Galveston County, TX — August 3, 2024, Medjivia Cruz was killed due to a car accident just before 4:45 p.m. along State Highway 6.

According to authorities, 57-year-old Medjivia Cruz was traveling in an eastbound Mitsubishi Mirage on State Highway 6 in the vicinity east of Holloway Road when the accident took place.

Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, a westbound GMC Sierra pickup truck occupied by a 16-year-old boy failed to safely maintain its lane of travel. It reportedly veered left, crossing over the center turn lane and entering the eastbound lane of the highway. There, it was involved in a head-on collision with the Mirage.

Cruz suffered fatal injuries as a result of the wreck. The boy sustained minor injuries, as well, according to reports. Additional details pertaining to this incident are not available at this point in time.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

Head-on collisions are among the most violent and unforgiving types of crashes. When one vehicle crosses into the path of another and someone is killed, it’s not enough to say the driver “failed to maintain their lane.” The real question is why—and whether that answer has been fully pursued.

1. Did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash?
In a case like this, it’s essential that investigators documented more than just the point of impact. Did they reconstruct the Sierra's movement prior to crossing over? Were there signs of braking or steering correction? Was the road surface, traffic flow, or speed of either vehicle analyzed? Especially with a young driver involved, it's important to determine if this was a momentary lapse or a chain of events that began well before the collision. These answers only come from a complete, deliberate investigation—not a rushed scene report.

2. Has anyone looked into the possibility that a vehicle defect caused the crash?
Lane departure is sometimes the result of a clear mistake—but it can also stem from mechanical failure. Was the Sierra’s steering system responsive? Did a brake failure contribute to the loss of control? Was there a tire issue or suspension failure that forced the truck off course? These trucks may also be equipped with lane-keeping systems—were those working properly? Unless the vehicle was thoroughly inspected, a defect that played a role in the fatal outcome may go undetected.

3. Has all the electronic data relating to the crash been collected?
The Sierra’s onboard systems could hold crucial evidence: speed at the time of impact, steering angle, brake application, and throttle input. That data can show whether the driver made any attempt to recover or slow down. And if distraction is suspected—especially given the driver's age—phone usage data could clarify whether attention was diverted just before the crash. Without that information, the investigation could miss the most telling part of the story.

A fatal crash caused by a vehicle crossing the center line isn’t just about blame—it’s about understanding what led to the moment of impact, and whether anything could have stopped it.

Takeaways:

• Head-on collisions must be reconstructed in full to determine vehicle movement and driver response.
• Mechanical failures in steering, brakes, or tires should be ruled out with a complete inspection.
• Digital vehicle and phone data can reveal whether the driver lost control—or never tried to regain it.