Converse, TX — March 6, 2025, Maya Sanchez was injured in a car accident at about 9:05 p.m. on F.M. 78 at South Seguin Road.

A preliminary accident report indicates that a 2014 Chevrolet Silverado was heading northwest on Seguin Road when it collided with 2005 Ford Mustang that going southwest on F.M. 78.

Mustang driver Maya Sanchez, 18, was seriously injured in the crash, according to authorities. Her passenger, an 18-year-old man, was not injured.

The Silverado driver, a 20-year-old man, also was not hurt in the crash, authorities said.

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

Commentary

After a serious crash, it’s easy to focus only on what’s immediately obvious, who was hurt and which vehicles were involved. But beneath the surface of every collision are critical questions that often determine what really happened and why. These questions aren't about blame; they’re about making sure nothing important is missed.

Did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? When two vehicles collide at a major intersection, especially with injuries involved, it’s not enough to just record the positions of the cars and take statements. A solid investigation should go further: reconstructing the path of each vehicle, checking for signs of evasive maneuvers or braking and reviewing the drivers' conditions leading up to the impact. Unfortunately, depending on the training and resources available, not every agency performs this kind of in-depth work. If that didn’t happen here, a lot of key context might be missing.

Has anyone looked into the possibility that a vehicle defect caused the crash? The difference between a car that stops when it should and one that doesn’t can be a hidden mechanical issue. Older vehicles, like those involved in this crash, can sometimes suffer from worn-out brakes, stuck accelerators or failing sensors. Unless someone inspects both vehicles after the fact, it’s impossible to rule out a malfunction. These inspections don’t always happen unless someone pushes for them.

Has all the electronic data relating to the crash been collected? Most cars on the road today, even models from the early 2000s, can store data about speed, braking and steering just before a crash. That kind of information can help clear up what happened when stories conflict or memories are hazy. In addition, phones, GPS devices or nearby traffic cameras might hold clues about distractions, navigation routes or exact timing. If those sources haven’t been checked, we’re relying on partial information.

As with many crashes, what isn’t immediately visible often turns out to be the most important. Getting the facts right depends on asking the deeper questions early, before vehicles are repaired, memories fade or evidence disappears.

• Some crash investigations don’t dig deep enough to uncover critical details.
• Older vehicles should be checked for possible defects that may have played a role.
• Onboard and external data can show what really happened in the seconds before impact.