Freestone County, TX — January 3, 2025, Joel Raines was killed as the result of a car accident at around 5:51 p.m. along Farm-to-Market 488.

Preliminary information from the authorities say that the crash took place between U.S. 287 and F.M. 416.

According to officials, 68-year-old Joel Raines was in a Buick going southbound along the roadway. For reasons unclear, the vehicle ended up going off the side of the road and crashing. As a result, Joel Raines was killed.

There did not appear to be anyone else involved in the accident. Right now, additional details about the crash are unavailable.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

Single-vehicle accidents may seem straightforward, but in my experience, they’re often much more complex than they appear. Understanding why a vehicle left the road or crashed requires asking some critical questions to ensure every possibility is explored. I've found that a few key questions can help in that regard.

The first question is whether authorities had the time, tools, and training to conduct a thorough investigation. A vehicle leaving the roadway can involve numerous factors, such as road hazards, visibility issues, or driver actions to avoid an obstacle. Did investigators carefully document the scene, noting tire marks, debris, or other signs that might explain the crash? Were environmental conditions like lighting, weather, or roadway design fully considered? Without this level of detail, important contributors to the crash might be overlooked.

The second question is whether a vehicle defect could have played a role. Mechanical issues, such as brake or steering failures, are a common cause of single-vehicle accidents. Additionally, safety equipment like seatbelts or airbags may not have functioned correctly, worsening the outcome. Identifying these issues requires a detailed forensic inspection of the vehicle, which isn’t something authorities always have the tools or resources to do. Acting quickly to preserve the vehicle for analysis is crucial to ensuring potential defects are uncovered.

Lastly, it’s vital to ask whether all electronic evidence has been secured. Modern vehicles are equipped with Engine Control Modules (ECMs) that store critical data about speed, braking, and steering inputs leading up to the crash. Additional data from cellphones, GPS devices, or nearby cameras could provide important insights into the moments before the accident. This evidence is time-sensitive and must be preserved quickly to avoid being lost or overwritten.

If authorities can provide satisfactory answers to these questions, it can be a sign that they've been thorough in their efforts. However, if the answers come up short or leave doubts, that can be a sign that the crash needs attention from more thorough independent investigators.