Smith County, TX — May 18, 2025, a pedestrian was injured in a hit-and-run accident at about 2 a.m. on Harvey Road/County Road 433.

A preliminary accident report indicates that a southbound 2020 Ford F-150 and a northbound 2015 Nissan Sentra collided. An unoccupied vehicle and a pedestrian also were hit.

The pedestrian, a 31-year-old man whose name has not been made public yet, suffered serious injuries in the crash, according to the report.

The driver of the Ford was cited for speeding and failure to stop and render aid after a crash, the report states.

No other injuries were reported.

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

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

After a serious crash involving a pedestrian, particularly one where someone chose to flee the scene, there's always more beneath the surface than just the impact itself. These moments aren’t just chaotic; they demand a level of scrutiny that goes far beyond issuing citations or reviewing basic details. What's often missed can be what matters most.

1. Did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash?

When someone is hit on foot in a complex scene involving multiple vehicles and a hit-and-run, basic scene documentation isn’t enough. Questions linger about whether authorities used crash reconstruction tools, analyzed vehicle positions and studied driver actions before impact. The presence of an unoccupied vehicle adds another layer; was it parked, moving or already damaged? These are the kinds of questions that take time and technical know-how to resolve. Not every agency has a trained crash reconstructionist on hand at 2 a.m., and in rural areas like Smith County, resources can be stretched thin. Thorough analysis can make the difference between an informed outcome and a guess.

2. Has anyone looked into the possibility that a vehicle defect caused the crash?

When crashes involve multiple vehicles and end with someone on foot being struck, the mechanics of each vehicle need to be questioned. A stuck accelerator, faulty brakes or sensor issues — especially in newer vehicles — can’t be ruled out without a close mechanical review. The involvement of a newer model truck and an older sedan presents two different sets of potential issues. Without pulling those vehicles aside for detailed inspection, any mechanical failure that contributed might go unnoticed.

3. Has all the electronic data relating to the crash been collected?

Today’s vehicles store a surprising amount of information: speed, braking, steering input and even attempts to avoid a crash. In hit-and-run cases, that data can help distinguish panic from intent. And if the pedestrian had a phone, GPS data could confirm his movements before impact. Traffic cameras, if present, or nearby surveillance could fill in critical gaps, but only if someone takes the time to gather that footage before it disappears. A failure to secure digital evidence early can close the door on key truths.

When crashes happen in the early hours, it’s easy to chalk them up to reckless driving and move on. But deeper questions — about how things unfolded, what went wrong and what got missed — are what lead to real answers. Those questions don’t just help one case; they improve how we understand crashes going forward.

Key Takeaways:

• Serious crashes need more than just a police report; they need full accident reconstruction.
• Mechanical issues could play a hidden role if nobody inspects the vehicles involved.
• Electronic data from cars and phones may hold key evidence, but only if it’s collected quickly.