Milam County, TX — January 4, 2026, Cody Wall was killed and another person was injured in a car accident at about 1:10 p.m. on F.M. 485 northwest of Cameron.

Authorities said a 2018 Ford F-250 was heading east when collided head-on with a westbound 2022 Toyota Tacoma while allegedly trying to pass another vehicle in a no-passing zone.

Toyota driver Cody Blaine Wall, 43, of Cameron was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash near County Road 144, according to authorities.

The Ford driver was transported to a Temple hospital with serious injuries after the crash, authorities said.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the Milam County crash at this time. The accident is still under investigation.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

In the aftermath of any fatal traffic collision, especially those involving apparent high-risk maneuvers, it's easy to settle for surface-level conclusions. But crashes are rarely as straightforward as they first appear. When lives are lost and serious injuries occur, the most important thing is to ensure that every possible contributing factor gets the scrutiny it deserves.

Did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? When a crash reportedly involves a vehicle attempting to pass in a no-passing zone, it's tempting to focus solely on that maneuver as the cause. But even in cases with an obvious catalyst, good investigations still need to dig deeper. That means reconstructing the collision with precision: mapping the scene, calculating vehicle speeds and understanding what each driver was doing seconds before impact. In rural counties, where investigative resources can vary, it’s not uncommon for scene reviews to rely heavily on officer observation rather than comprehensive reconstruction tools. Without full documentation, crucial details can slip through the cracks.

Has anyone looked into the possibility that a vehicle defect caused the crash? It’s easy to assume a deliberate act when a vehicle crosses the center line, but sometimes the vehicle itself is the issue. A stuck throttle, sudden brake failure or power steering loss can force a driver into oncoming traffic with no warning. That’s why mechanical inspections are essential, especially in severe crashes involving newer vehicles. Both the Ford and the Toyota involved here are relatively recent models, which means complex electronics and automated systems could also play a role. Unless someone takes the time to inspect those systems, potential defects might never come to light.

Has all the electronic data relating to the crash been collected? Modern pickups like the ones involved here are rolling computers. They store information on vehicle speed, braking, throttle position and more, often up to the moment of impact. Pair that with GPS data, potential dash cameras and nearby traffic surveillance, and there's a wealth of digital evidence that could clarify exactly what happened. But accessing and interpreting that data requires technical know-how and, sometimes, legal pressure. If investigators stop short of pulling this information, we’re left with only part of the story.

When tragedy strikes on familiar roads, people often assume they know what happened. But assumptions don’t serve justice or prevent future harm. Only by pushing past the obvious and asking harder questions do we really get closer to the truth.

Key Takeaways:

• Serious crashes need more than just a quick scene review. They need full reconstructions.
• Vehicle defects can cause unexpected and dangerous behavior, even in newer models.
• Electronic data from the vehicles could offer clear answers, if someone takes the time to retrieve it.