Harris County, TX — December 28, 2024, one person was injured in a hit-and-run car accident at approximately 9:30 p.m. along Interstate Highway 10.

According to authorities, a 49-year-old man was traveling in a westbound Volkswagen Jetta on I.H. 10 in the vicinity west of Elysian Street when the accident took place.

Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, a collision took place between the rear-end of the Jetta and the front-end of a westbound vehicle of unknown make or model which had apparently failed to appropriately control its speed. A westbound Pontiac was also somehow involved in the wreck. The unknown vehicle allegedly fled the scene, the person(s) inside failing to stop and render aid of any sort to the victim.

The man in the Jetta reportedly suffered serious injuries over the course of the accident. Additional details pertaining to this incident—including the identity of the victim—are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When a serious accident like the one reported on Interstate Highway 10 near Elysian Street occurs, it’s critical to make sure that every avenue of investigation is properly pursued. With over 30 years of experience handling serious accident cases, I know that the path to understanding what really happened always begins with careful, methodical questioning—not quick assumptions.

First, it’s essential to consider whether authorities conducted a thorough investigation of the crash scene. In hit-and-run accidents especially, evidence can quickly disappear if officials aren't diligent. Investigators should have documented the scene fully, gathered witness accounts, and searched for any surveillance footage that might identify the fleeing vehicle. It’s important to confirm whether those steps were actually taken here.

Second, it’s important to ask whether a mechanical defect could have played a role in the crash. If the unknown vehicle was unable to slow or stop in time, investigators should consider whether that was due to driver error or possibly a failure in the vehicle’s braking system. Without inspecting the suspect vehicle—assuming it’s located—critical answers could be lost.

Finally, the question must be raised whether all available electronic data was collected. Vehicles today often store valuable information about speed, braking, and steering inputs leading up to a collision. Even though the fleeing vehicle is still unknown, authorities should secure the data from the Volkswagen and Pontiac to better understand their movements and timing relative to the crash.

Answering these three questions is critical to making sure that no stone is left unturned in understanding the causes of a crash like this. Serious wrecks deserve serious investigation, not assumptions. Getting clear answers to these questions is crucial for those seeking to understand what happened and why—and it's the least that can be done to help those affected find the clarity and closure they deserve.