Dallas, TX — March 1, 2025, Davarian Collins was killed in a car accident at about 11:45 p.m. on State Highway Loop 12/South Great Trinity Forest Way.

Authorities said at least two vehicles hit a pedestrian near Jim Miller Road.

Pedestrian Davarian Dashaun Collins, 22, died in the crash, according to authorities.

The driver of a 2007 Cadillac Escalade stayed at the scene after the accident, but at least one other vehicle kept going after hitting the pedestrian, authorities said.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the crash.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When a pedestrian is struck by multiple vehicles and killed, particularly late at night on a major roadway like Loop 12, it’s essential to look beyond the initial shock and ask the right questions. As with every fatal crash, a thorough and meaningful investigation depends on three critical areas of focus: Did the authorities conduct a comprehensive investigation? Has anyone considered whether a vehicle defect played a role? And has all the relevant electronic data tied to the incident been collected and preserved?

Crashes involving multiple impacts often lead to confusion about exactly what happened, and that’s especially true when at least one vehicle leaves the scene. A full investigation must establish how visible the pedestrian was, what lighting and signage were present in the area and how each driver reacted, or failed to react. That means determining not just who was involved, but when each impact occurred, what condition the road was in and whether the pedestrian may have been in a lane of traffic or attempting to cross. These are not simple questions, and they require more than a standard crash report. They demand reconstruction efforts, scene analysis and a review of environmental conditions at the time of the crash.

The second key area that often goes unexamined is whether a mechanical or electronic failure contributed. While it may be easy to assume a pedestrian wasn’t seen because it was dark or unexpected, that assumption overlooks the role that vehicle systems can and should play in helping drivers avoid collisions. If the Cadillac Escalade or any other vehicle involved had malfunctioning headlights, defective brakes or failed driver-assist systems like pedestrian detection or automatic emergency braking, those failures could have played a direct role in the outcome. But identifying those issues requires immediate steps to preserve and inspect the vehicles, steps that may be missed entirely if the investigation focuses solely on driver conduct.

Equally critical is the collection of electronic data. Modern vehicles typically have engine control modules capable of recording speed, braking activity, steering input and throttle position. This data can reveal how quickly the drivers were traveling, whether they attempted to slow down or swerve and whether the vehicle systems responded appropriately. In a multi-vehicle scenario, this information becomes even more valuable in establishing a timeline and differentiating between the actions of each driver. Additionally, traffic camera footage, dashcams or surveillance from nearby businesses may offer visual context that helps confirm key details, especially when not all parties remained at the scene.

A pedestrian fatality like this is not just a matter of driver fault or pedestrian misjudgment. It's an event that demands a full accounting of human, mechanical and environmental factors. The community owes it to those affected to ensure that no stone is left unturned. The only way to get there is by asking the right questions and making sure every possible piece of evidence is preserved and analyzed.