Gonzales County, TX — January 12, 2025, Mayorga Lopez was killed following an 18-wheeler accident that occurred at around 5:31 P.M. on US 90-A.

An investigation is underway following an 18-wheeler accident that left one person dead during the evening hours of January 12th. According to official reports, Mayorga Lopez was a passenger in a Chevy Suburban that was heading east on US 90-A when it came to a stop sign and attempted to make a u-turn. It was during this u-turn that the Suburban was struck by an oncoming 18-wheeler.

The impact caused Lopez to be ejected from the vehicle as the Suburban spun and left the roadway before flipping on its roof. When first responders arrived on the scene they found that Lopez had sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. At this time this accident remains under investigation, and more details into the accident may be released in the future.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When a fatal accident involving an 18-wheeler and a passenger vehicle occurs, it is essential to conduct a thorough investigation to determine exactly what happened. In this case, where a passenger lost their life during a collision on US 90-A, there are three critical questions that must guide the investigation to provide clarity and accountability for all involved.

First, did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? U-turn maneuvers at intersections can be risky, particularly when large vehicles like 18-wheelers are involved. Did investigators carefully analyze the scene to determine whether the stop sign, road layout, or visibility contributed to the collision? Was the timing of the u-turn evaluated in relation to the truck’s approach? A detailed accident reconstruction and witness accounts are vital to understanding the sequence of events and whether all parties acted within reasonable expectations for safety.

Second, has anyone looked into the possibility that a vehicle defect caused or contributed to the crash? Both the Chevy Suburban and the 18-wheeler must be examined for potential mechanical issues that could have impacted their ability to avoid the collision. For instance, was the Suburban’s steering or braking compromised, making it difficult to complete the u-turn safely? Did the 18-wheeler’s braking system or other safety features fail to function as intended? A forensic analysis of both vehicles is essential to rule out or confirm whether mechanical failures played a role.

Finally, has all the electronic data relating to the crash been collected? Both vehicles likely contain electronic control modules (ECMs) that can provide critical data. For the Suburban, this data might reveal information about its speed, braking, and steering inputs leading up to the u-turn. For the 18-wheeler, the ECM could show the driver’s actions, such as whether brakes were applied and at what speed the truck was traveling at the time of impact. Additionally, nearby traffic cameras or surveillance footage could provide visual evidence of how the collision occurred. Preserving and analyzing this data promptly is crucial, as it may be overwritten or lost over time.

Ensuring that these three questions are thoroughly addressed is not just about understanding what happened—it is about providing clarity for those affected and identifying any broader safety concerns. A comprehensive investigation may reveal factors beyond anyone’s control, such as roadway design or mechanical failures, that contributed to this outcome. By uncovering the truth, steps can be taken to address these issues and work toward preventing similar incidents in the future.