Potter County, TX — March 16, 2025, Philip Oking was injured in a car accident at about 3:10 a.m. on U.S. Route 87 north of Amarillo.

A preliminary accident report indicates a 2007 Mazda CX-9 was headed north near Gluck when it veered off the road for some reason. It hit some scrub brush and overturned.

Driver Philip Oking, 49, suffered serious injuries in the crash, according to authorities.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the Potter County crash.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When I read about a crash like this, my first thought is that I hope the injured driver and his loved ones get the answers they need. A single-vehicle rollover crash in the early morning hours is often assumed to be a simple matter of driver error or fatigue, but in my experience, these events are rarely that straightforward. To truly understand what caused a vehicle to leave the road and overturn on U.S. Route 87 near Gluck, we need to ask three critical questions.

First, did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? A proper investigation should consider much more than just the fact that the vehicle left the road. Were road and lighting conditions evaluated? Was there evidence of an evasive maneuver, such as swerving to avoid an animal or debris? Was there a change in the roadway’s slope, pavement quality or signage that could have contributed? Thorough documentation of the crash scene is essential, particularly in rural or poorly lit areas, where environmental factors may play a larger role than expected.

Second, has anyone looked into whether a vehicle defect might have contributed to the crash? The 2007 Mazda CX-9 is an older model, and over time, wear and tear can introduce or amplify mechanical issues. A failure in the steering, suspension or braking systems could easily cause a driver to lose control. Tire blowouts, electrical malfunctions or instability in the vehicle’s handling could also be contributing factors, especially in rollovers. A forensic inspection of the vehicle is critical, but unfortunately, unless someone moves quickly to preserve it, that opportunity is often lost when the vehicle is scrapped or repaired.

Finally, has all the electronic data related to the crash been collected? While the 2007 model may not carry the same advanced data logging systems as newer vehicles, it may still include an engine control module with basic crash-relevant information: vehicle speed, throttle position and brake application. In addition, the driver’s cell phone or any GPS-enabled device could provide location and movement data in the minutes before the crash. If there were nearby businesses or residences with security cameras, those may also have captured helpful footage. But all this evidence is time-sensitive, and unless it's preserved early, it can easily disappear.

Crashes like this deserve more than just assumptions. A man was seriously injured, and it’s not enough to conclude that the cause was simply driver behavior without a full and fair investigation. Only by asking the right questions, examining all physical and electronic evidence, and considering every possibility can the community hope to provide those affected with the clarity — and the accountability — they deserve.