Lubbock, TX — February 13, 2025, two people were injured following a car accident shortly before 3:00 p.m. along 50th Street.

According to authorities, the accident took place in the vicinity of the 50th Street and Inler Avenue intersection.

The cause of the accident remains unclear. Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, a collision took place between to separate motor vehicles. One person who was involved suffered reportedly serious injuries. Another who had been in the wreck sustained minor injuries, as well, according to reports. Additional details pertaining to this incident—including the identities of the victims—are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When I read about a crash like the one that left two people injured in Lubbock, I know that many people will assume it was just a routine accident with no deeper cause. While that’s certainly a possibility, my experience has shown me that crashes—especially those where fault isn’t immediately clear—are often more complex than they first appear. Instead of making assumptions, it’s important to ask the right questions to ensure that all possible contributing factors are explored. To that end, there are three critical questions that need to be considered.

First, did the authorities conduct a thorough investigation? When a crash occurs at an intersection, investigators should determine exactly what happened. Did law enforcement collect statements from all involved parties and any available witnesses? Did they check for nearby traffic cameras or surveillance footage to confirm how the crash occurred? Were there factors such as obstructed signage, poor visibility, or malfunctioning traffic signals that could have contributed? The quality of the investigation will determine whether all possible explanations are explored or if key details are overlooked.

Second, has anyone looked into whether a vehicle defect contributed to the crash? While many crashes are attributed to driver error, mechanical failures—such as brake malfunctions, acceleration issues, or faulty traffic signal recognition—should not be ruled out. If one of the vehicles failed to respond properly to driver input, that could be a critical factor in understanding how the crash occurred. Additionally, modern vehicles often include safety features like automatic emergency braking and collision avoidance systems—if those systems failed to engage, that would be important to investigate. Unfortunately, vehicle defects are rarely examined unless someone specifically requests a forensic inspection. If the vehicles are quickly repaired or scrapped, any evidence of a defect may be lost before it can be analyzed.

Lastly, have investigators gathered all available electronic data? Most modern vehicles are equipped with event data recorders (EDRs), which capture crucial details such as speed, braking, and throttle input in the moments leading up to a crash. This data could help clarify whether the drivers attempted to stop or if their vehicles responded unpredictably. Additionally, if any nearby businesses or traffic cameras recorded the crash, that footage could provide valuable context. If this evidence isn’t secured quickly, it may become unavailable, making it harder to determine the full circumstances of the accident.

At the end of the day, answering these questions could be essential to understanding what really happened and why. A thorough examination of all three of these issues—including the quality of police investigations, possible vehicle defects, and electronic data—is the least that can be done to ensure that those affected by the crash receive the clarity they deserve.