Houston County, TX — March 28, 2025, Lonzo Johnson was injured in a single-vehicle car accident at approximately 1:30 p.m. along County Road 1630.

According to authorities, 73-year-old Lonzo Johnson III was traveling in a northwest bound Volkswagen Tiguan on C.R. 1630 in the vicinity of the Burns Cemetery when the accident took place.

The cause of the accident remains unclear. Officials indicate that, for reasons yet to be confirmed, the Tiguan failed to safely maintain its lane of travel. It was consequently involved in a single-vehicle collision in which it apparently struck at tree. Johnson reportedly sustained serious injuries over the course of the accident. Additional details pertaining to this incident are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

In any serious single-vehicle crash, it’s important not to rush to judgment about what might have happened. Having handled countless motor vehicle accident cases over the years, I’ve seen firsthand how assumptions can get in the way of the truth. Too often, these situations are chalked up to “driver error” without considering other possible factors. That’s why I always emphasize the importance of asking three key questions in every accident investigation.

First, did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? When a vehicle leaves the road and hits a fixed object, a proper investigation should include a close look at the scene—roadway conditions, tire marks, skid patterns, and the location of the impact. But depending on the department, the level of detail in these investigations can vary. Not all agencies have the same resources or training to conduct in-depth crash reconstructions, especially when no other vehicles are involved.

Second, has anyone explored the possibility of a vehicle defect? A sudden mechanical failure, such as a steering issue, brake malfunction, or tire blowout, could easily lead to a crash like this. Unfortunately, unless the vehicle is preserved and inspected by qualified experts, signs of a defect may never come to light. It’s all too common for vehicles to be repaired or disposed of before anyone has a chance to take a closer look.

Third, has all the electronic data been retrieved? Modern vehicles often contain event data recorders that store valuable information, including vehicle speed, brake use, and steering input in the seconds before a crash. That kind of evidence can be the key to understanding whether the crash was the result of human error or a deeper mechanical issue. But this data can disappear quickly if steps aren’t taken to secure it.

Getting to the bottom of what happened in a crash like this isn’t always simple, but it’s necessary. Asking the right questions early is the best way to ensure that those affected by the crash get the clarity and closure they deserve.