Houston, TX — November 10, 2024, Jorge Rasco-Gonzalez Jr. and one other person were injured in a car accident at about 3 a.m. on Westheimer Road/F.M. 1093.

A preliminary accident report indicates three vehicles, a 2021 Toyota RAV4, a 2008 Honda Civic and a 2024 Mitsubishi, were involved in a crash while eastbound near Eldridge Parkway South.

Honda driver Jorge G. Rascon-Gonzales Jr. and the 22-year-old man driving the Toyota, whose name has not been made public, suffered suspected serious injuries in the crash, according to authorities.

No other injuries were reported.

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

Commentary

When I see a report like this, my first thought is that I hope those injured get the answers they need about what caused this crash. Multi-vehicle accidents can be especially complex, and while the report confirms that three vehicles were involved, it doesn’t explain how the crash unfolded or why it happened. To truly understand the situation, three critical questions must be asked.

First, did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? Determining how three vehicles became involved in a collision requires more than just documenting the scene. Investigators should analyze vehicle damage patterns, skid marks and roadway conditions to reconstruct the sequence of events. Were there any traffic signals, lane changes or sudden braking that contributed to the crash? Did authorities speak with witnesses or check for surveillance footage from nearby businesses? The quality of this investigation will determine whether the injured drivers get a full and accurate account of what happened.

Second, has anyone looked into the possibility that a vehicle defect contributed to the crash? While multi-vehicle accidents are often assumed to be caused by driver error, mechanical failures — such as brake malfunctions, unintended acceleration or steering issues — should not be ruled out. The vehicles involved range from a 16-year-old Honda to a brand-new Mitsubishi, meaning both aging components and potential manufacturing defects could be factors. Unfortunately, vehicle defects are rarely examined unless someone specifically pushes for a forensic inspection. If the vehicles are repaired or discarded before an expert can examine them, crucial evidence may be lost.

Third, has all the electronic data relating to the crash been collected? Modern vehicles, including those involved in this crash, likely have engine control modules (ECMs) that may contain critical crash data such as speed, braking activity and steering inputs. Additionally, security cameras, dashcams or even cell phone data could provide valuable insight into how the crash occurred. Without this data, authorities may be left with only partial information, which could lead to unanswered questions.

At the end of the day, those involved in this crash deserve clear and complete answers about what led to it. The least we can do is ensure that every effort is made to uncover the full truth.