Midland, TX — December 1, 2024, one person was injured in a car accident at about 2:20 a.m. on State Loop 250.

A preliminary accident report indicates a 2006 Nissan Altima was headed south when it left the road for an unknown reason and overturned.

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

Authorities have not released any additional information about the crash near County Road 1162N.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When I see reports of a crash like this, my first thought is that the injured driver and his loved ones deserve clear answers about what happened. A single-vehicle crash where a car leaves the road and overturns raises serious questions, and in my experience, these incidents often involve contributing factors that aren’t immediately obvious. Before any conclusions can be reached, three key areas need further investigation.

First, did authorities conduct a thorough investigation? When a vehicle veers off the road, it’s important to determine why. Did investigators check for road hazards such as potholes, uneven pavement or debris that could have contributed? Were weather conditions, poor lighting or visibility issues factors? Given that this crash happened at 2:20 a.m., did authorities consider whether fatigue or road design played a role? A full accident reconstruction should explore these possibilities rather than assume driver error was the only cause.

Second, has anyone looked into whether a vehicle defect contributed to the crash? The Nissan Altima involved in this accident is nearly 20 years old, meaning mechanical failures such as brake issues, steering malfunctions or tire blowouts could be potential factors. Rollovers can also be linked to stability concerns, particularly if the car’s suspension or tires were compromised. If the driver lost control because the vehicle didn’t respond as expected, that could indicate an issue with the car itself. A forensic inspection is necessary to determine whether a mechanical failure played a role in the crash.

Finally, has all available electronic data been collected? While a 2006 vehicle may not have the most advanced data recording systems, it likely has an engine control module (ECM) that stores key information such as speed, braking and steering inputs leading up to the crash. Retrieving this data could help determine whether the driver attempted to correct course, if the vehicle’s response was delayed, or if an unexpected issue caused the loss of control. Additionally, authorities should check for any nearby traffic or surveillance cameras that may have captured the crash. Phone records should also be reviewed to determine whether distraction played a role.

At the end of the day, a man suffered serious injuries in this crash, and he deserves to know why. A full and thorough investigation is the only way to ensure that no key details are overlooked. If any of these three questions remain unanswered, we simply don’t have the full story.