Wilson County, TX — November 28, 2025, Carlos Martinez was injured in a car accident at about 1:20 a.m. on F.M. 1346 near La Vernia.

A preliminary accident report indicates a 2013 Dodge Dart was headed northwest toward Carpenter when it veered off the road for an unknown reason and overturned after crashing into a fence.

Driver Carlos Martinez, 35, suffered suspected serious injuries in the crash, according to authorities.

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

Commentary

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 rollover crash where the cause is unknown raises important questions, and in my experience, these incidents often have 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 leaves the road and overturns, it’s important to determine why. Did investigators examine the roadway for hazards such as debris, potholes or uneven pavement that could have caused the driver to lose control? Were there visibility issues, such as poor lighting or obstructed signage? Given that this crash happened after 1 a.m., did authorities consider whether road design or environmental factors contributed? A complete accident reconstruction should explore these possibilities rather than assume driver error was the only factor.

Second, has anyone looked into whether a vehicle defect contributed to the crash? The Dodge Dart involved in this accident is over a decade old, meaning mechanical failures such as brake malfunctions, steering issues or tire blowouts could be potential factors. Rollovers are often linked to stability issues, and if the car’s suspension, tires or electronic stability control system malfunctioned, that could explain why the vehicle veered off course. A forensic inspection of the vehicle is necessary to determine whether mechanical failure played a role in the crash.

Finally, has all available electronic data been collected? Many modern vehicles have an engine control module (ECM) that records key data such as speed, braking and steering inputs before a 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.