Dallas, TX — February 8, 2025, Damilare Falana was injured in a single-car accident at approximately 2:45 a.m. along the Lyndon B Johnson Freeway.

According to authorities, 41-year-old Damilare Falana was traveling in an eastbound Mercedes-Benz on Lyndon B Johnson Freeway in the vicinity east of Preston Road when the accident took place.

Officials indicate that, for reasons yet to be confirmed, the Mercedes-Benz attempted a lane change at an apparently unsafe time. It was consequently involved in a single-vehicle collision in which it struck a traffic attenuation device and apparently caught on fire. Falana reportedly sustained serious injuries as a result of the wreck. 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 crashes like this happen—particularly involving a vehicle striking roadside safety equipment and catching fire—many tend to focus solely on the driver’s decision. But in my experience, especially when serious injuries are involved, it’s crucial to look beyond assumptions and fully examine what might have happened. The early morning crash involving Damilare Falana on the Lyndon B Johnson Freeway demands a closer investigation rooted in three critical questions.

First, did authorities thoroughly analyze the road layout and traffic conditions at the time of the crash? Freeway environments can be especially hazardous in the early morning hours due to reduced visibility, low traffic volume, and the potential for confusing signage or abrupt lane changes. Was the lane clearly marked? Was the traffic attenuation device placed and illuminated properly? These are important considerations when determining whether the road environment played a role in the crash.

Second, has anyone explored whether a mechanical or system failure may have contributed? A sudden malfunction in the steering, braking, or electronic lane-keeping systems could cause a vehicle to make an unsafe or abrupt lane change. Moreover, a post-collision fire raises serious concerns about the vehicle’s structural integrity, fuel system, and whether any defects may have increased the severity of the incident. A forensic inspection of the vehicle is essential to identify any such issues.

Finally, has all available electronic and digital data been secured and reviewed? The Mercedes-Benz likely includes an event data recorder capable of capturing vehicle speed, brake use, throttle position, and steering activity in the seconds leading up to the crash. This data can be critical in determining whether the vehicle responded appropriately to driver input or if there was a delay or anomaly. Investigators should also consider whether any surveillance, dashcam footage, or GPS data exists to provide context for what led up to the impact.

Answering these three questions is critical to making sure that no stone is left unturned in understanding the causes of a crash like this. Serious wrecks deserve serious investigation, not assumptions. Getting clear answers to these questions is crucial for those seeking to understand what happened and why—and it's the least that can be done to help those affected find the clarity and closure they deserve.