Kleberg County, TX — July 24, 2025, James Hodges was injured due to a single-vehicle car accident at around 3:38 a.m. along US Highway 77.

According to initial details about the accident, it happened in the area of US 77 and Louisiana Avenue, south of King Avenue.

Investigators said that 53-year-old James Hodges was in a GMC Terrain traveling southbound along the highway. Due to reasons not confirmed right now, the vehicle lost control and crashed. As a result of the accident, James Hodges reportedly was seriously injured.

There were no other reported injuries due to the accident. At this time, additional details are unavailable.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

A common concern I encounter with single-vehicle wrecks is how people can be sure their side of the story is getting its fair shake. People tend to assume authorities have everything covered, but sometimes their efforts come up short. It can be helpful, then, to consider a few key questions up front.

Did investigators take a thorough look at the crash scene?
Single-vehicle accidents are often treated as straightforward, but they’re not always that simple. Careful scene mapping, analysis of skid or yaw marks, and reviewing how the GMC came to rest can shed light on whether the loss of control was sudden, gradual, or tied to another factor. Without that work, important details may never be documented.

Could a vehicle defect have played a role?
Brake or steering malfunctions, tire blowouts, or electronic stability system failures can all cause a vehicle to leave its lane unexpectedly. Beyond what triggered the wreck, defects in airbags or seatbelts can make injuries worse than they should have been. A timely inspection of the GMC is essential before the evidence is lost.

Has all the electronic data been preserved?
The vehicle’s Engine Control Module (ECM) may store information about speed, braking, and steering inputs in the moments before the crash. Cellphone records or nearby security cameras could also provide important context. This type of evidence is time-sensitive and should be secured quickly.

The difference between assumptions and real answers comes down to whether investigators dig deeper and preserve every available piece of evidence. If authorities don't do that on their own, then that's when there may need to be more thorough independent investigations.

Takeaways:

• Single-vehicle crashes deserve detailed reconstruction, not quick assumptions.
• Vehicle or safety system defects can both cause and worsen the outcome.
• ECM data, cameras, and cellphone records are key to uncovering the full story.