Corpus Christi, TX — January 5, 2025, Juan Flores was killed in a car accident at about 6:30 p.m. in the 2900 block of Baldwin Boulevard.

Authorities said a man was walking across the road when he was hit by a pickup traveling west on Baldwin. He was not using a crosswalk.

Juan Flores, 71, died after being taken to a local hospital, according to authorities.

Authorities said the driver of the pickup was not intoxicated at the time of the crash.

The accident is still under investigation.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When examining a crash like the one on Baldwin Boulevard in Corpus Christi, it’s important to address the factors that may have contributed to the collision. Pedestrian accidents often raise questions about visibility, road design and driver behavior. To better understand this incident, we must focus on three key areas: the thoroughness of the investigation, the potential role of a vehicle defect and whether all available evidence, including electronic data, has been preserved.

First, the investigation must comprehensively address the conditions leading to the crash. Authorities noted that the victim was crossing outside of a crosswalk, which is an important detail but does not fully explain why the driver was unable to avoid him. Investigators should consider whether road lighting, signage or other environmental factors affected the driver’s ability to see and react in time. Was the road properly illuminated at the time of the crash? Was the pedestrian visible to the driver? These questions are critical for understanding whether the collision was unavoidable or influenced by external factors. Witness accounts and scene analysis, including measurements of skid marks or other evidence of evasive action, can provide further clarity.

Second, the possibility of a vehicle defect must be explored. The pickup involved in the crash should be examined to ensure its systems, such as brakes and headlights, were functioning properly. For example, were the headlights providing sufficient illumination for the driver to detect a pedestrian crossing the road at night? Similarly, if the vehicle was equipped with advanced safety systems like pedestrian detection or automatic emergency braking, it’s crucial to determine whether those systems engaged as expected. Preserving the vehicle for inspection is essential to answering these questions.

Finally, collecting and analyzing electronic data is vital. The pickup’s engine control module can provide critical information about speed, braking, and steering inputs in the moments leading up to the crash. This data might clarify whether the driver had adequate time to react and if they took evasive action. Additionally, nearby traffic or surveillance cameras could capture footage that offers insights into the visibility conditions, the movements of the pedestrian and the actions of the driver. Promptly securing this evidence is necessary to ensure it remains available for analysis.

By addressing these three areas, we can gain a clearer understanding of what caused this accident. Providing answers to these questions is not just about determining responsibility; it also informs efforts to improve road and pedestrian safety for everyone.