Zapata County, TX — November 9, 2024, Margarita Villarreal was killed and another was injured in a car accident shortly before 2:15 p.m. along U.S. 83.

According to authorities, 78-year-old Margarita Villarreal was traveling in a northbound Toyota Highlander on U.S. Highway 83 in the vicinity southeast of Garcia Cemetery when the accident took place.

Details surrounding the accident remain scarce. Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, a southbound Ford F-150 occupied by a 79-year-old man failed to safely maintain its lane of travel. It apparently veered left of center, entering into the oncoming lane of traffic. There, it was involved in a collision with the northbound Highlander. Villarreal sustained fatal injuries over the course of the accident, according to reports. The man from the pickup truck suffered reportedly serious injuries, as well. Additional details pertaining to this incident are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When an accident results in the loss of life and serious injuries, a thorough investigation is essential to uncover how and why it occurred. In my experience, incidents like this require careful consideration of three key questions.

First, did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? A vehicle veering into an oncoming lane raises immediate concerns about what caused it to leave its lane. Investigators should analyze evidence from the scene, including tire marks, vehicle damage, and debris patterns, to reconstruct the events leading to the collision. Witness statements and any available traffic camera footage could help clarify the movements of the Ford F-150 and Toyota Highlander before impact, particularly regarding whether factors like speed, distraction, or road conditions played a role.

Second, has anyone considered whether a vehicle defect might have contributed to the crash? Mechanical failures such as brake malfunctions, steering issues, or tire blowouts could explain why the pickup truck crossed the center line. A forensic examination of the Ford F-150 is essential to identify or rule out such possibilities. Additionally, the safety systems of both vehicles, such as seat belts and airbags, should be evaluated to determine whether they operated correctly to protect their occupants during the collision.

Finally, has all relevant electronic data been collected? Modern vehicles like the Ford F-150 and Toyota Highlander are equipped with event data recorders (EDRs) that capture critical information such as speed, braking, and steering inputs leading up to the crash. This data can provide key insights into whether the truck’s movements were consistent with driver input or indicative of a mechanical failure. Nearby surveillance footage, if available, could also provide additional context about the vehicles’ paths and the conditions on the roadway.

Accidents involving severe outcomes, such as fatalities and serious injuries, demand comprehensive investigations to uncover all contributing factors. By addressing these questions, investigators can work toward providing a clearer understanding of what happened and why. A thorough investigation is the least that can be done to ensure every possible factor is carefully examined. For the loved ones of Margarita Villarreal and for the injured man in the Ford F-150, obtaining these answers is an essential step toward clarity and closure.