Houston, TX — May 5, 2025, Justin Garza and one other person were injured following a car accident at approximately 7:00 a.m. along Sam Houston Parkway.

According to authorities, 33-year-old Justin Garza was traveling in an eastbound Mazda 3 on Sam Houston Parkway at the Veterans Memorial Drive intersection when the accident took place.

The intersection is apparently controlled by a traffic signal. Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, a northbound Dodge Charger occupied by a 27-year-old man entered the intersection at an apparently unsafe time, failing to heed the red light indicated by the signal. A collision consequently took place between the Charger and the Mazda.

Garza reportedly sustained serious injuries as a result of the accident. The man from the Charger suffered minor injuries, as well, according to reports. Additional details pertaining to this incident are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.

Commentary

Crashes at signalized intersections often come down to timing—who had the green and who didn’t. But when someone is seriously injured and another driver is suspected of running a red light, the next steps can’t rest on assumptions. They need to be backed by evidence and a clear understanding of the full sequence of events.

1. Did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash?
In collisions like this, it’s not enough to rely on what someone said at the scene. Investigators should confirm the signal status at the exact moment of impact. That means reviewing traffic camera footage, checking light-cycle data, and examining vehicle positions leading into the intersection. Without that level of detail, it’s hard to say with certainty whether the Charger ran the red—or if something else was at play.

2. Has anyone looked into the possibility that a vehicle defect caused the crash?
If the Dodge Charger failed to stop, it’s worth asking why. Did the driver misjudge the light—or did the car fail to respond when he tried to brake? A problem with the braking system, traction control, or onboard sensors could easily contribute to a delayed or ineffective stop. These aren’t always issues you can spot visually. They require a detailed mechanical and electronic inspection of the vehicle.

3. Has all the electronic data relating to the crash been collected?
Both the Charger and the Mazda 3 likely carry event data recorders that could tell the full story: speed, throttle input, braking effort, and even seatbelt usage. If retrieved, that data might show whether the Charger attempted to stop—or whether it accelerated through the light. Phone or navigation data could also help determine whether distraction played a role. Without collecting that information promptly, the clearest answers may be lost.

Signal-controlled intersections can be deceptive. They seem cut and dry, but a lot can happen in a few seconds. That’s why the investigation has to go beyond the surface and ask the harder questions.

• Traffic light timing and vehicle behavior must be confirmed, not assumed.
• Brake or control failures in the Charger could explain the failure to stop.
• Digital vehicle data can show who tried to avoid the crash—and who didn’t.