Van Ormy, TX — July 1, 2024, one person was injured in a car accident at about 2:15 a.m. at Loop 1604 and the Interstate 35 frontage road.

Authorities said a 2007 Acura TL apparently ran a red light while headed south on Loop 1604, crashing into a 2021 Lexus IS350 that was going north on the frontage road.

The driver of the Lexus, a 42-year-old woman whose name has not been made public at this point, suffered serious injuries in the Bexar County crash, according to authorities. Her passenger was not injured.

The Acura driver, who also was not injured in the crash, was cited for running a red light, authorities said.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the crash.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When I read about a crash like this, my first thought is that I hope investigators are taking all the necessary steps to ensure those involved get clear answers about what happened. The preliminary report suggests that one driver ran a red light, but experience has shown me that even seemingly straightforward crashes can have more to them than meets the eye. That’s why any thorough investigation must address three critical questions.

First, did the authorities conduct a thorough investigation? While the Acura driver was cited for running a red light, that alone doesn’t fully explain the crash. A complete investigation should include accident reconstruction, witness interviews and an analysis of traffic signal timing. Were the traffic lights functioning correctly at the time of the crash? Were visibility issues or other external factors involved? Without answering these questions, important details could go overlooked.

Second, has anyone considered whether a vehicle defect played a role? Running a red light is often assumed to be driver error, but mechanical issues can’t be ruled out without an inspection. Did the Acura TL experience brake failure or an issue with its throttle control? Did either vehicle have problems with its airbags or seatbelts that affected the severity of injuries? The 2007 Acura TL is an older vehicle, and older cars are more likely to have undiagnosed mechanical failures that could contribute to a crash. Unless the vehicle is preserved and examined, these possibilities may never be explored.

Lastly, has all the electronic data from the crash been preserved? Both vehicles, particularly the newer 2021 Lexus IS350, are equipped with engine control modules that record crucial data such as speed, braking and steering inputs before impact. This information could confirm whether the Acura driver attempted to stop or if the Lexus driver had time to react. Additionally, nearby traffic cameras or security footage might provide further context. If this data isn’t secured quickly, it may be lost, making it harder to reconstruct the sequence of events.

At the end of the day, even in cases where a traffic violation is cited, it’s important to ensure that the investigation is as thorough as possible. Those affected deserve clear answers, and the only way to provide those answers is by exploring every possibility before drawing final conclusions. The least the community can do is ensure that every effort is made to determine exactly what happened.