Comal County, TX — January 7, 2026, Melanie Fishlock was injured in a car accident at about 8:30 a.m. on U.S. Highway 281 in Spring Branch.

A preliminary accident report indicates that a 2011 Ford Escape was turning left from a private driveway when it collided with a northbound 2021 Ram truck. An unoccupied 2011 Volkswagen Jetta was damaged as well.

Ford driver Melanie Fishlock, 86, was seriously injured in the crash, according to the report.

The Ram driver was not injured, the report states.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the Comal County crash at this time.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

Serious crashes often leave more questions than answers. In the first hours and days afterward, the focus is usually on clearing the scene and getting medical care. But once that part is over, the real work should begin. A careful investigation can make the difference between guessing and knowing what truly happened.

One key question is whether authorities conducted a thorough investigation. It’s not enough to note vehicle positions and take a few photos. A complete review would include detailed measurements, possibly laser mapping the scene and reconstructing how each vehicle moved before impact. Investigators should also look at driver actions in the moments leading up to the crash: speed, braking, steering input and reaction time. Not every officer has advanced crash reconstruction training. Some departments have highly skilled specialists, while others may rely on more basic methods. In a crash involving a turning vehicle and oncoming traffic, small details about timing and distance can matter a great deal. Without a deeper reconstruction, important facts can be missed.

Another question that should be asked is whether anyone examined the vehicles for mechanical defects. When a crash involves a turning maneuver, issues like brake failure, steering problems or unintended acceleration should not be ruled out without inspection. Even newer vehicles can have hidden defects, and older ones may have worn components that fail at critical moments. A proper mechanical inspection can reveal whether a part malfunctioned or whether all systems were working as intended. These checks often require more than a visual look; they may involve preserving the vehicles and having qualified experts evaluate them.

The third issue is electronic data. Most modern vehicles record valuable information through engine control modules. That data can show speed, throttle position, brake use and whether a driver attempted to avoid the crash. In addition, phone records, GPS history and nearby camera footage can help confirm timelines. Electronic evidence can either support or contradict initial assumptions. If that data is not collected quickly, it can be lost or overwritten.

Crashes are rarely as simple as they first appear. A basic report may answer who was involved and where it happened, but it does not always explain why. Careful investigation, mechanical review and preservation of electronic data help ensure that decisions are based on facts rather than assumptions. When those steps are skipped, the full picture may never come into focus.

Takeaways:

• A serious crash deserves more than a basic scene report; reconstruction work may be needed.
• Vehicles should be inspected for hidden mechanical problems, not just visible damage.
• Electronic data from vehicles and phones can provide clear answers if it is preserved in time.