Rockwall County, TX — January 6, 2026, Jayleigh Carter was injured in a car accident at about 5:35 a.m. in the 3600 block of F.M. 548 south of Royce City.

A preliminary accident report indicates that a 2024 Hyundai Tucson and a 2016 Toyota 4Runner collided head-on west of Crenshaw Road. The report notes the Hyundai lost control due to defective or slick tires.

Hyundai driver Jayleigh Carter, 21, was seriously injured in the crash, according to the report.

The Toyota driver, a 44-year-old woman, suffered minor injuries, the report states.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the Rockwall County crash at this time.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

Serious crashes often leave more questions than answers. Early reports tend to offer a quick explanation, but quick answers are not always complete ones. When injuries are severe, it’s worth slowing down and asking whether the full story has really been uncovered.

Did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? In any head-on collision, a basic scene review is only the starting point. A careful investigation should include detailed measurements, photographs and possibly laser mapping to show exactly where each vehicle traveled before impact. Investigators should look at steering input, braking marks, speed estimates and whether either driver attempted to avoid the crash.

It also matters who handled the reconstruction. Some officers have advanced training in crash dynamics, while others may not have the same depth of experience. Complex collisions often require time and technical skill to piece together properly. If the conclusion rests mainly on surface observations, important factors could be missed.

Has anyone looked into the possibility that a vehicle defect caused the crash? When a report mentions tire problems, that raises another layer of concern. Tires do not become defective by accident. Were they worn unevenly? Was there a manufacturing flaw? Did a sudden tread separation occur? A close mechanical inspection should be done before vehicles are repaired, salvaged or destroyed.

Beyond tires, other components deserve attention. Steering systems, electronic stability control and braking systems can all affect whether a driver can regain control. Modern vehicles rely heavily on sensors and onboard computers. If something malfunctioned, it may not be obvious without a detailed inspection.

Has all the electronic data relating to the crash been collected? Most newer vehicles record key data before and during a collision. Engine control modules can show speed, braking, throttle position and seatbelt use in the moments leading up to impact. That information can either confirm early assumptions or challenge them.

Phone records can also help clarify whether distraction played a role. In addition, GPS data and nearby surveillance cameras sometimes capture movements that human memory cannot. This kind of evidence can disappear quickly if it is not preserved early.

When serious injuries are involved, assumptions should not carry the day. Careful reconstruction, mechanical review and electronic data collection often reveal details that a quick report cannot. The right questions help ensure the facts are complete, not just convenient.

Key Takeaways:

• A thorough crash reconstruction requires time, training and detailed measurements.
• Mechanical inspections are critical when tire or control issues are mentioned.
• Electronic data can confirm what really happened in the seconds before impact.