Brooks County, TX — October 5, 2024, Roberto Lara was killed in a single-car accident at approximately 3:30 p.m. along State Highway 285.

According to authorities, 56-year-old Roberto Lara was traveling in an eastbound GMC Terrain on S.H. 285 in the vicinity west of County Road 220/231 when the accident took place.

The weather and road conditions in the area at the time were apparently rainy and wet. Officials indicate that, for reasons yet to be confirmed, the GMC began to hydroplane; the vehicle consequently lost control, veered left over the westbound lanes and coming to a stop after crashing into a fence and a tree.

Lara reportedly suffered critical injuries due to the collision and was transported by EMS for treatment. However, he was ultimately unable to overcome the severity of his injuries, having later been declared deceased. Additional information pertaining to this incident is not currently available.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When a crash happens on wet roads and results in a fatality, like the one reported in Brooks County, the explanation often centers on hydroplaning. And while it’s true that wet conditions increase risk, simply attributing the crash to weather can lead investigators—and the families affected—to overlook other important factors. In any serious crash where the cause is still undetermined, there are three key questions that should be asked.

First, did the authorities conduct a thorough investigation? Hydroplaning is a complex phenomenon that depends on more than just rain. Investigators should evaluate the condition of the road surface, the depth of water buildup, the design and slope of the roadway, and whether any signage warned of slick conditions. Tire condition and tread depth are also crucial in determining whether a vehicle was equipped to handle the road surface. In many jurisdictions, though, these kinds of factors are not always documented in detail, especially in single-vehicle crashes. That’s why an independent investigation may be necessary to get the complete picture.

Second, has anyone considered whether a vehicle defect may have played a role? Loss of control on wet pavement could point to issues beyond just speed or road conditions. Was there a problem with the GMC Terrain’s tires, brakes, or electronic stability control system? Could a suspension or steering failure have reduced the driver’s ability to recover once the vehicle began to slide? These types of questions can only be answered through a forensic inspection of the vehicle—and that opportunity is lost if the vehicle is repaired or destroyed before it’s properly examined.

Lastly, has all of the vehicle’s electronic data been collected? Most modern vehicles, including the GMC Terrain, are equipped with event data recorders that store vital information such as speed, steering input, brake usage, and throttle position in the moments leading up to a crash. This data can help determine whether the vehicle responded as it should have and whether the driver made appropriate inputs. Additional information from GPS, cell phones, or nearby surveillance footage could also help clarify the situation. But like all time-sensitive evidence, this data must be preserved early in the process.

In a crash where someone lost their life and the cause is still officially unknown, it’s not enough to assume the weather was solely to blame. Asking these questions is the least that can be done to ensure that those affected by this crash get the clarity and closure they deserve.