Nacogdoches County, TX — September 11, 2024, Reese Smith was injured in a single-car accident just after 8:45 p.m. along County Road 849.

According to authorities, 20-year-old Reese Smith was traveling in a southwest bound Chevrolet Trailblazer on C.R. 849 in the vicinity northeast of the C.R. 843 intersection when the accident took place.

Officials indicate that, for reasons yet to be confirmed, the Trailblazer failed to safely maintain control. It reportedly went into a clockwise spin and left the right side of the roadway, overturning onto its left side. It came to a stop after it's roof collided with a tree and it came to rest on its wheels.

Smith reportedly suffered serious injuries over the course of the accident. He was transported to a local medical facility by EMS in order to receive necessary treatment. Additional details pertaining to this incident are not available at this point in time.

Commentary

When someone is seriously hurt in a crash like the one reported along County Road 849, it’s important to remember that the basic facts released initially may not tell the whole story. With more than 30 years of experience helping crash victims throughout Texas, I’ve learned that getting to the truth requires asking the right questions.

First, did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? Single-vehicle accidents are often quickly blamed on driver error, but many times investigators overlook critical details like roadway conditions, vehicle issues, or external factors that may have played a role. It’s important to verify whether officials properly documented the scene, evaluated for possible hazards, and spoke with any available witnesses.

Second, has anyone considered whether a vehicle defect may have contributed to the crash? Vehicles like the Chevrolet Trailblazer could have issues with steering components, braking systems, or even stability control that might cause a sudden loss of control. Without a full mechanical inspection, it would be premature to rule out such possibilities.

Third, has all available electronic data been preserved? Many modern vehicles are equipped with event data recorders (EDRs) that capture critical information like speed, braking, and steering input in the moments before a crash. Recovering and analyzing this information could be key to determining exactly what happened.

Answering these three questions is critical to making sure that no stone is left unturned in understanding the causes of a crash like this. Serious wrecks deserve serious investigation, not assumptions. Getting clear answers to these questions is crucial for those seeking to understand what happened and why—and it's the least that can be done to help those affected find the clarity and closure they deserve.