Williamson County, TX — November 12, 2024, Fernanda Gonzalez Zavala was injured as the result of an 18-wheeler accident around 11:39 p.m. on Tollway 130.

Authorities released initial details saying that the crash happened along northbound lanes of the tollway south of Limmer Loop.

Investigators said that 23-year-old Fernanda Gonzalez Zavala was a passenger in a GMC going along the tollway. For reasons not confirmed right now, the GMC and a tractor-trailer also going northbound collided. Due to the collision, Gonzalez Zavala sustained serious injuries.

There did not appear to be any other injuries resulting from the crash. No further information is available at this time.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

Anytime someone is seriously injured in a commercial vehicle accident, it's important that there's an abundance of evidence to say what all happened. People often assume authorities get to work on that, but that's not always true. Sometimes, their investigations are shallow or substandard. That's not always the case, but that does make it important to consider a few key questions.

For example, did investigators have the time, tools, and expertise to conduct a thorough crash analysis? Commercial truck accidents often require more in-depth investigations than typical crashes, but authorities may not always have the resources to dedicate to them. If investigators rushed their work or relied on assumptions, critical details may have been overlooked.

Another key consideration is whether a vehicle defect contributed to the crash. Commercial trucks require frequent maintenance, and mechanical failures—like brake issues or steering malfunctions—could have played a role. Additionally, safety equipment in the GMC, such as airbags or seatbelts, should be checked to ensure they functioned properly. Ruling out these possibilities often requires specialized expertise that law enforcement may not have.

Lastly, have authorities gathered all available electronic data? Commercial trucks are equipped with electronic control modules (ECMs) that track speed, braking, and other key vehicle functions. GPS data, cellphone records, and any available dashcam or security footage could also provide valuable insight. If investigators fail to secure this information in time, critical evidence could be lost.

By asking these questions, victims and families can better assess whether authorities have done a thorough job. If there are gaps in the story, that gives victims and families an opportunity to seek out a second opinion that may be able to fill in those missing pieces.