Pecos County, TX — September 7, 2025, Melissa Hernandez Trevizo was killed due to an 18-wheeler accident at around 11:40 p.m. on FM 1776.

Initial details about the accident say that it happened in the area of FM 1776 and Ruiz Street in the Coyanosa area, several miles east of Pecos.

According to officials, 57-year-old Melissa Hernandez Trevizo was a passenger in a truck going along FM 1776. In a series of events unconfirmed, the pickup and an 18-wheeler collided. Melissa Hernandez Trevizo reportedly was killed due to the accident.

There did not appear to be other injuries. No further information is available at this time.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

Any accident involving a commercial vehicle is bound to present unique challenges for investigators. It's important in these situations to make sure key questions are being asked and that authorities are focusing on getting the victim's loved ones clear answers and not moving on without getting all the facts.

1. Did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash?
Crashes involving 18-wheelers should never be treated like routine collisions. Was the scene properly documented? Did investigators determine how the vehicles entered the collision point, and whether the truck’s size or speed played a role? These are answers that require more than just a basic report—especially when someone’s life was lost.

2. Has anyone looked into the possibility that a vehicle defect caused the crash?
If either vehicle experienced mechanical failure—steering, brakes, lights—it could have contributed to or caused the collision. Commercial trucks in particular require regular maintenance, and problems with equipment can have devastating consequences. Unless both vehicles were inspected thoroughly, the full picture may still be unclear.

3. Has all the electronic data relating to the crash been collected?
The truck’s onboard systems likely captured speed, braking, and other key metrics leading up to the crash. The pickup may have stored crash data as well. Without reviewing that data, it’s impossible to say with confidence what either driver was doing—or whether the crash could have been avoided.

Generally speaking, if it seems authorities are able to provide clear answers, that's a good sign they took investigations seriously. But if details aren't adding up, or if there are gaps in the story, it may be up to independent investigators to finally pick up the slack and bring the truth to light.

Key Takeaways:

• Fatal truck crashes require more than routine investigations.
• Equipment failures must be ruled out through proper vehicle inspections.
• Crash data from both vehicles can provide the clearest account—if collected.