Laredo, TX — October 7, 2024, one person was injured in a car accident at about 3:30 a.m. on northbound Interstate 35/Monarch Highway.

A preliminary accident report indicates the driver of a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado was unable to maintain control after another vehicle cut in front of him at Exit 3B. The pickup struck a guardrail and rolled more than 60 feet.

The driver, a 21-year-old Laredo man, suffered serious injuries in the crash, according to the report. His name has not been made public.

The report does not include any more information about the other vehicle.

Authorities have not released any additional details about the Webb County crash.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When a crash results in serious injuries after a vehicle loses control and rolls, particularly at high speeds on an interstate like I-35, it’s critical to dig deeper into the circumstances surrounding the event. In any serious crash, especially one involving evasive maneuvers to avoid another vehicle, we must ask three essential questions: Did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? Has anyone considered whether a vehicle defect could have contributed? And has all available electronic data from the crash been collected and preserved?

The preliminary report suggests that another vehicle cut in front of the Chevrolet Silverado, triggering the crash. However, without further details about the actions of that other vehicle, the investigation must carefully examine whether the crash was solely a matter of driver reaction or if roadway conditions, visibility or signage played a role. At 3:30 a.m., lighting and fatigue are serious factors. Was Exit 3B clearly marked? Were there any obstructions or confusing lane markings that might have contributed to the sudden maneuver? A thorough crash reconstruction, including an analysis of traffic patterns and roadway design, is needed to fully understand what set these events in motion.

The second critical issue is whether a defect in the Silverado contributed to the loss of control or the severity of the crash. The 2019 Chevrolet Silverado is equipped with a host of safety and stability systems designed to help drivers maintain control in emergency situations. If the electronic stability control, steering or braking systems failed — or if the vehicle’s structural design contributed to an excessive rollover risk — those failures could have compounded the situation. A mechanical inspection of the truck, including a review of the tires, suspension and braking systems, is essential to determine whether the vehicle responded as it should have under sudden maneuvering.

Lastly, the role of electronic data is crucial in cases like this. The Silverado’s engine control module likely recorded key information such as speed, throttle position, steering input, braking activity and activation of any driver-assist systems. This data can provide a second-by-second account of the vehicle’s behavior leading up to and during the crash. It can help establish whether the driver attempted to avoid the other vehicle and whether the truck’s systems supported or hindered those efforts. Additionally, nearby traffic cameras or dashcam footage, if available, could help identify the other vehicle involved and clarify how the chain of events began.

When a crash results in a young driver suffering serious injuries after a high-speed rollover, it’s not enough to accept a simple explanation. A full investigation must address the environment, the vehicles and the available digital evidence. Only by asking these three essential questions can we hope to uncover the full truth.