Coryell County, TX — December 26, 2025, Robert Barron was injured in a car accident at about 10:20 p.m. on U.S. Route 184.

A preliminary accident report indicates a westbound 2003 Dodge Ram 2500 collided with an eastbound 2013 Dodge Avenger east of Arnett.

Ram driver Robert Barron, 78, was seriously injured in the crash, according to the report, while the 16-year-old girl who was driving the Avenger suffered minor injuries.

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

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When I read about a crash like this, my first thought is that I hope those involved, especially the man who suffered serious injuries, receive a full explanation of what caused such a violent collision. Head-on crashes are among the most dangerous types of accidents and rarely happen without significant contributing factors. While the report indicates that two vehicles traveling in opposite directions collided, it doesn’t explain how or why one vehicle crossed the center line. To truly understand what happened on U.S. Route 184 near Arnett, we need to ask three critical questions.

First, did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? Determining which vehicle crossed into oncoming traffic and why is essential in a head-on collision. Was one of the vehicles attempting to pass another car, reacting to an obstacle or possibly navigating a curve at excessive speed? Were the road’s center markings clear and visible, and was the lighting or weather a factor? A proper investigation should include a full scene reconstruction, witness statements and a close look at road design and conditions at the time of the crash.

Second, has anyone considered whether a vehicle defect might have contributed to the crash? Both vehicles should be inspected for mechanical or safety system failures. Did either vehicle suffer a brake or steering failure? Were the tires intact and properly inflated? For a truck as old as the Dodge Ram, age-related wear and tear could cause sudden loss of control. Without a thorough mechanical examination of both vehicles, the potential role of a defect could be missed entirely.

Finally, has all the electronic data related to the crash been collected? While the Ram may not be equipped with a modern event data recorder, the Avenger likely is. That system may contain valuable pre-crash data like speed, throttle position and braking activity, which can help determine whether the driver took evasive action or if the collision was unavoidable. Additionally, phone GPS data, dashcams or nearby surveillance cameras could offer further insight into how and why the two vehicles ended up in each other's path. This kind of evidence is time-sensitive and must be collected promptly.

Crashes like this deserve a full and fact-driven investigation. A man suffered serious injuries, and a young driver was also involved; circumstances that demand clarity, not assumptions. Only by asking the right questions, preserving the evidence and considering all possible factors can we provide the accountability and understanding that those affected deserve. That’s the foundation for both healing and prevention.