Sherman County, TX — July 21, 2024, James Chisholm and another person were injured in a single-car accident at approximately 9:30 p.m. along County Road BB.
According to authorities, 58-year-old James Chisholm and a 56-year-old woman were traveling in a westbound Ford F-150 pickup truck on C.R. BB in the vicinity east of the C.R. 18 intersection when the accident took place.
The cause of the accident remains unclear. Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, the pickup truck failed to safely maintain its lane of travel. It reportedly veered left, crossing over the eastbound lane before leaving the roadway completely. It then continued in a roadside ditch, striking a saltwater tank and going airborne before coming to a stop facing westbound and resting on its wheels.
Reports state that Chisholm suffered serious injuries over the course of the accident, while the woman who was with him in the vehicle was moderately hurt. They were each transported to area medical facilities by EMS in order to receive necessary treatment. Additional details pertaining to this incident are not available at this point in time.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
When I read about a single-vehicle accident like the one that left James Chisholm and his passenger injured, I know that many people will assume the driver simply lost control. While that’s always a possibility, I’ve seen enough cases to know that crashes like this often have more to them than meets the eye. Before drawing conclusions, it’s essential to ensure that the investigation fully explores all potential contributing factors. To that end, there are three critical questions that need to be asked.
First, did the authorities conduct a thorough investigation? Given that the vehicle veered across the roadway, left the pavement, and ultimately struck a structure before going airborne, it’s important to determine whether an external factor contributed to the loss of control. Were there road hazards or unexpected obstructions that caused the vehicle to swerve? Did law enforcement check for any potential mechanical failures or tire issues? Did witnesses report anything unusual leading up to the crash? A complete investigation should take all of these possibilities into account to ensure that no key details are overlooked.
Second, has anyone looked into whether a vehicle defect played a role? When a vehicle abruptly leaves the roadway, mechanical issues should always be considered. Problems with the steering system, brakes, or tires could all cause a sudden loss of control. Additionally, vehicles with a high center of gravity—such as pickup trucks—are often more prone to stability issues, making it even more important to ensure that all safety systems were functioning properly. Unfortunately, unless someone specifically requests a forensic examination, potential defects often go unnoticed. If the vehicle is repaired or scrapped before a proper analysis is conducted, valuable evidence may be lost.
Lastly, have investigators gathered all available electronic data? Most modern vehicles are equipped with event data recorders (EDRs), which capture crucial information such as speed, braking, and steering input leading up to a crash. This data could help clarify whether the driver attempted to regain control or if the vehicle’s behavior was unexpected. Additionally, any available surveillance footage from nearby properties or dashcams from passing vehicles could provide valuable context. If this information isn’t collected quickly, it could be lost, making it much harder to determine the true cause of the crash.
At the end of the day, answering these questions could be essential to understanding what really happened. Single-vehicle accidents are often assumed to be the driver’s fault, but making that assumption without a thorough investigation could prevent the truth from coming to light. A complete review of all possible factors—including road conditions, vehicle defects, and electronic data—is the least that can be done to ensure that those affected by the crash receive the answers they deserve.
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