Bastrop, TX — December 29, 2024, Dylan Carlton and another person were injured in a car accident at about 11 a.m. on State Highway Loop 150.

Authorities said a 2005 Dodge Ram was headed north when it failed to yield while turning left into a private driveway. The pickup crashed into a 2019 Ford Fiesta.

Ford passenger Dylan Carlton, 25, suffered suspected serious injuries in the crash, according to authorities, while the driver, a 25-year-old woman whose name has not been mad public, was possibly injured as well.

No other injuries were reported.

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

Commentary

When I read about a crash like this, my first thought is that I hope those involved get the answers they need. While initial reports provide a basic description of the events, there’s still a lot we don’t know. That’s why it’s important to ask three key questions to determine whether the investigation has been as thorough as it should be.

The first question is whether authorities conducted a detailed investigation. Law enforcement agencies do their best, but their resources, training and time constraints can impact how deeply they examine a crash. Reports indicate that a Dodge Ram failed to yield while turning left into a driveway and collided with a Ford Fiesta, but that alone doesn’t explain why it happened. Were there any visibility issues at the turn? Was speed a factor for either vehicle? Did investigators gather witness statements, check for surveillance footage and conduct a proper accident reconstruction? Answering these questions is essential to understanding what led to the crash.

The next question is whether anyone has considered the possibility of a vehicle defect. While driver decisions often play a role in crashes, mechanical failures — such as brake issues, steering malfunctions or electrical problems — can contribute as well. The Dodge Ram, being nearly two decades old, may have had worn-out components that affected its ability to stop or turn properly. On the other hand, the Ford Fiesta is a relatively modern vehicle, but even newer cars can experience unexpected failures. This is why preserving both vehicles for a forensic examination is crucial before they are repaired or scrapped.

The third question is whether all available electronic data has been collected. Modern vehicles store valuable crash-related information in their engine control modules (ECMs), which can reveal speed, braking and steering input before impact. Additionally, nearby businesses or traffic cameras may have captured footage of the collision, providing further insight into what happened. If distraction was a factor, phone records could also be relevant. Collecting this data quickly is important, as electronic evidence can be lost or overwritten over time.

At the end of the day, serious crashes like this have lasting consequences for those involved. The least the community owes those affected is a complete and accurate understanding of what happened. That can only happen if all the right questions are asked and every piece of evidence is carefully examined.