Calcasieu Parish, LA — February 5, 2025, Jerrad Eisenbach was killed following a car accident that occurred at around 3:00 P.M. on Lewis Cutoff Road.

An investigation is underway following a car accident that left one person dead during the afternoon hours of February 5th . According to official reports, a Buick Enclave driven by Jerrad Eisenbach of Cross Plains, TX was traveling on Lewis Cutoff Road in the northbound lanes when for unknown reasons the vehicle lost control and left the road where it struck a tree.

When first responders arrived on the scene they found that Eisenbach had sustained fatal injuries and he was pronounced deceased at at he scene. At this time it remains unknown what caused the vehicle to lose control, however this remains an ongoing investigation and more details may be released by authorities in the future.

Commentary

When I read about a crash like this, my first thought is that those affected deserve clear answers about what happened. While initial reports provide basic details, they often leave out critical information that can help determine why the crash occurred and whether anything could have been done to prevent it. To get a full picture, there are three key questions that need to be asked in every crash investigation.

The first question is whether authorities are conducting a thorough investigation. Law enforcement will typically document the scene, assess road conditions, and examine physical evidence, but the depth of these investigations can vary. In a case where a vehicle unexpectedly leaves the road and crashes, it’s important to determine whether external factors—such as road conditions, weather, or another driver’s actions—played a role. Additionally, investigators should consider whether visibility, road design, or an obstruction contributed to the loss of control.

The second question is whether anyone has considered the possibility of a vehicle defect. While many assume single-vehicle crashes result from driver error, mechanical failures are often overlooked. A sudden loss of control could indicate problems with the vehicle’s steering, brakes, tires, or suspension. Additionally, modern vehicles are designed to provide crash protection—so investigators should examine whether the vehicle’s safety systems performed as expected. If a defect contributed to the crash, identifying it is critical—not only for this case but to prevent similar incidents in the future. However, one of the biggest challenges in proving a defect is maintaining access to the vehicle before it is scrapped or repaired.

The third question is whether all available electronic data has been collected. The vehicle likely contains an electronic control module (ECM), which stores valuable crash-related data, including speed, braking, and steering inputs in the moments leading up to the incident. Additionally, surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras could provide further clarity about what happened. If investigators fail to collect this data quickly, it may be lost, making it harder to determine the full picture of how the crash occurred.

At the end of the day, crashes like this don’t just affect those directly involved—they leave families searching for answers. The least we can do as a community is ensure that every crash is investigated as thoroughly as possible so that those answers are found. No one should be left wondering what really happened when the evidence to find out is within reach.