San Marcos, TX — April 17, 2025, Kenneth West was injured in a car accident at about 2:30 a.m. on State Loop 82/Aquarena Springs Drive.

A preliminary accident report indicates that a 2013 Ford Focus collided with a 2017 Jeep Cherokee at the intersection with the northbound Interstate 35 frontage road.

Ford driver Kenneth West, 20, was seriously injured in the crash, according to the report.

Jeep driver Jason Hernandez, 26, and his passengers, a 25-year-old woman and a baby boy, were listed as possibly injured, the report states.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the Hays County crash.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When I read about a crash like this, my first thought is that I hope everyone involved receives the care they need and that the investigation provides clear answers about how the collision occurred. A two-vehicle crash at an intersection in the early morning hours often involves factors that aren’t immediately obvious. To fully understand what happened on Aquarena Springs Drive, we need to ask three critical questions.

First, did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? In any intersection collision, determining who had the right-of-way is essential. Were traffic control devices such as lights or stop signs functioning properly? Was visibility adequate, and were the markings and signage clear for drivers approaching from both directions? At 2:30 a.m., lighting conditions and driver awareness can vary significantly, making a detailed scene analysis especially important to assess whether road conditions, layout or signal timing played a role in the collision.

Second, has anyone considered whether a vehicle defect may have contributed to the crash or to the severity of the injuries? Both the 2013 Ford Focus and 2017 Jeep Cherokee should be inspected for potential mechanical failures. For example, did either vehicle have issues with brakes, steering or lights that could have affected the ability to avoid a collision? Additionally, given the serious injury reported and the presence of a baby among the occupants, it's important to determine whether seatbelts, airbags and child restraint systems functioned as they should have. These details require prompt, professional inspection before the vehicles are altered or released.

Finally, has all the electronic and digital data related to the crash been collected? Both vehicles are equipped with engine control modules that likely captured information about speed, braking, throttle input and steering actions in the moments leading up to the crash. This information is key to understanding how each driver was operating their vehicle and whether either one attempted to avoid the collision. If any nearby businesses or traffic cameras recorded the incident, that footage could also help reconstruct the events more accurately. These data sources are often time-sensitive and must be preserved quickly.

Crashes like this require careful, methodical investigation. A driver was seriously hurt, and others may have been as well. The question of what caused the crash, and whether anything could have been done to prevent it, can only be answered by examining all available evidence and considering every potential factor. That’s the only way to ensure accountability and provide the clarity that those affected deserve.