Tyler, TX — November 12, 2025, Eric Worthley was injured in a single-vehicle accident at about 12:45 a.m. on State Highway Loop 323.

A preliminary accident report indicates that a 2002 Honda Accord was heading west when it crashed into the ditch while trying to avoid an animal in the road.

Driver Eric Worthley, 43, was seriously injured in the crash between Texas College Road and North Broadway Avenue, according to the report.

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

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

After a serious single-vehicle crash, the first story that comes out is rarely the full one. Early reports are often brief, written quickly and focused on clearing the scene. That makes it important to slow down and ask whether the deeper questions were ever explored.

Did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? In a single-vehicle case, a quick look at tire marks and vehicle damage may not be enough. A careful investigation would involve mapping the scene, studying how the vehicle moved before leaving the roadway and reviewing what the driver was doing in the moments leading up to the crash. That kind of work takes time and training. Some officers have strong crash reconstruction skills, while others may not have the tools or experience to dig into complex dynamics. If the investigation stopped at a basic report, important details could have been missed.

Has anyone looked into the possibility that a vehicle defect caused the crash? When a driver suddenly loses control, it is worth asking whether the vehicle responded the way it should have. Brake problems, steering failures or a stuck accelerator can all turn a routine maneuver into a serious event. These issues are not always visible at the scene. Without a mechanical inspection, a defect that played a role can go unnoticed and unrecorded.

Has all the electronic data relating to the crash been collected? Modern vehicles often store valuable information, even older models with basic systems. Data can show speed changes, braking or throttle input right before a crash. Phone records or location data can also help confirm timing and driver actions. If this digital evidence was not preserved early, it may be lost for good.

Asking these questions is not about assigning blame. It is about making sure the explanation fits the facts. When investigations stay surface-level, they can lock in assumptions that never get tested, leaving important truths undiscovered.

Key takeaways:

• A quick crash report does not always mean a full investigation was done.
• Vehicle problems can play a role even when nothing looks broken.
• Electronic data can answer questions that the scene alone cannot.