David Gardner Killed in Car Accident in Monahans, TX

Monahans, TX — January 17, 2025, David Gardner was killed in a car accident at about 11 p.m. on State Highway 18/North Main Avenue.

Authorities said a southbound 2004 Chevrolet Silverado lost control for an unknown reason and rolled onto its roof.

Driver David Allen Gardner, 20, was killed in the crash, according to authorities.

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

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When I read about a crash like the one in Monahans, my first thought is that those affected deserve clear answers about what happened. A vehicle losing control and rolling over may seem like an unfortunate accident, but in my experience, these incidents are often more complex than they first appear. That’s why there are three critical questions that should be asked in any crash investigation.

First, did the authorities conduct a thorough investigation? Single-vehicle crashes don’t always receive the same level of scrutiny as multi-vehicle accidents, yet they deserve just as much attention. A full accident reconstruction should explore what caused the driver to lose control. Were there road hazards such as potholes, debris or uneven pavement? Did another vehicle’s actions force the driver to react suddenly? Were weather or lighting conditions a factor? Without examining all possible causes, key details may go unnoticed.

Second, has anyone looked into whether a vehicle defect played a role? The Chevrolet Silverado involved in this crash was more than 20 years old, making mechanical failure a real possibility. Tire blowouts, steering malfunctions or brake failures can cause a driver to lose control, particularly at highway speeds. Older trucks can also have worn suspension components, making them more prone to rollovers. If the vehicle wasn’t examined by an expert before being released or scrapped, potential evidence of a defect may already be lost.

Lastly, has all electronic data related to the crash been collected? While older vehicles like this Silverado may not have as much electronic data storage as newer models, many still have an engine control module that records key details such as speed, braking and throttle position before impact. Additionally, surveillance footage from nearby businesses, traffic cameras or dashcams from passing vehicles could provide valuable insight into the moments leading up to the crash. Even cell phone data might help determine the vehicle’s exact path and movements. If authorities haven’t gathered this evidence, an independent investigation may still be able to do so.

At the end of the day, every serious crash deserves a complete and thorough investigation. Just because a vehicle rolls over doesn’t necessarily mean driver error was the sole cause. Those affected deserve to know whether every factor was properly considered. Without answering these three key questions, it’s impossible to say with certainty what led to the crash, and that’s not a conclusion anyone should have to accept.