crash, the report states.

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

Commentary

When a crash like this happens, the first instinct is often to assume that the driver simply lost control. But experience has shown me that many single-vehicle crashes turn out to be more complicated than they first appear. That’s why it’s crucial to ask three key questions to ensure a full and accurate investigation.

The first question is whether authorities have conducted a thorough investigation. In cases where a driver claims another vehicle was involved, it’s essential to gather evidence that supports or contradicts that statement. Were there any witnesses who saw a second vehicle? Did investigators look for paint transfers or impact damage on the Ford Ranger that might indicate a rear-end collision? If another driver did cause the crash and left the scene, this could turn from a single-vehicle accident into a hit-and-run investigation.

The second question is whether a vehicle defect contributed to the crash. The Ford Ranger involved in this crash is more than 25 years old, which raises concerns about potential mechanical failures. Were the tires in good condition, or did a blowout contribute to the loss of control? Was there a suspension or steering issue that made the vehicle unstable? Older vehicles are more likely to experience mechanical failures, but these possibilities are often overlooked in crash investigations unless someone specifically pushes for a forensic examination of the vehicle.

The third question is whether all available electronic data has been collected. The 1998 Ford Ranger may not have an engine control module capable of storing crash-related data like modern vehicles, but that doesn’t mean there’s no electronic evidence to consider. Traffic cameras, nearby business security footage and even dashcams from other vehicles on the road could provide critical details about whether another vehicle was involved. Additionally, phone records may be relevant if there’s any possibility that distraction played a role.

At first glance, this might seem like a simple case of a driver losing control, but a deeper look could reveal other contributing factors. Whether it was another vehicle, a mechanical failure or road conditions, those affected by this crash deserve to know exactly what happened. A thorough investigation benefits not only the injured driver but also the broader community by ensuring that all potential causes are properly examined.