Harris County, TX — October 31, 2024, a woman was injured in a pedestrian versus hit-and-run car accident just before 9:15 p.m. along College Avenue.

According to authorities, a 51-year-old woman from Pasadena, Texas, was walking northwest bound across College Avenue in the vicinity southwest of the Dallas Street intersection when the accident took place.

The cause of the accident remains unclear. Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, a northeast bound vehicle of unknown make or model struck the woman; the vehicle allegedly fled the scene, the person(s) inside failing to stop and render aid of any sort to the victim.

The woman reportedly suffered serious injuries due to the collision. Additional details pertaining to this incident—including the identity of the victim—are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle and the driver flees the scene, the immediate focus is understandably on finding the person responsible. But in my experience, especially in cases like this one on College Avenue in Harris County, it's equally important to understand the conditions that led to the crash in the first place. To get a complete picture of what happened and whether this incident could have been avoided, there are three key questions that should be asked.

First, did the authorities conduct a thorough investigation into the roadway conditions and environment? A collision just before 9:15 p.m. means lighting and visibility are critical factors. Investigators should assess whether the area was well lit, whether crosswalks were marked and visible, and whether the pedestrian had access to a designated crossing area. These details can help determine whether the infrastructure in place gave both the pedestrian and the driver a fair chance to avoid the collision.

Second, has anyone considered whether a mechanical issue or system failure may have contributed to the vehicle’s path or the driver's failure to stop? While fleeing the scene is a clear legal violation, it’s still important to explore whether the vehicle was functioning properly. Headlight failure, braking issues, or steering malfunctions can impair a driver's ability to respond, and these types of problems are only detectable if the vehicle is located and subjected to a detailed forensic inspection.

Lastly, has all available video or electronic evidence been pursued to identify the vehicle and clarify the circumstances of the crash? Surveillance footage from nearby homes, businesses, or traffic cameras can be instrumental in identifying the make, model, or license plate of the vehicle involved. If the vehicle is recovered, data from its event data recorder could provide crucial insight into speed, braking, and steering input leading up to the impact. Preserving this type of evidence quickly is essential before it’s lost.

When someone suffers serious injuries and the driver responsible leaves the scene, justice involves more than just accountability—it requires answers. Asking these questions is the least that can be done to ensure that those affected by this crash get the clarity and closure they deserve.