Cactus, TX — November 16, 2024, one person was injured in a hit-and-run accident at about 1:20 a.m. on southbound U.S. Route 287.

A preliminary accident report indicates that an unknown vehicle hit a pedestrian and continued driving.

The pedestrian, a 23-year-old man whose name has not been made public, suffered suspected serious injuries in the collision, according to authorities.

The vehicle that hit the man has not been identified.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the Moore County crash.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When I read about a hit-and-run crash like this, my first thought is that those affected deserve clear answers about what happened. That may seem simple, but in my experience, these investigations often fail to explore key details that could provide a full understanding of the incident. To get to the truth, three critical questions must always be asked.

First, did authorities conduct a thorough investigation? In hit-and-run cases, identifying the driver is a top priority, but that shouldn’t come at the expense of understanding why the crash happened in the first place. Did investigators examine lighting conditions and whether the pedestrian was visible to drivers? Were there any road hazards or obstructions that could have played a role? And just as importantly, have authorities gathered statements from potential witnesses who may have seen the fleeing vehicle? Without a complete approach, crucial evidence could be missed.

Second, has anyone considered whether a vehicle defect contributed to the crash? It’s easy to assume the driver fled to avoid responsibility, but mechanical failures — such as brake malfunctions, steering problems or even defective headlights — could have affected their ability to react in time. Additionally, if the driver swerved suddenly before impact, it raises the question of whether they were reacting to an issue with their own vehicle. Unfortunately, these factors are often overlooked unless someone takes the time to investigate.

Finally, has all available electronic data been collected? Surveillance footage from nearby businesses, traffic cameras or even dashcams from other drivers on the road could be crucial in identifying the vehicle. If the car is located, its black box data could provide insight into speed, braking and steering before impact. Additionally, cell phone records from the driver, once identified, could help determine whether distraction played a role. Securing this evidence quickly is critical before key information is lost.

At the end of the day, a person was seriously injured, and the least that can be done is to ensure a full and fair investigation that leaves no stone unturned. The only way to truly understand what happened — and to hold the responsible party accountable — is by asking the right questions and making sure every piece of available evidence is secured.