Cameron County, TX — October 26, 2024, one person was injured in a car accident at about 10:50 p.m. on State Highway 100/East Ocean Boulevard.

A preliminary accident report indicates a 2022 Ford F-250 was headed east on Ocean Boulevard when a pedestrian tried to run across the road. The pickup was unable to avoid the pedestrian, who hit the left side of the truck despite the driver swerving into the shoulder.

The pedestrian, a 68-year-old man from Los Fresnos, suffered suspected serious injuries in the crash, according to authorities. His name has not been made public.

The 23-year-old man driving the pickup and his 22-year-old passenger were not injured, according to the report.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the crash east of Los Fresnos.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

Hearing about a crash like this, my first reaction is that the injured pedestrian and their family deserve a full and clear understanding of what happened. At first glance, it might seem like a straightforward case, but in my experience, these incidents are rarely that simple. Before any conclusions are drawn, there are three critical areas that need further scrutiny.

One key question is whether law enforcement gathered all the necessary evidence at the scene. Pedestrian crashes on highways often involve poor lighting, fast-moving vehicles and unpredictable road conditions. Did investigators examine whether streetlights were working? Were there any obstacles or roadway defects that might have played a role? Did they locate any security or traffic cameras that might have captured the events leading up to the collision? A complete investigation should go beyond witness statements and ensure that all environmental and situational factors are properly considered.

Another factor worth exploring is whether a vehicle issue contributed to the crash. The Ford F-250 involved is a relatively new truck, but that doesn’t mean mechanical failures can be ruled out. Did the headlights provide enough illumination for the driver to see the pedestrian in time? Did the braking and steering systems function properly when the driver attempted to swerve? Larger vehicles like this also have blind spots that could have affected visibility. Without a thorough inspection, it’s impossible to say with certainty that the vehicle performed as expected.

Finally, authorities should secure all relevant digital evidence. Modern trucks like the 2022 Ford F-250 are equipped with an engine control module (ECM) that records speed, braking and steering actions. This data could confirm exactly when the driver reacted and whether the truck’s safety systems functioned as designed. Additionally, nearby surveillance footage could provide crucial context, and phone records may indicate whether distraction played a role for either the driver or the pedestrian. These details can help fill in gaps that a standard crash report might miss.

At the end of the day, crashes like this leave behind serious questions. The injured pedestrian and their loved ones deserve to know exactly what happened, and the driver should also have the opportunity to demonstrate whether they did everything possible to avoid the collision. Until all the facts are gathered, we can’t say for sure that we have the full story.