Hickory Creek, TX — March 29, 2025, Charles Bounds was injured in a car accident at about 7:05 p.m. on Turbeville Road.

A preliminary accident report indicates a 2019 Nissan Murano crashed into three unoccupied vehicles before hitting a tree near Interstate 35.

Driver Charles Bounds, 62, suffered serious injuries in the crash, according to the report.

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

Commentary

When I read about a crash like this, my first thought is that I hope the injured driver is able to recover fully and that investigators take the time to understand exactly what led to the crash. When a vehicle collides with multiple parked cars before hitting a tree, there’s a strong indication that something went seriously wrong, whether with the driver, the vehicle or the surrounding environment. To understand what happened on Turbeville Road, we need to ask three critical questions.

First, did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? In any multi-impact, single-vehicle crash, it’s essential to reconstruct the full sequence of events. What caused the vehicle to leave its lane or veer off course in the first place? Was the roadway straight or curved, and were there any obstructions or environmental factors — such as poor lighting, road debris or sharp turns — that may have played a role? Did investigators document skid marks, vehicle paths or signs of evasive maneuvers? These details are crucial for determining whether the incident stemmed from driver error, a medical emergency or another underlying cause.

Second, has anyone considered whether a vehicle defect might have contributed to the crash? The 2019 Nissan Murano should be carefully examined for mechanical or electronic failures. Was there a malfunction in the steering, brakes or electronic stability control? Did a tire blowout or suspension issue lead to the initial loss of control? Even newer vehicles can experience critical failures, and unless the vehicle is preserved for a forensic inspection, these possibilities may be overlooked. When a crash unfolds over multiple impacts and ends in a collision with a tree, it’s especially important to rule out any issue that may have prevented the driver from regaining control.

Finally, has all the electronic data related to the crash been collected? The Murano’s engine control module likely holds valuable pre-crash data such as vehicle speed, throttle input, brake application and steering movement. This information can help establish whether the driver was attempting to slow down, steer away or respond to a sudden emergency. If the driver was using a phone or wearable device, GPS or motion data might also help reconstruct his movement prior to the crash. This type of evidence is time-sensitive and should be preserved before it’s overwritten or lost.

Crashes like this deserve a complete investigation, not only because someone was seriously injured, but because the underlying cause may have broader implications. By asking the right questions, preserving both physical and digital evidence and thoroughly exploring all possible contributing factors, we can provide the injured party with the clarity and accountability they deserve.