Lewisville, TX — December 31, 2024, Jose Gonzalez Jr. was injured following a single-car accident shortly before 11:15 p.m. along Stemmons Freeway.

According to authorities, 34-year-old Jose Gonzalez Jr. and an 8-year-old boy were traveling in a northwest bound GMC Sierra pickup truck on Stemmons Freeway in the vicinity southeast of the S.H. 121 overpass when the accident took place.

The cause of the accident remains unclear. Officials indicate that, reasons yet to be confirmed, the Sierra was involved in a single-vehicle collision. Gonzalez suffered reportedly serious injuries over the course of the accident. It does not appear that the boy who was with him in the pickup was hurt. Additional details pertaining to this incident are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When accidents result in serious injuries, as in the case involving Jose Gonzalez Jr., a careful investigation is essential to understand how and why the crash occurred. Based on my experience with similar incidents, three critical questions must guide the inquiry.

First, did authorities conduct a thorough investigation of the scene? Single-vehicle crashes often prompt assumptions of driver error, but such assumptions must be supported by evidence. Investigators should examine the roadway for potential hazards like debris, surface conditions, or poorly designed curves. The vehicle's final resting position and physical evidence like tire marks could also provide insights into whether Gonzalez attempted evasive maneuvers before the collision.

Second, has anyone considered whether a mechanical defect or failure may have contributed to the crash? Issues like brake malfunctions, tire blowouts, or steering problems can cause a driver to lose control without warning. Identifying and preserving the vehicle for inspection is critical to ruling out or confirming such factors, as these issues might not be immediately apparent at the scene.

Lastly, has all available electronic data been collected? Modern vehicles are equipped with event data recorders (EDRs), which capture crucial information about the vehicle's behavior in the moments leading up to a collision. Data such as speed, braking, and steering inputs can be invaluable for understanding whether mechanical issues, driver inputs, or external factors played a role in the crash.

Accidents like this demand careful scrutiny to uncover all contributing factors. Addressing these questions can ensure that investigators have a clear understanding of what happened and why. For those affected, including Mr. Gonzalez and his family, obtaining these answers is an important step toward clarity and closure.