Palestine, TX — March 20, 2025, a pedestrian was injured in a car accident at about 8:20 p.m. on U.S. Route 79/West Oak Street.

A preliminary accident report indicates a 2018 Nissan Frontier was headed southwest near Ridgewood Drive when it hit a pedestrian.

The pedestrian, a 31-year-old man whose name has not been made public, was seriously injured in the crash, according to authorities.

The Nissan driver was not injured, according to the report.

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

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When I read about a crash like this, my first thought is that I hope the injured pedestrian and his family receive the answers they deserve. Pedestrian-involved crashes are often assumed to be the result of visibility issues or the pedestrian entering the roadway unexpectedly, especially in the evening hours. But in my experience, those assumptions can be premature and overlook critical factors. To truly understand what happened on U.S. Route 79 near Ridgewood Drive, we need to ask three key questions.

First, did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? A meaningful investigation should include an assessment of visibility at the time of the crash. Was the area well-lit? Were there crosswalks or designated pedestrian zones nearby? Did the driver have a clear view of the road ahead, and were they given enough time to react? Investigators should also gather physical evidence from the scene, such as vehicle position, impact points and any available witness accounts or surveillance footage. These details are crucial to reconstructing the events and determining whether the collision was avoidable.

Second, has anyone considered whether a vehicle defect may have contributed to the crash? The Nissan Frontier should be evaluated to ensure that all safety and lighting systems were working properly at the time of the crash. Were the headlights functioning and aimed correctly? Was there an issue with the brakes, steering, or forward-collision alert systems? Mechanical or electronic failures — especially in low-light situations — can play a role in preventing a driver from recognizing or responding to a pedestrian in time. These are possibilities that need to be ruled out through a detailed forensic inspection.

Finally, has all the electronic data related to the crash been collected? The Nissan Frontier’s engine control module likely stores pre-crash data such as vehicle speed, brake input, throttle position and steering angle. That information could clarify whether the driver took evasive action or had time to do so. If the pedestrian was carrying a phone or other GPS-enabled device, that data could also help confirm their location and movement prior to the crash. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras might provide additional context. As always, this data is time-sensitive and must be secured quickly to avoid loss.

Crashes like this deserve more than a cursory explanation. A man was seriously injured, and it’s not enough to assume that the cause was obvious or unavoidable. By asking the right questions, securing the physical and digital evidence and conducting a full and thorough investigation, we give those affected the best chance of understanding what happened, and holding the right parties accountable if necessary.