Harrison County, TX — August 18, 2024, Daniel Brown was injured following a single-car accident at approximately 11:30 p.m. along Farm to Market 1998.

According to authorities, 31-year-old Daniel Brown had been traveling in a westbound GMC Sierra pickup truck on F.M. 1998 in the vicinity a little less than half of a mile east of the F.M. 134 intersection when the accident took place.

The cause of the accident remains unclear. Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, the pickup failed to appropriately control its speed as it entered a slight right-hand curve in the roadway. It was consequently involved in a single vehicle accident in which it veered off of the left side of the road before overcorrecting. It then entered a side skid before going into the ditch on the right side of the road and crashing into a tree. The impact apparently caused the pickup to overturn, rolling and coming to a stop resting on its right side. Brown reportedly suffered serious injuries over the course of the accident. Additional details pertaining to this incident are not available at this point in time.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When a driver is seriously injured after leaving the road and overturning in a single-vehicle crash, many assume the driver was simply going too fast or failed to navigate a curve properly. But in my experience, especially in late-night crashes like this one on F.M. 1998, it's important to recognize that there are often multiple contributing factors—some of which may not be obvious without asking the right questions. To understand what truly led to this crash and whether it could have been prevented, there are three critical questions that should be asked.

First, did the authorities conduct a thorough investigation? A crash at 11:30 p.m. raises concerns about visibility, road design, and the presence of signage or reflectors to warn drivers of an upcoming curve. Investigators should examine whether the roadway was properly maintained, whether the curve was clearly marked, and whether surface conditions—like loose gravel or worn pavement—may have contributed to the loss of control. If those aspects weren't closely analyzed, it may be necessary to revisit the scene with an independent expert.

Second, has anyone considered whether a mechanical failure could have played a role in the crash? A vehicle that veers unexpectedly or fails to respond to driver input may be suffering from issues in the steering system, suspension, brakes, or tires. These types of failures don’t always leave visible clues and can only be identified through a detailed forensic inspection of the vehicle. That kind of analysis can only happen if the vehicle is preserved after the crash, before it's repaired or scrapped.

Lastly, has all the available electronic data from the GMC Sierra been collected? The vehicle likely contains an event data recorder that can provide key details like vehicle speed, steering angle, brake usage, and throttle input in the seconds leading up to the crash. That information could clarify whether the driver attempted to correct course, whether the vehicle responded properly, and whether speed was truly a contributing factor. Supplementary data from nearby surveillance or dash cameras—if available—may also be useful. As always, securing this kind of evidence quickly is essential.

When someone is seriously hurt in a crash and the explanation isn’t immediately clear, we owe it to those affected to ask more than just the obvious. 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.