Smith County, TX — November 27, 2024, a man from Florida was injured in a car accident at about 8:15 a.m. along Interstate Highway 20.

According to authorities, a 39-year-old man from Crestview, Florida, was traveling in a westbound Ford F-150 pickup truck on Interstate Highway 20 in the vicinity east of Farm to Market 2015 when the accident took place.

Officials indicate that, for reasons yet to be confirmed, the pickup truck failed to safely maintain its lane of travel. It was subsequently involved in a collision with an eastbound Honda Accord. The man from the pickup truck suffered serious injuries over the course of the accident, according to reports. It does not appear that anyone else was hurt. Additional details pertaining to this incident—including the identity of the victim—are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When a crash involves a vehicle crossing into opposing traffic, as happened in this Smith County accident, investigators must work diligently to understand exactly what went wrong. From my experience, three critical questions must guide this effort: Was the crash thoroughly investigated? Could a vehicle defect or maintenance issue have contributed? And has all relevant electronic data been secured?

Was the crash thoroughly investigated? The available information suggests that the westbound Ford F-150 collided with an eastbound Honda Accord after veering out of its lane. However, the exact reasons for this loss of control remain unclear. Was the driver distracted, fatigued, or experiencing a medical emergency? Could environmental factors, such as wet pavement or visibility issues, have played a role? A complete and detailed investigation into these possibilities is essential to form a full understanding of the crash.

Could a vehicle defect or maintenance issue have contributed? Single-vehicle lane-departure scenarios often raise questions about the condition of the vehicle itself. Was the Ford F-150’s steering system, braking mechanism, or tire integrity compromised? If something as seemingly minor as a worn tire contributed to the truck leaving its lane, such a defect could shift the focus of accountability. Examining the truck for mechanical issues or maintenance neglect should be a priority.

Has all relevant electronic data been secured? Modern vehicles like the Ford F-150 and Honda Accord often contain event data recorders (EDRs), which capture critical information about the vehicles’ movements before a crash. Data such as the truck’s speed, steering, and braking inputs in the moments leading up to the collision could clarify whether this was a result of driver error, a mechanical issue, or external factors. Additionally, if dashcam footage or nearby traffic camera recordings are available, they could provide invaluable context to the circumstances of the wreck.

Accidents like this one, where a man was seriously injured, demand a meticulous investigation to uncover all contributing factors. By addressing these critical questions, investigators can provide a clearer understanding of what happened and why. For the injured man and his loved ones, obtaining these answers is an important step toward clarity and closure.