Travis County, TX — June 11, 2025, Dawn Schirmer was injured as the result of a car accident at around 2:45 p.m. along US Highway 183.

Authorities said in preliminary statements that the accident happened near Clinger Road south of the Austin-Bergstrom Airport.

According to officials, 54-year-old Dawn Schirmer and another person were in a Chevy going northwest on the highway. A Honda According was traveling in the opposite direction. The Honda reportedly failed to yield while turning, resulting in a collision with the Chevy.

As a result of the crash, authorities say that Dawn Schirmer had serious injuries. The passenger in the Chevy reportedly had less severe injuries. Authorities did not release any additional details.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When a crash seems to follow a familiar pattern—like one vehicle turning in front of another—it’s tempting to view it as straightforward. But every collision, especially one involving serious injury, deserves a closer look. Relying too heavily on initial statements can leave critical questions unanswered.

Did the investigation receive the level of care this crash demands?
Even when a crash appears to stem from a failure to yield, it’s important not to rush to conclusions. Did investigators take time to reconstruct the scene, verify angles of approach, and review timing and distances? Those aren’t minor steps—they’re the foundation of an accurate understanding. If they were skipped or done hastily, the full story may have been lost before it was ever told.

Has the possibility of a vehicle issue been ruled out?
A turn made at the wrong moment might be the result of a misjudgment—or it might be caused by a mechanical failure. Problems like brake fade, power loss, or a stuck accelerator could push a driver into an unsafe situation they didn’t intend. If neither vehicle was inspected for these kinds of issues, then no one can say for sure what role—if any—a defect may have played.

Was electronic data from the crash reviewed and preserved?
Many modern vehicles, including those likely involved here, can log important data leading up to a collision—speed, throttle use, braking force, and even driver-assist warnings. Cell phone records and possible video evidence of the crash can also be crucial. That information can confirm or challenge initial reports. But unless someone moved quickly to secure it, that window may have already closed.

When serious injuries are involved, no part of the investigation should be taken for granted. The facts don’t always match the first story told, and that’s exactly why deeper questions matter.

Key Takeaways:

• Crashes that seem routine still need careful, fact-driven investigation.
• Mechanical problems may not be visible—but they can change the whole story.
• Car systems often record what really happened—but only if someone retrieves the data.