Edinburg, TX — February 28, 2025, Martin Perez was killed in a car accident at about 3:30 p.m. on eastbound State Highway 107.

Authorities said a 1992 Ford Roadster was trying to pass a 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe when its driver lost control and skidded off the road. It hit a Ford Expedition parked at the side of the road before clipping the back end of the Tahoe.

Ford driver Martin Andy Perez, 42, died after being transported to a local hospital, according to authorities.

No other injuries were reported.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the Hidalgo County crash at this time. The accident is still being investigated.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When a serious crash occurs, people naturally want to understand how and why it happened. While initial reports provide a basic outline of the incident, they often leave critical questions unanswered. Three key questions must be asked in every crash investigation: (1) Did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? (2) Has anyone examined the possibility that a vehicle defect contributed to the crash? (3) Has all electronic data related to the crash been collected?

The first question to consider is whether authorities are conducting a thorough investigation. While they have noted the basic sequence of events, it’s unclear whether they are examining all possible contributing factors. Loss of control can have multiple causes, including road conditions, evasive maneuvers or even another vehicle’s unexpected movement. A comprehensive investigation would involve accident reconstruction, witness interviews and a close review of environmental factors such as roadway design or hazards that may have influenced the crash.

The second question concerns whether a vehicle defect played a role. The Ford Roadster involved in the crash was an older model, and mechanical failures become more likely as vehicles age. Brake issues, steering malfunctions or tire failures could have contributed to the driver losing control. Given the severity of the accident, a forensic inspection of the vehicle would be necessary to rule out any defects. Unfortunately, vehicle defects are often overlooked because many assume driver error is the primary cause, but without a mechanical inspection, that conclusion remains speculative.

The final question is whether all electronic data has been collected. Newer vehicles are equipped with engine control modules (ECMs) that capture information such as speed, braking and throttle inputs before a crash. While a 1992 Ford Roadster is unlikely to have such a system, the other vehicles involved may have recorded useful data. Additionally, nearby surveillance footage or cell phone records could provide further insights into what happened in the moments leading up to the crash. Ensuring that all this evidence is preserved and analyzed is crucial to forming a complete picture of the incident.

At the heart of every crash investigation is the need to provide clear answers to those affected. While the details available in this case are limited, making sure that these three questions are addressed can help uncover the full truth.