Longview, TX — July 18, 2025, a pedestrian was injured in a hit-and-run accident at about 9:30 p.m. in the 700 block of East Marshall Avenue/U.S. Highway 80.

A preliminary accident report indicates that an unknown vehicle hit a pedestrian while heading west near North Fourth Street.

The pedestrian, a 79-year-old man, was seriously injured in the crash, according to authorities. His name has not been made public yet.

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

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

After dark, streets can feel more uncertain, for drivers and pedestrians alike. When something goes wrong, the truth doesn't always come to light quickly. That's especially true when the person responsible doesn’t stay at the scene. But even in these hard-to-pin-down situations, critical questions can still guide us toward answers.

Did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? When a pedestrian is hurt and the driver takes off, every detail left behind becomes more important. Investigators ideally would secure the scene quickly, collect surveillance footage from nearby businesses and talk to anyone who might’ve seen what happened. Without a known suspect, the quality of the investigation hinges on how quickly those first steps were taken. In smaller jurisdictions, it's not uncommon for officers to lack advanced training in pedestrian crash analysis, which can leave significant questions unanswered.

Has anyone looked into the possibility that a vehicle defect caused the crash? It’s easy to assume a hit-and-run is all about the driver’s behavior. But it’s worth asking: what if the driver didn’t realize they struck someone? It happens more than people think, especially with larger vehicles or certain blind spots. A malfunctioning sensor or failed automatic alert system might play a role, and if the vehicle is eventually located, a mechanical inspection could shed some light.

Has all the electronic data relating to the crash been collected? With no vehicle immediately identified, data becomes the long shot, but sometimes the best one. Security cameras along the route may have caught a partial license plate or vehicle make. Traffic light cameras, business surveillance or even nearby dashcams might provide more than just a blurry glimpse. If the suspect vehicle is found, pulling GPS records or system logs could confirm speed, braking and even phone use leading up to the moment of impact.

No one expects to walk down the street and end up in a hospital. And when the facts are scarce, there's a risk that key evidence goes uncollected or overlooked. It’s only by asking the harder questions that the full picture ever emerges.

Key Takeaways:

• Hit-and-run investigations rely heavily on how quickly and thoroughly officers collect evidence at the scene.
• Mechanical issues, especially in larger or newer vehicles, may cause drivers to be unaware they hit someone.
• Video surveillance and vehicle data can be critical tools in identifying and understanding these incidents.