El Paso County, TX — February 2, 2025, Johnny Sanchez was injured in a single-vehicle accident shortly before 12:30 a.m. along Montana Avenue (U.S. Highway 180).

According to authorities, 47-year-old Johnny Sanchez was traveling in a Chevrolet on U.S. 180 in the vicinity northeast of the Camino Buena Suerte intersection when the accident took place.

The cause of the accident remains unclear. Officials indicate that, for reasons yet to be confirmed, the Chevrolet was involved in a single-vehicle accident in which it apparently collided with the median barrier. Sanchez suffered reportedly serious injuries over the course of the accident. Additional details pertaining to this incident are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.

Commentary

When I read about a crash like the one that left Johnny Sanchez seriously injured, I know that many people will assume it was simply a case of driver error. While that’s certainly a possibility, my experience has shown me that single-vehicle crashes—especially those involving collisions with median barriers—are often more complex than they first appear. Instead of making assumptions, it’s important to ask the right questions to ensure that all possible contributing factors are explored. To that end, there are three critical questions that need to be considered.

First, did the authorities conduct a thorough investigation? When a vehicle crashes into a median barrier, investigators should determine whether external factors played a role. Did law enforcement examine the roadway for hazards such as poor lighting, uneven pavement, or debris? Did they collect statements from any available witnesses? Were there indications that another vehicle’s actions contributed to the crash but left the scene? The quality of the investigation will determine whether all possible explanations are explored or if key details are overlooked.

Second, has anyone looked into whether a vehicle defect contributed to the crash? A sudden loss of control or inability to stop can sometimes be linked to mechanical failures rather than driver error. Issues with braking, steering, or electronic stability control could prevent a driver from maintaining control. Additionally, modern vehicles often include lane-keeping assistance and collision avoidance systems—if those systems failed to function properly, that would be important to investigate. Unfortunately, these factors are rarely examined unless someone specifically requests a forensic vehicle inspection. If the vehicle is quickly repaired or scrapped, any evidence of a defect may be lost before it can be analyzed.

Lastly, have investigators gathered all available electronic data? Most modern vehicles are equipped with event data recorders (EDRs), which capture crucial details such as speed, braking, and steering inputs in the moments leading up to a crash. This data could help clarify whether the driver attempted to correct the vehicle’s path or if the vehicle responded unpredictably. Additionally, if any nearby businesses or traffic cameras recorded the crash, that footage could provide valuable context. If this evidence isn’t secured quickly, it may become unavailable, making it harder to determine the full circumstances of the accident.

At the end of the day, answering these questions could be essential to understanding what really happened and why. A thorough examination of all three of these issues—including the quality of police investigations, possible vehicle defects, and electronic data—is the least that can be done to ensure that those affected by the crash receive the clarity they deserve.