Kennard, TX — August 19, 2025, Tanner Smoldas was injured in a single-car accident at about 11:15 a.m. in the 500 block of F.M. 357/Main Street.

A preliminary accident report indicates that a 2010 Chevrolet Silverado was heading northwest when it overturned after hitting a ditch and metal fence.

Driver Tanner Smoldas, 24, was seriously injured in the crash, according to the report.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the Houston County crash at this time.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

After a crash like this, people often assume it’s just a matter of bad luck or driver error. But in serious accidents, especially those involving a vehicle leaving the road and overturning, there's usually more beneath the surface that deserves careful attention.

Did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? When a vehicle rolls over after hitting a ditch, it raises questions about speed, steering response and how the vehicle entered the ditch to begin with. A complete investigation would need to map the scene precisely, track tire marks and reconstruct the sequence leading up to the crash. That takes more than a quick look; it requires expertise and time. Unfortunately, in many rural crashes like this one, it’s common for investigations to be rushed or lack the deeper analysis that might reveal contributing factors beyond the obvious.

Has anyone looked into the possibility that a vehicle defect caused the crash? Rollovers aren't always about driver control. In older trucks, things like worn suspension parts, faulty steering mechanisms or sudden brake failures can cause a driver to lose control in an instant. Unless someone inspects the Silverado closely, checking everything from the undercarriage to the brake lines, there’s no way to rule out a defect. And if that inspection never happens, any mechanical issues will quietly go unnoticed.

Has all the electronic data relating to the crash been collected? Even in a 2010 model, the truck might hold valuable data in its engine control module: things like speed, braking or if the driver made a sharp turn right before losing control. If the driver had a phone or GPS running, that could also show what happened in those critical moments. But unless someone pushes to preserve and review that information early, it can disappear before it ever helps explain the crash.

Taking a closer look at crashes like this one isn’t about placing blame. It’s about making sure nothing gets missed. People deserve answers that go beyond surface-level reports, and that only happens when someone asks the hard questions.

Key Takeaways:

• Serious rollover crashes need more than a basic scene report to find out what really happened.
• Older vehicles can have hidden mechanical problems that only show up when it’s too late.
• Key data from the vehicle and electronics can quietly vanish if not collected right away.