Midland County, TX — December 12, 2024, Donald Carrasco Lopez was injured in a car accident at approximately 4:00 a.m. along State Highway 191.

According to authorities, 40-year-old Donald Carrasco Lopez was traveling in a northeast bound Toyota Sequoia on State Highway 191 in the vicinity southwest of S.H. 349 when the accident took place.

The cause of the accident remains unclear. Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, the Toyota took faulty evasive action. It was subsequently involved in a single-vehicle rollover collision. Carrasco Lopez reportedly suffered serious injuries over the course of the accident. Additional details pertaining to this incident are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When I see reports like this, my main concern is whether Donald Carrasco Lopez and his loved ones will get the answers they need about what happened. A single-vehicle rollover crash raises immediate questions, but experience has shown me that these incidents often involve more than just driver error. That’s why it’s critical to examine three key questions when looking into any serious accident.

The first question is whether authorities have conducted a thorough investigation. Law enforcement will likely document the scene, but key details can sometimes be overlooked. Were there roadway hazards, such as debris, poor lighting, or uneven pavement, that may have contributed? Were weather or visibility conditions a factor? Did officers determine what caused the need for evasive action—was there another vehicle involved, an animal in the roadway, or another obstruction? Ensuring these questions are answered is crucial to understanding the full circumstances of the crash.

The second question to consider is whether anyone has looked into the possibility of a vehicle defect. Rollovers, particularly involving SUVs like the Toyota Sequoia, can sometimes be caused or worsened by mechanical failures such as tire blowouts, brake malfunctions, or steering issues. Additionally, crashworthiness should be examined—did the vehicle’s safety features, such as airbags and seatbelts, function as intended? Unfortunately, these potential defects are rarely investigated unless someone specifically requests further examination. A forensic analysis of the Toyota could help determine whether a defect played a role in the accident.

Finally, it’s important to determine whether all relevant electronic data has been collected. The Sequoia’s engine control module may have recorded valuable information about speed, braking, and steering inputs leading up to the crash. Additionally, surveillance footage from nearby businesses or highway cameras may provide visual confirmation of how the accident occurred. Even cellphone data could be relevant if distraction or another external factor played a role. Securing this evidence quickly is essential to preserving a full and accurate understanding of the accident.

At the end of the day, answering these questions could be essential to understanding what really happened and why. A thorough examination of all three of these issues—including the quality of police investigations, possible vehicle defects, and electronic data—is the least that can be done to ensure that those affected by the crash receive the clarity they deserve.