Polk County, TX — March 3, 2025, a woman was injured in a single-car accident at approximately 8:15 p.m. along U.S. Highway 59.

According to authorities, a 43-year-old woman from Segno, Texas, was traveling in a northwest bound Chevrolet Blazer on U.S. 59 in the vicinity north of the Pan American Drive intersection when the accident took place.

The cause of the accident remains unclear. Officials indicate that, for reasons yet to be confirmed, the vehicle failed to safely maintain its lane of travel. It was subsequently involved in a single-vehicle collision in which it apparently struck a sign.

The woman reportedly suffered serious injuries over the course of the accident. Additional details pertaining to this incident—including the identity of the victim—are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When I see reports like this, my main concern is whether the injured woman and her loved ones will get the answers they need about what happened. A single-vehicle crash that results in serious injury often gets written off as driver error, but my experience tells me that such assumptions can overlook important contributing factors. That’s why it’s critical to examine three key questions when evaluating a crash like this.

The first question is whether authorities have conducted a thorough investigation. What may appear on the surface as a simple failure to maintain a lane could in fact stem from a number of external factors. Were road conditions at the time—such as lighting, surface quality, or signage—adequate and safe? Did a sudden obstacle in the roadway prompt the driver to swerve? Did another vehicle’s actions force her off course? Answering these questions requires more than just noting damage and taking statements—it requires scene reconstruction and, ideally, a review of any available video footage.

The second question is whether anyone has looked into the possibility of a vehicle defect. If the Chevrolet Blazer experienced a mechanical failure—such as brake issues, steering problems, or a tire blowout—that could have contributed to the loss of control. It’s also worth examining whether the vehicle’s safety systems functioned properly during the crash. Was the airbag system operational? Did the seatbelt pre-tensioners engage as they should have? These are often overlooked in initial investigations unless someone specifically requests a forensic evaluation of the vehicle—and that evaluation can only happen if the vehicle is preserved.

Finally, it’s important to determine whether all relevant electronic data has been collected. The Blazer’s engine control module may contain crucial pre-crash information such as speed, steering input, and braking behavior. Additionally, nearby surveillance cameras—whether from businesses or traffic infrastructure—may provide visual confirmation of the events leading up to the crash. Even cellphone data could be useful, especially if distraction or communication was a potential factor. This evidence is time-sensitive and must be collected early to be of any real use.

At the end of the day, answering these questions could be essential to understanding what really happened and why. A thorough examination of all three of these issues—including the quality of police investigations, possible vehicle defects, and electronic data—is the least that can be done to ensure that those affected by the crash receive the clarity they deserve.