Vidor, TX — May 12, 2025, Scott Pareso and two others were injured in a car accident at approximately 10:15 p.m. along Evangeline Drive.

According to authorities, 51-year-old Scott Pareso was traveling in a northwest bound GMC Sierra pickup truck on Evangeline Drive (Farm to Market 1132) when the accident took place.

Officials indicate that, for reasons yet to be confirmed, the pickup truck failed to safely maintain its lane of travel. It consequently veered left of center and was involved in a collision with an oncoming southeast bound Toyota Corolla occupied by two men ages 18 and 19.

Pareso reportedly sustained serious injuries over the course of the accident. The two teens from the Corolla received 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

After a crash like this, most people focus on who crossed the center line—but I’ve found that what really matters is why it happened. When a pickup truck veers into oncoming traffic, especially late at night, the reasons aren’t always obvious. Whether it's a mechanical issue, a road hazard, or something else, understanding the full picture starts with asking three key questions.

First, did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? At 10:15 p.m., visibility can be limited, and two-way roads like Farm to Market 1132 may not have much lighting or clear markings. Was the center line visible and properly maintained? Were there any sharp curves, elevation changes, or debris that could have caused the driver to drift? Investigators should also look for tire marks or damage patterns to determine whether the driver tried to correct course. These details help explain whether the lane departure was a result of poor conditions, delayed reaction, or something entirely different.

Next, has anyone looked into the possibility that a vehicle defect caused the crash? A GMC Sierra is a capable truck, but even sturdy vehicles can suffer failures in steering, brakes, or suspension that lead to loss of control. If the steering locked up or a tire blew out, the driver might not have had any chance to avoid veering into the other lane. It’s also important to check for software or electronic system failures—features like stability control or lane assist can sometimes misfire, especially if the vehicle wasn’t properly maintained or had unresolved recalls.

Finally, has all the electronic data relating to the crash been collected? Newer vehicles store key crash data like speed, braking, throttle use, and steering input in the moments before impact. That information can confirm whether the driver made an effort to avoid the collision—or if the vehicle didn’t respond as expected. Additionally, dashcam footage or nearby surveillance video could help reconstruct the events visually. These pieces of evidence can clarify how long the vehicle was out of its lane and whether the opposing driver had time to react.

Crashes like this aren’t just about determining fault—they’re about uncovering every factor that contributed to the outcome. When serious injuries are involved, the only way to find real answers is to ask the questions that go beyond the surface.

Takeaways:

• Road conditions, visibility, and lane markings should be thoroughly reviewed, especially on rural two-lane roads at night.
• Mechanical and electronic system failures must be considered and ruled out through a detailed inspection of the vehicle.
• Crash data and available footage can provide critical insight into how and why the vehicle crossed the center line.