Midland County, TX — July 20, 2024, One person was killed following a car accident that occurred at around 2:39 A.M. on SH 191.

An investigation is underway into a car accident that left one person dead during the evening hours of July 20th. According to official reports, Franklin Azuaje was on foot attempting to cross SH 191 when he was struck by a vehicle that was traveling southbound.

When first responders arrived on the scene they found that Azuaje sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased. At this time it remains unclear how events unfolded just prior to the collision, however as the investigation continues more details may be released by officials.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When I read about a fatal pedestrian accident like this one on SH 191, it is clear that a thorough investigation is essential to understand exactly what happened. Pedestrian accidents can involve a variety of factors that may not be immediately apparent, and answering three critical questions is necessary to uncover the truth and provide clarity.

First, did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? Pedestrian accidents require detailed scrutiny of the crash scene to evaluate all contributing factors. For instance, was visibility in the area adequate, including street lighting and any potential obstructions? Did investigators assess whether the driver’s speed was appropriate for the conditions? Was the roadway designed in a way that allowed for safe pedestrian crossing, or were there deficiencies that may have played a role? These factors must be examined carefully to ensure nothing important is overlooked.

Second, has anyone looked into the possibility that a vehicle defect caused or contributed to the crash? While pedestrian collisions may seem straightforward, vehicle malfunctions cannot be ruled out without proper investigation. Were the vehicle’s braking systems and headlights functioning as intended? If a vehicle defect impaired the driver’s ability to avoid the pedestrian, this could have been a contributing factor. A thorough mechanical evaluation of the vehicle is necessary to identify or rule out such issues.

Finally, has all the electronic data relating to the crash been collected? The vehicle’s electronic control module (ECM) often contains critical information such as speed, braking activity, and steering inputs in the moments leading up to the crash. Additionally, surveillance cameras or dashcam footage from the area could provide valuable context, such as the pedestrian’s actions or the vehicle’s movements. Securing this evidence promptly is crucial to avoid the risk of it being lost or overwritten.

Addressing these three questions is about understanding all the factors that contributed to the accident. A thorough investigation provides clarity not only for those directly affected but also for the broader community by identifying potential safety concerns such as roadway design or vehicle performance. Ensuring these steps are taken helps build a clearer picture of what occurred and can inform measures to reduce the likelihood of similar incidents in the future.