Grimes County, TX — April 1, 2024, Qinglei Li was killed following an 18-wheeler accident that occurred at around 9:02 A.M. on SH 105.

An investigation is underway into an 18-Wheeler accident that left one man dead during the morning hours of April 1st. According to official reports, Qinglei Li was travelling in a Nissan Rogue in the westbound lanes of SH 105 near CR 417 when for unknown reasons, the vehicle crossed into the opposite lanes of traffic and collided with an 18-wheeler, before being struck again by another vehicle.

When first responders arrived on the scene they found that Li had sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. At this time it remains unknown what events transpired to cause the Nissan to veer out of its lane, however this and more details may be released by authorities in the future.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When reading about a tragic event like this, my thoughts are with the loved ones of Qinglei Li, who are undoubtedly seeking answers about what led to this devastating loss. While authorities are investigating the crash, cases like this often raise critical questions that need to be answered to fully understand what occurred and why. From my experience, these inquiries can be organized around three vital aspects of any crash investigation.

First, did the authorities conduct a thorough investigation of the crash? Investigating a collision involving multiple vehicles, including an 18-wheeler, requires significant attention to detail. It’s crucial to reconstruct the sequence of events leading up to the crash, including analyzing skid marks, vehicle positions, and potential witness statements. Did investigators consider road conditions, weather, or possible obstructions in the westbound lanes of SH 105? These factors can often shed light on why a vehicle may have crossed into oncoming traffic. While police reports are an essential starting point, they may not always account for all variables, particularly when dealing with complex accidents like this one.

Second, has anyone explored the possibility of a vehicle defect? While it may seem at first glance that driver error was responsible for the Nissan Rogue crossing lanes, it's critical to consider other potential causes. For example, a sudden mechanical failure, such as a brake malfunction, steering defect, or tire blowout, could cause a driver to lose control. Determining whether a defect contributed to the crash often requires a forensic examination of the vehicle. Unfortunately, if the vehicle isn’t preserved in its post-accident condition, valuable evidence can be lost, leaving key questions unanswered. Vehicle defects are often overlooked in investigations, but identifying them can be crucial, particularly when they might have contributed to a fatal outcome.

Finally, has all electronic data related to the crash been collected? Modern vehicles, including the Nissan Rogue, are equipped with an Electronic Control Module (ECM), which records data about the car’s speed, braking, steering inputs, and engine performance just before and during a crash. Accessing this data can provide a clearer picture of what happened in the moments leading up to the collision. Additional sources, such as dash cameras, nearby traffic cameras, or cell phone records, can also provide vital context, particularly in cases where it is unclear why a vehicle crossed lanes. Collecting and preserving this data promptly is essential, as it can be lost or overwritten if not secured quickly.

Understanding the cause of a crash like this is about more than assigning responsibility—it’s about ensuring that those impacted have the answers they need to move forward. Qinglei Li’s family and all those affected by this accident deserve clarity about what transpired on SH 105 that morning.