Moore County, TX — January 20, 2025, James Ball was killed and Leonard Campbell and Claudio Bustillos-Diaz were injured in a car accident on F.M. 281.

According to initial details about the accident, it took place in the area of Cactus along Farm-to-Market 281.

In their statements, authorities said that 65-year-old James Ball was in a Toyota Tundra going eastbound. 36-year-old Leonard Campbell and 44-year-old Claudio Bustillos-Diaz were in a westbound Chevy Silverado. For reasons not clear right now, the vehicles collided head-on.

Due to the collision, James Ball was killed. Bustillos-Diaz had reportedly serious injuries while Campbell's injuries were said to be non-life-threatening. Currently, additional details about the accident remain unavailable.

Commentary

Following any serious accident, it’s essential to ensure the crash is investigated thoroughly. It would surprise people how often families call me with concerns because they feel authorities may not be handling their situation properly. Reassuring those folks and uncovering the full story, then, often requires asking some critical questions.

The first question is whether authorities had the time, tools, and expertise to fully investigate the crash. Determining how two vehicles collided head-on can involve analyzing tire marks, points of impact, and possible evasive maneuvers. Did investigators carefully examine the roadway for hazards, such as poor signage or debris? Were visibility, weather, and road design evaluated? Without proper time and resources, crucial details may be missed, leaving victims and families with incomplete answers.

The second question is whether a vehicle defect might have played a role. Issues like brake or steering malfunctions, tire blowouts, or problems with safety equipment such as seatbelts or airbags could have contributed to the crash or worsened its outcome. A forensic inspection of both vehicles is critical to uncover any potential defects, but such detailed investigations often require specialized expertise that authorities might not always provide.

Finally, was all available electronic evidence collected and analyzed? Modern vehicles store valuable data in their Engine Control Modules (ECMs), which can reveal information about speed, braking, and steering inputs in the moments leading up to the crash. Additionally, cellphone activity—one of the first things I look for when investigating an accident—may slip through the cracks if authorities aren't provided the records voluntarily. GPS logs or nearby surveillance footage could also offer key insights into what happened, but this all can be time-sensitive and easily overwritten or deleted.

Ultimately, authorities may be able to provide clear, convincing answers for victims and families. That can be a sign that their investigations were thorough. Otherwise, if there appear to be missing pieces to the puzzle, or if folks feel their concerns aren't being adequately addressed, it can be a sign that the crash needs another set of eyes looking things over to ensure nothing slips through the cracks.