Houston, TX — May 1, 2025, Ivan Ruiz Saldana was killed in a car accident at about 1:15 a.m. in the 11900 block of Bissonnet Street.

Authorities said a man was standing in Bissonnet Street near South Kirkwood Road when he was hit by a black Kia Forte. The car fled after the collision, but it was found later in a nearby parking lot.

The pedestrian, 31-yearold Ivan Ruiz Saldana, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, according to authorities.

The driver of the Kia is not facing any charges at this time, according to a police report.

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

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

After a crash like this, I think most people have plenty of questions. However, some questions tend to be overlooked by crash investigators: questions that go beyond the immediate scene and reach into what really caused the crash and who, if anyone, might bear responsibility. These aren't just legal questions; they’re practical ones that can help bring clarity to a confusing and often painful situation.

First, did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? When a pedestrian is struck and killed, it’s crucial for investigators to look at every element that could have played a role. That includes assessing whether the pedestrian was visible, whether the road design contributed to risk and whether the driver was speeding, distracted or impaired. If the driver isn’t facing any charges, it may suggest authorities reached a conclusion quickly. But that doesn't always mean all the right questions were asked. For example, was there dash cam or surveillance footage? Did investigators analyze skid marks or vehicle damage patterns? These kinds of details can shift our understanding of how and why the crash occurred.

Next, has anyone looked into the possibility that a vehicle defect caused the crash? It’s something that doesn’t get talked about enough. Suppose the vehicle’s headlights weren’t working correctly, or the brakes didn’t respond as expected. Even a tire issue could affect how the car handled in the moments before impact. Most of the time, unless someone makes a specific effort to inspect the car for defects, these problems go unnoticed. But they can be just as important as driver behavior in figuring out what really caused the crash.

Finally, has all the electronic data relating to the crash been collected? Most newer vehicles have engine control modules that store things like speed, brake application and steering input right before a crash. Some even keep track of headlight status and seatbelt use. This data can confirm what a driver reports or reveal something entirely different. But the clock is ticking; once a vehicle is repaired or junked, that data can be erased. Without it, key pieces of the puzzle may be lost for good.

In the aftermath of events like this, asking deeper questions helps uncover what really happened. It's not just about blame; it’s about making sure nothing important slips through the cracks. That kind of clarity can matter a lot to the people left with questions.

Takeaways:

• Investigators should look into road conditions, visibility and driver behavior to fully understand a pedestrian crash.
• Vehicle defects like faulty brakes or lights might contribute to crashes but are often overlooked.
• Data from the car itself can provide critical insights but must be collected before it’s gone.