Willis, TX — January 10, 2025, One person was injured following a car accident that occurred at around 10:00 P.M. on FM 1097.

An investigation is underway following a car accident that left one person injured during the evening hours of January 10th. According to official reports, a man in his 40's was riding his bicycle in the area of FM 1097 and I-45 when when he was struck by a pickup truck.

When first responders arrived on the scene they found that the cyclist had sustained serious injuries and was transported to the hospital for treatment. At this stage in the investigation, certain details such as the identity of the cyclist, and the status of his injuries remains unknown, though more details may be released in the future.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When I hear about an incident like this, I think about how important it is to conduct a thorough investigation to determine exactly what happened and why. The collision involving a cyclist and a pickup truck on FM 1097 raises significant questions that need to be answered to fully understand the circumstances. To address this, we must consider three critical questions.

First, did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? According to initial reports, the cyclist was struck by a pickup truck, but the specific circumstances remain unclear. Were there adequate lighting or reflective materials on the bicycle to make the cyclist visible to drivers? Were the roadway conditions, such as lane markings or lighting, appropriate for safe travel, especially at night? Investigators should also examine whether the driver of the pickup truck was traveling at a safe speed and following proper traffic laws. Accident reconstruction and witness statements are essential to piecing together a complete picture of how the collision occurred.

Second, has anyone looked into the possibility that a vehicle defect caused the crash? While driver behavior is often a focus, mechanical issues in the pickup truck or the bicycle should not be overlooked. For instance, a brake failure or headlight malfunction in the truck could have prevented the driver from stopping in time or seeing the cyclist. Similarly, mechanical issues with the bicycle, such as faulty brakes or poor tire condition, could have contributed to the events leading to the collision. A thorough examination of both vehicles can reveal if mechanical factors played a role in the crash.

Finally, has all the electronic data relating to the crash been collected? Modern vehicles, including pickup trucks, are often equipped with Electronic Control Modules (ECMs) that store critical data such as speed, braking, and steering inputs leading up to a collision. Accessing this data can help determine the truck’s behavior before the impact. Additionally, investigators should look for nearby surveillance cameras or dashcams that might have captured the incident, providing valuable context. Timely collection of this evidence is crucial, as it can degrade or become unavailable over time.

Answering these three questions is vital for understanding the factors that contributed to this collision and ensuring all aspects are thoroughly examined. Conducting a comprehensive investigation not only helps provide clarity for those affected but also contributes to improving safety for cyclists and motorists alike. By uncovering the full context, we can take steps toward accountability and prevention in the future.