Galveston County, TX — February 7, 2026, Monica Breland lost her life due to a pedestrian versus car accident shortly before 8:00 p.m. along State Highway 87.

According to authorities, 57-year-old Monica Breland was on foot attempting to cross S.H. 87 in the vicinity between the Tinkle Lane and Jacks Road intersections when the accident took place.

Officials indicate that, for reasons yet to be confirmed, Breland was struck by a motor-vehicle that had been traveling on the highway; she reportedly sustained fatal injuries due to the collision.

Additional details pertaining to this incident are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When a pedestrian is struck on a highway and loses their life, the first reports often leave more unknowns than answers. In moments like this, the real concern is whether the investigation goes far enough to uncover how the events unfolded in the seconds before impact.

Did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash?
A pedestrian collision requires careful reconstruction. Investigators should analyze the vehicle’s speed, lane position, and driver behavior before the impact. That includes determining whether there was any attempt to brake or steer away and how much time the driver had to react. Detailed measurements, scene documentation, and review of physical evidence are all critical. Not every officer has advanced training in pedestrian crash analysis. The key question is whether enough time and expertise were devoted to fully understanding the sequence of events.

Has anyone looked into the possibility that a vehicle defect caused the crash?
While driver action is often the focus, mechanical issues can also play a role. Brake failures, accelerator problems, or malfunctioning collision-warning systems can prevent a vehicle from responding as expected. Modern vehicles often include driver-assist features that may detect obstacles or pedestrians. A thorough mechanical inspection is necessary to determine whether any system failed to function properly before the crash.

Has all the electronic data relating to the crash been collected?
Electronic evidence may provide the clearest picture of what happened. Vehicle data can show speed, braking input, throttle activity, and whether warning systems activated prior to impact. Phone records can help determine whether distraction was involved. GPS information and any available camera footage can also confirm timing and vehicle movement. If this information is not preserved quickly, it may be lost, leaving critical questions unanswered.

When a pedestrian fatality occurs and details are limited, assumptions should not replace careful analysis. Clear answers depend on whether investigators examined every possible source of evidence and asked the deeper questions that surface reports often overlook.

Key takeaways:

• Pedestrian highway crashes require detailed reconstruction.
• Mechanical or safety system failures should be ruled out.
• Electronic data can clarify the moments before impact.