Gregg County, TX — June 23, 2024, a pedestrian was injured in a hit-and-run accident at about 3:15 a.m. on State Highway 31.

A preliminary accident report indicates a pedestrian was trying to cross the road west of Kilgore when he was hit by a white passenger car that was heading east. The car did not stop after the collision.

The pedestrian, a 23-year-old man from Marshall, suffered serious injuries in the crash, according to authorities.

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

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When I read about a hit-and-run crash like the one that happened just west of Kilgore on State Highway 31, where a pedestrian was seriously injured and the vehicle involved fled the scene, it raises immediate questions not just about who was behind the wheel, but also about what steps are being taken to uncover the full story. In cases like this, where details are sparse and the stakes are high, three essential questions need to guide the investigation: Did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? Has anyone looked into the possibility that a vehicle defect caused the crash? Has all the electronic data relating to the crash been collected?

First, let’s talk about the investigation. The crash happened at about 3:15 a.m., a time of day when visibility is naturally limited and most traffic-related incidents are harder to reconstruct without strong documentation. The pedestrian was reportedly crossing the road when he was struck by a white passenger car that didn’t stop. Authorities must work quickly to recover evidence from the scene: debris, tire marks, surveillance footage from nearby homes or businesses or eyewitness accounts. Without prompt and thorough documentation, the window to identify the vehicle or reconstruct the crash mechanics begins to close. In hit-and-run cases, even seemingly minor details — like the angle of impact or paint transfer — can play a critical role in tracking down the vehicle involved.

Next, we have to consider whether a vehicle defect played a part in the crash. That might not be the first thing people think of in a hit-and-run, but if the vehicle is eventually found, it’s worth asking whether any mechanical or electronic failures contributed to the crash, or even influenced the driver’s decision to flee. For instance, if the headlights were not functioning properly, it could have impacted the driver’s ability to see the pedestrian. If the braking system or steering failed, that might explain a delayed or absent reaction. These possibilities only come into focus if the vehicle is located and preserved for a forensic inspection, something that doesn’t always happen unless someone insists on it.

Lastly, the question of electronic data is especially critical. If the suspect vehicle is found, its engine control module may contain key data about speed, braking and throttle input in the seconds leading up to the crash. That data can help determine whether the driver attempted to avoid the pedestrian or if the vehicle’s systems responded as expected. Additionally, phone data could reveal if distraction played a role, and GPS history might place the vehicle at the scene. Even before the vehicle is found, investigators should be seeking out nearby traffic or security cameras to capture possible footage of the car’s movements before or after the incident. But all of this data is time-sensitive: it needs to be secured quickly or it may be lost.

In a hit-and-run crash where someone is seriously hurt, the top priority must be finding out not just who was involved, but why the crash happened in the first place. That means going beyond assumptions, preserving all available evidence and making sure the right questions are asked. For the injured pedestrian and for the community, it’s not just about accountability: it’s about making sure the truth doesn’t get left behind.