San Marcos, TX — May 3, 2025, Michael Rucker Jr. was killed in a car accident at about 10:45 p.m. on State Highway 123/Guadalupe Street.

Authorities said two vehicles, a 2007 Ford Crown Victoria and a 2010 Toyota Corolla, hit a pedestrian in the southbound lanes near Skylark Lane.

Pedestrian Michael Lamar Rucker Jr., 33, died at the scene of the crash, according to authorities.

The first vehicle left the scene after the collision, but investigators eventually identified the driver, authorities said. No charges have been filed as a result of the crash at this time.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

After a crash like this, I think most people have plenty of questions. However, some questions tend to be overlooked by crash investigators. Especially when someone on foot is hit by a car, or even two cars, what might seem like a straightforward situation often turns out to be anything but. From how the collision happened to what evidence was collected and who might ultimately be responsible, digging into the details really matters.

The first question we have to ask is: Did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? That starts with more than just identifying the vehicles and people involved. It’s about understanding the full scene. For example, when a pedestrian is hit in the roadway, investigators should determine where the person was standing or walking, the lighting conditions, visibility for drivers and whether nearby traffic controls were functioning. In this case, the fact that one driver left the scene raises even more concerns. Leaving makes it harder to piece together a clear timeline. Without witness interviews, surveillance video or a crash reconstruction, there's a real chance important details are missed. And if investigators haven't yet filed any charges, it's fair to wonder whether every angle has been fully explored.

The next thing I think about is: Has anyone looked into the possibility that a vehicle defect caused the crash? Most people wouldn’t think to question the cars themselves, but it’s something I’ve seen make a difference time and again. Say a headlight wasn’t working, a brake system failed or a warning system didn’t alert the driver in time. Any of those defects could impact how, or whether, a pedestrian is seen in time to avoid a collision. In this crash, where two different vehicles struck the same person, it makes me wonder whether either driver might have had a mechanical issue or was using aftermarket modifications that reduced visibility or performance. Without a close inspection of both vehicles, there's no way to rule that out.

Finally, we need to consider: Has all the electronic data relating to the crash been collected? These days, most cars, especially models from the 2000s and 2010s, come equipped with data recorders. That includes things like speed, brake use and even steering inputs right before a crash. On top of that, many vehicles have infotainment systems or connected apps that show GPS location or other activity. If either vehicle in this case holds that kind of data, it could show whether a driver was speeding, distracted or didn’t attempt to brake at all. But unless someone makes sure to retrieve that information before it's lost, that critical evidence might never come to light.

Thinking through these questions doesn’t mean we know what happened; it means we care enough to find out. A pedestrian losing their life is always serious, and in a crash involving a hit-and-run, there’s already a broken chain of information. By asking the right questions, we help ensure no stone is left unturned and no assumption is taken at face value.

Takeaways:

• It’s important to confirm whether authorities fully documented the crash scene and followed up with witness interviews and video evidence.
• Vehicle defects, like malfunctioning lights or brakes, can play a role even when it seems like driver error is to blame.
• Electronic data from the involved vehicles could help fill in missing details, especially in a hit-and-run scenario.
• Each layer of evidence can offer a clearer view of what really happened.
• Asking thorough questions isn’t just technical: it’s a way to show that every detail, and every life, matters.