Elsa, TX — January 28, 2025, Liliana Reyes was injured following a car accident that occurred at around 6:18 P.M. on FM 88.

An investigation is underway following a car accident that left one person injured during the evening hours of January 28th. According to official reports, Liliana Reyes was walking along FM 88 in the westbound lanes near 4th Street when she was struck by a Chevy pickup.

When first responders arrived on the scene they found that Reyes had sustained serious injuries and transported her to the hospital for treatment. At this time it remains unknown what caused the vehicle to strike Reyes, and officials have not released an update on her condition, however this remains an ongoing investigation and more details may be released in the future.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When I read about a crash like this, my first thought is that those affected deserve clear answers about what happened. While initial reports provide basic details, they often leave out critical information that can help determine why the crash occurred and whether anything could have been done to prevent it. To get a full picture, there are three key questions that need to be asked in every crash investigation.

The first question is whether authorities are conducting a thorough investigation. Law enforcement will typically document the scene, take witness statements, and assess factors such as road conditions, visibility, and lighting, but the depth of these investigations can vary. In a case involving a pedestrian, it’s critical to determine whether the area was well-lit, whether traffic signals and signage were clear, and whether the driver had enough time to react. Investigators should also assess whether the pedestrian was walking in an area designed for foot traffic and if road design played a role in the incident.

The second question is whether anyone has considered the possibility of a vehicle defect. While many assume pedestrian crashes result from human error, mechanical failures can and do contribute to collisions. Investigators should determine whether the vehicle’s braking system was functioning properly and if any advanced safety features—such as pedestrian detection or automatic emergency braking—were present and operating as intended. If a defect played a role, identifying it is critical—not just for this case but to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The third question is whether all available electronic data has been collected. The vehicle likely contains an electronic control module (ECM), which stores critical crash-related data, including speed, braking, and steering inputs leading up to the collision. Additionally, nearby traffic cameras or business surveillance footage could provide key insights into what happened. Cell phone data may also be relevant—not necessarily to suggest distraction, but to determine if the driver received any crucial notifications or warnings about road conditions. If this data is not gathered quickly, it may be lost, making it harder to determine the full picture of how the crash occurred.

At the end of the day, crashes like this don’t just affect those directly involved—they leave families searching for answers. The least we can do as a community is ensure that every crash is investigated as thoroughly as possible so that those answers are found. No one should be left wondering what really happened when the evidence to find out is within reach.