Donie, TX — April 5, 2025, Cruz Ortiz was injured in a single-car accident at approximately 4:30 a.m. along State Highway 164.

According to authorities, 20-year-old Cruz Ortiz was traveling in a southwest bound Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck on State Highway 164 in the vicinity between the Calloway Street and Cowart Street intersections when the accident took place.

The cause of the accident remains unclear. Officials indicate that, for reasons yet to be confirmed, the pickup truck failed to safely maintain its lane of travel. It was consequently involved in a single-vehicle collision in which it apparently struck a highway sign. Ortiz reportedly suffered serious injuries over the course of the accident. Additional details pertaining to this incident are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When a single-vehicle crash results in serious injuries, it’s tempting to assume the driver simply made a mistake. But from what I’ve seen, these incidents are often more complicated than they first appear. To uncover the full picture, there are three important questions that should always be asked.

First, did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? A detailed investigation should include measurements from the scene, analysis of the roadway surface, photographs of the vehicle’s resting position, and statements from any witnesses. The reality, however, is that the quality of these investigations can vary greatly depending on the time, training, and resources available to the responding officers.

Second, has anyone looked into whether a vehicle defect played a role? It’s not unusual for sudden mechanical failures—like issues with the steering, brakes, or tires—to cause a driver to lose control without warning. But unless the vehicle is preserved and subjected to a forensic inspection, it’s unlikely that such problems will be identified. Too often, these vehicles are quickly repaired or scrapped, eliminating the chance to uncover any underlying issues.

Third, has all the electronic data been gathered? Many newer vehicles are equipped with event data recorders that can capture information like speed, braking, steering input, and more in the moments leading up to a crash. That data can be crucial for separating fact from speculation and determining exactly what went wrong.

Understanding how and why a crash happened is essential—especially when someone has been seriously hurt. The answers don’t always come easily, but they can’t be found unless the right questions are pursued from the start. Asking these questions is the least that can be done to ensure that those affected by this crash get the clarity and closure they deserve.