Orange County, TX — December 22, 2025, Raquel Carrillo and two others were injured in a car accident at approximately 12:30 a.m. along State Highway 73.

According to authorities, 42-year-old Raquel Carrillo was traveling as a passenger in a northbound GMC Sierra pickup truck on S.H. 73 at the Roundbunch Road intersection when the accident took place.

Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, the GMC failed to appropriately control it speed. A collision consequently occurred between the front-end of the pickup truck and the rear-end of a northbound Kia Optima.

Carrillo reportedly sustained serious injuries as a result of the accident. the 34-year-old woman who had been behind the wheel of the GMC and the 37-year-olf man who had been driving the Optima each suffered minor injuries, as well, according to reports.

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

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

After serious crashes, the first explanations often focus on one apparent mistake. But those early summaries don’t always reflect how much was truly examined. The more important question is whether investigators looked closely enough to understand how and why the collision unfolded.

Was the crash thoroughly investigated?
In a rear-end collision involving two vehicles, a proper investigation should go beyond stating that one vehicle failed to control its speed. Investigators should examine how both vehicles were moving beforehand, how quickly conditions changed, and what each driver was doing in the moments leading up to impact. That can include mapping vehicle positions, reviewing braking distances, and analyzing damage patterns to understand timing and reaction. The level of detail often depends on the training and experience of the responding officers. Some have the skills to reconstruct complex interactions between vehicles, while others may rely on surface observations. In crashes involving serious injuries, that difference matters.

Has anyone looked into a possible vehicle defect?
When a vehicle does not slow as expected, mechanical issues should be considered. Brake performance, throttle response, and transmission behavior all deserve close review. Modern pickup trucks also rely on electronic systems designed to assist with braking and speed control. If any of those systems failed or did not respond properly, it may not be obvious without a formal inspection. The struck vehicle should also be examined to ensure its brake lights, sensors, and systems were functioning as designed. Mechanical issues are often overlooked when fault seems clear.

Was all available electronic data collected?
Electronic data can help confirm what actually happened before impact. Vehicle systems may record speed, braking, throttle input, and warnings. Phone data can help clarify whether distraction played a role for either driver, and nearby cameras can help establish timing and spacing between vehicles. This information is time-sensitive. If it is not collected early, it can be overwritten or lost, leaving important questions unanswered.

When multiple people are injured in a crash, careful questions matter. A detailed investigation, thorough mechanical review, and full collection of electronic data help move the case from assumptions toward a clearer understanding of how the collision occurred.

Key Takeaways:

• Rear-end crashes require more than a simple explanation.
• Mechanical or system failures can contribute without obvious signs.
• Electronic data can clarify vehicle behavior and driver actions before impact.