Three Rivers, TX — October 26, 2025, Dante Montoya was killed in a car accident at about 12:30 a.m. on U.S. Highway 281.

A preliminary accident report indicates that a 2025 Buick Envista collided with a 2025 Jeep Renegade while changing lanes near the junction with Interstate 37.

Jeep driver Dante Quintanilla Montoya, 51, died from injuries suffered in the crash, according to the report. His passengers, a 48-year-old woman and a 17-year-old girl, suffered minor injuries.

The Buick driver, who also suffered minor injuries, was charged with failure to yield and not using a designated lane, the report states.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the Live Oak County crash at this time.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When lives are suddenly lost in a highway crash, it’s natural to search for clarity amid the confusion. The public record may show charges filed or blame assigned, but the real story of how a tragedy unfolded often demands deeper questions; questions that aren’t always asked when investigations are rushed or narrowly focused.

Did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? When a crash results in a fatality, especially one involving multiple vehicles and a lane change maneuver, it's vital that investigators go beyond surface-level observations. That means reconstructing the crash using advanced tools like laser mapping or 3D modeling, thoroughly reviewing vehicle positions and paths and interviewing all involved parties and witnesses with care. It's not clear yet whether those steps were taken here. The presence of minor injuries and a citation doesn't guarantee the full picture is understood, especially in the early hours of the morning when visibility, fatigue and other factors may be in play. Too often, crash scenes are cleared before the full dynamics are pieced together.

Has anyone looked into the possibility that a vehicle defect caused the crash? Modern cars are full of complex systems that can behave unpredictably, especially during critical moments like lane changes. A stuck accelerator, a faulty blind-spot sensor or even a sudden loss of power steering could shift blame from human error to a deeper mechanical issue. With both vehicles being 2025 models, it’s reasonable to ask whether any component failures or software glitches played a role. Unless a thorough mechanical inspection was performed — not just a visual once-over — those possibilities may never come to light.

Has all the electronic data relating to the crash been collected? Both vehicles likely came equipped with engine control modules that could capture speed, braking and steering input leading up to the collision. Paired with GPS data, dashcams or nearby traffic cameras, this evidence can either back up or contradict statements made at the scene. These digital clues often reveal whether a driver tried to avoid the crash or if distractions like a phone were involved. The availability of this data can make the difference between an informed conclusion and a guess.

When crashes are only seen through the lens of immediate citations or surface-level reports, the real causes risk being overlooked. Careful analysis, thorough inspections and full data retrieval are what bring accountability into focus, not assumptions.

Key Takeaways:

• Quick citations don’t always reflect a full investigation.
• Vehicle systems can fail without warning. Mechanical checks are key.
• Crash data can confirm or challenge what people say happened.