Irving, TX — March 14, 2025, Maria Mendoza Rico was killed in a car accident at about 4:30 a.m. on State Highway 114.

A preliminary accident report indicates that a 2010 Dodge Avenger was heading east near State Spur 482 when it crashed into a fixed object.

Driver Maria Mendoza Rico, 29, of Greenville died after being transported to a local hospital, according to authorities.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the crash.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When I read about a crash like this, my first thought is that I hope those close to the driver are able to get the answers they need. A single-vehicle collision in the early morning hours that results in a fatality raises several important questions. While it’s easy to assume that such crashes are the result of driver error, that kind of assumption can obscure other contributing factors. To truly understand what happened on State Highway 114, we need to ask three key questions.

First, did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? A vehicle striking a fixed object — whether it was a barrier, a pole or another structure — should be examined with close attention to the crash scene. Were there issues with visibility, road design or surface conditions? Did investigators look for signs of evasive action, such as braking or swerving? In many areas, early morning lighting is limited, and road hazards can become significantly more dangerous. Without a complete reconstruction, important details can be missed or overlooked.

Second, has anyone considered whether a vehicle defect contributed to the crash? A sudden loss of control could be caused by a number of mechanical failures: brake malfunction, steering issues or problems with electronic stability systems. The 2010 Dodge Avenger should be preserved and examined for any such defects, especially given the age of the vehicle. Far too often, vehicles involved in single-vehicle crashes are quickly disposed of or repaired before they can be inspected by independent experts, which means valuable evidence may be lost forever.

Finally, has all the electronic data related to the crash been collected? The Dodge’s engine control module could contain key data points: vehicle speed, brake application, throttle position and steering input leading up to the impact. These records can provide a much clearer picture of what happened in the seconds before the crash. If nearby businesses or highway cameras captured the vehicle's path, that footage may also help in reconstructing the events. As with any electronic evidence, this data needs to be preserved quickly before it becomes unavailable.

Crashes like this deserve a full and detailed investigation. A life was lost, and it’s not enough to assume we know why. Only by asking the right questions, preserving the vehicle and collecting the available data can the victim's family uncover the full story and find the clarity they deserve.