Hewitt, TX — January 9, 2025, Mark Perez was injured in a car accident at about 6 p.m. on northbound Interstate 35.

A preliminary accident report indicates that a 2015 Volkswagen Jetta lost control on the icy highway and crashed into the median barrier.

Driver Mark Perez, 26, suffered serious injuries in the crash, according to the report.

The report notes the Jetta had defective tires at the time of the crash.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the McLennan County crash.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When I read about a crash like this, my first thought is that I hope the injured driver is receiving the medical attention he needs, and that investigators are taking a closer look at the specific mechanical issues noted in the report. A collision involving loss of control on an icy road is not uncommon during winter weather, but when the report highlights defective tires, that opens up a much broader conversation. To fully understand what happened on northbound Interstate 35 in Hewitt, we need to ask three critical questions.

First, did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? While icy conditions can create dangerous scenarios, a full crash investigation should go beyond weather alone. Did road crews treat this section of the highway prior to the incident? Were there signs warning of slick conditions? Was the crash location in an area known for poor drainage or ice buildup? A comprehensive scene analysis is essential to determine how much of the crash was attributable to environmental conditions versus vehicle-related factors.

Second, has anyone looked into the possibility that a vehicle defect caused or contributed to the crash? The report’s mention of defective tires is particularly significant. Tires are a vehicle’s first line of defense on icy roads, and their condition — tread depth, inflation, type and age — can make the difference between control and a spinout. If the tires were improperly installed, manufactured with flaws, or sold in unsafe condition, then there may be grounds to explore liability beyond the driver. Furthermore, it's worth inspecting the vehicle's anti-lock braking system and traction control to determine whether they functioned properly when the driver attempted to regain control.

Finally, has all the electronic data related to the crash been collected? The Volkswagen Jetta likely includes an engine control module capable of capturing data such as vehicle speed, brake pressure and steering input in the seconds before impact. This data can help determine whether the driver attempted evasive maneuvers and how the vehicle responded. Combined with environmental and mechanical evidence, this digital information is key to reconstructing the full picture of the crash.

This case illustrates how quickly people can assume a crash on icy roads is unavoidable. But a tire defect noted in an official report shifts the conversation. A man was seriously injured, and if defective equipment played a role, that needs to be documented and addressed, not only for his sake, but to ensure others aren’t placed at similar risk. That’s why a thorough, evidence-based investigation is always the right approach, even when the cause might initially seem clear.