McAllen, TX — February 2, 2025, Dolores Acevedo was killed, and injured another in a car accident at around 9:50 A.M. on South 23rd Street.

An investigation is underway following a car accident that left one person dead and injured another during the morning hours of February 2nd. According to official reports, an accident occurred at the intersection of South 23rd St. at the Dicker Road between a Honda CRV and a Toyota Rav4.

When first responders arrived on the scene they found that Dolores Acevedo was deceased from her injuries, and three others were seriously injured. At this time it remains unknown what caused the accident, as well as the status of the other occupants, however this remains an ongoing investigation and more details may be released by authorities in the future.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When I read about a crash like this, my first thought is that those affected deserve clear answers about what happened. While initial reports provide basic details, they often leave out critical information that can help determine why the crash occurred and whether anything could have been done to prevent it. To get a full picture, there are three key questions that need to be asked in every crash investigation.

The first question is whether authorities are conducting a thorough investigation. Law enforcement will typically document the scene, take witness statements, and assess factors like traffic control devices and road conditions, but the depth of these investigations can vary. In a crash at an intersection, it’s critical to determine whether either vehicle had the right of way, whether speed was a factor, and if any traffic signals or stop signs were obeyed. Additionally, investigators should consider whether visibility, road design, or potential obstruction played a role in the collision.

The second question is whether anyone has considered the possibility of a vehicle defect. While many people assume that driver error is the leading cause of crashes, mechanical failures can and do contribute to collisions. Investigators should determine whether either vehicle experienced a braking or steering malfunction that may have prevented the driver from avoiding the crash. Additionally, since modern vehicles are equipped with advanced safety systems designed to help prevent collisions, it’s worth examining whether those systems functioned as intended. If a defect played a role, identifying it is crucial—not only for this case but to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

The third question is whether all available electronic data has been collected. Both vehicles likely contain electronic control modules (ECMs), which store valuable information about speed, braking, and steering inputs in the moments leading up to the crash. Additionally, nearby businesses or traffic cameras may have recorded footage of the collision, which could provide key details about what happened. Cell phone records may also be relevant—not necessarily to suggest distraction, but to determine if any critical notifications or warnings were received before the crash. If this data is not gathered quickly, it may be lost, making it much harder to determine the true cause of the collision.

At the end of the day, crashes like this don’t just affect those directly involved—they leave families searching for answers. The least we can do as a community is ensure that every crash is investigated as thoroughly as possible so that those answers are found. No one should be left wondering what really happened when the evidence to find out is within reach.