Update (January 30, 2025): Authorities have identified the man killed in this accident as Jonathan Williams, 28, of Southlake.

Euless, TX — January 19, 2025, one person was killed in a car accident at about 2:20 a.m. on the 1000 block of North Main Street.

Authorities said a vehicle crashed into a grocery store after hitting a curb while eastbound on East Harwood Road and leaving the road. The vehicle burst into flames after it hit the building.

The sole occupant of the vehicle was pronounced dead after emergency personnel put out the fire, according to authorities.

The victim's name has not been made public at this point.

The crash is still under investigation.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When a crash results in a fatality, three critical questions must guide any thorough investigation. Did authorities conduct a complete and detailed examination of the crash? Has anyone looked into the possibility that a vehicle defect played a role in the incident? Has all relevant electronic data from the vehicle been collected and analyzed? Each of these questions is vital to ensuring that all contributing factors are identified and addressed.

According to initial reports, the vehicle struck a curb, left the road and collided with a grocery store, ultimately catching fire. While authorities are still investigating, these early descriptions raise several important points. A key part of any crash investigation is determining how and why the driver lost control of the vehicle. Was speed a factor, and if so, were there conditions — such as wet or icy roads — that may have exacerbated the situation? Were there any issues with road signage, lighting or visibility in the area? These are fundamental questions that must be addressed through a combination of on-site analysis and witness statements.

Another important consideration is whether the vehicle itself may have contributed to the crash. When a car strikes a curb and loses control, it’s essential to examine the possibility of mechanical issues such as a tire blowout, suspension failure or steering malfunction. These are not uncommon causes of single-vehicle accidents, and if a defect is found, it could indicate the need for broader safety measures or recalls. Additionally, given that the vehicle caught fire after impact, investigators must determine whether the fire was caused solely by the collision or if it stemmed from a defect in the vehicle’s fuel system, electrical wiring or other components. Post-crash fires can sometimes point to design flaws that warrant further scrutiny.

Finally, securing and analyzing the vehicle’s electronic data is critical. The engine control module (ECM), commonly known as the "black box," can provide crucial details about the moments leading up to the crash. Did the driver attempt to brake or steer to avoid the curb? What was the vehicle’s speed, and were there any mechanical warnings or system malfunctions recorded prior to the crash? This information is often pivotal in reconstructing the sequence of events and determining whether human error, environmental factors, or mechanical issues were at play.

While single-vehicle crashes are often assumed to be the result of driver error, this assumption can overlook significant contributing factors that may not be immediately apparent. By thoroughly investigating the crash site, examining the vehicle for potential defects and collecting all available electronic data, investigators can provide a more complete understanding of the incident. This comprehensive approach not only helps clarify what happened for the victim's family.