El Paso, TX — December 1, 2024, two people were injured in a hit-and-run accident at about 2 a.m. on U.S. Route 62/East Paisano Drive.

A preliminary accident report indicates an unknown vehicle was traveling east on Paisano Drive near South Stanton Street when it hit two pedestrians. The vehicle did not stop.

The pedestrians, a 31-year-old woman and a 37-year-old man, suffered serious injuries in the crash, according to authorities. Their names have not been made public at this time.

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

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When I see reports of a crash like this, my first thought is that the injured pedestrians and their loved ones deserve clear answers about what happened. A hit-and-run, especially one involving pedestrians, raises serious questions, not just about the crash itself but also about why the driver fled. In my experience, these cases require swift and thorough investigations to ensure key evidence isn’t lost. Before any conclusions can be reached, three critical areas need further examination.

First, did authorities conduct a thorough investigation? Identifying a hit-and-run driver can be challenging, but law enforcement should be doing everything possible to locate the responsible party. Did investigators collect vehicle debris or paint transfer from the scene that could help determine the make and model of the suspect vehicle? Have they reviewed surveillance footage from nearby businesses, traffic cameras or even doorbell cameras that may have captured the vehicle before or after the crash? Additionally, were lighting conditions and roadway design evaluated to determine whether visibility played a role?

Second, has anyone considered whether a vehicle defect contributed to the crash? Most hit-and-run cases are assumed to involve reckless or negligent driving, but there are instances where mechanical failures contribute. Did the suspect vehicle experience brake failure or a steering malfunction, leading to a loss of control? Was the driver aware they struck pedestrians, or did a visibility issue— such as malfunctioning headlights — prevent them from seeing the victims in time? While fleeing the scene is never justified, understanding whether a vehicle defect played a role can provide a more complete picture of what happened.

Finally, has all available electronic data been collected? Digital evidence can be the key to solving hit-and-run cases. If investigators locate the suspect vehicle, its engine control module (ECM) may contain data on speed, braking and steering inputs at the time of the crash. Additionally, security cameras, traffic cameras, and dashcams from other vehicles in the area may have captured images of the suspect vehicle. Phone records should also be checked: was the driver distracted at the time of the crash? The sooner this evidence is secured, the better the chances of identifying the responsible party.

At the end of the day, two people suffered serious injuries in this crash, and the least the community owes them is a full and thorough investigation. If any of these three questions remain unanswered, there’s a real possibility that key details are being overlooked.