Caldwell County, TX — January 24, 2025, Mariah Hynes was killed and Patrick Hynes was injured in a car accident at about 9:30 p.m. on F.M. 86.

Authorities said a 2003 Ford F-150 was traveling southwest when it swerved for an unknown reason, causing it to overturn as it approached Fox Lane southeast of Lockhart.

Driver Mariah Katlin Hynes, 32, died in the crash, according to authorities, while Patrick Hynes, 41, suffered suspected minor injuries.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the crash at this time.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When I read about a crash like the one in Caldwell County, my first thought is that those affected deserve clear answers about what happened. A vehicle swerving and overturning may seem like an unfortunate accident, but in my experience, these incidents are often more complex than they first appear. That’s why there are three critical questions that should be asked in any crash investigation.

First, did the authorities conduct a thorough investigation? Single-vehicle crashes don’t always receive the same level of scrutiny as multi-vehicle accidents, yet they deserve just as much attention. A full accident reconstruction should explore what caused the vehicle to swerve: was there an obstacle in the road, such as debris or an animal? Were there any other vehicles in the area that could have contributed? Did road conditions, such as sharp curves, poor lighting or uneven pavement, play a role? Without considering all possibilities, the full story may remain unknown.

Second, has anyone looked into whether a vehicle defect played a role? The Ford F-150 involved in this crash was more than 20 years old, meaning mechanical failure is a real possibility. Sudden steering malfunctions, brake failures or tire blowouts can all cause a driver to lose control, particularly at highway speeds. Older vehicles can also have worn suspension components that may increase the likelihood of a rollover. If the truck wasn’t examined by an expert before being released or scrapped, critical evidence of a defect may already be lost.

Lastly, has all electronic data related to the crash been collected? While older vehicles like this F-150 may not store as much electronic information as newer models, many still have an engine control module that records details such as speed, throttle position and braking activity before impact. Additionally, surveillance footage from nearby businesses, traffic cameras or dashcams from other drivers could provide valuable insights into what happened. Even cell phone data might help determine the vehicle’s exact movements before the crash. If authorities haven’t gathered this evidence, an independent investigation may still be able to do so.

At the end of the day, every serious crash deserves a complete and thorough investigation. Just because a vehicle swerves doesn’t necessarily mean driver error was the sole cause. Those affected deserve to know whether every factor was properly considered. Without answering these three key questions, it’s impossible to say with certainty what led to the crash, and that’s not a conclusion anyone should have to accept.