Harris County, TX — February 2, 2025, a teenage boy was injured following a single-car accident at approximately 3:00 a.m. along U.S. Highway 90.

According to authorities, two men ages 20 and 19 were traveling in a northeast bound Ford Bronco on U.S. Highway 90 in the vicinity of Interstate Highway 10 when the accident took place.

Officials indicate that, for reasons yet to be confirmed, the Bronco was involved in a single-vehicle accident in which it apparently struck a tree. The 19-year-old—who had been a passenger in the Bronco—reportedly sustained serious injuries over the course of the accident. The 20-year-old man receive minor injuries, as well, according to reports. Additional details pertaining to this incident—including the identities of the victims—are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When crashes like this happen—where a vehicle veers off the road and strikes a tree in the early morning hours—people often assume the driver simply lost control. But in my experience, particularly when a passenger suffers serious injuries, there’s often more to the story than what appears in initial reports. To truly understand what led to this single-vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 90 in Harris County, there are three key questions that must be answered.

First, did authorities thoroughly evaluate the crash scene and surrounding road conditions? At 3:00 a.m., visibility is limited, and the design or condition of the roadway can play a major role in a driver’s ability to stay safely in their lane. Were there unexpected curves, low lighting, or obstructions near the shoulder? Was the tree located dangerously close to the edge of the road? A detailed examination of tire marks, the point of impact, and any available traffic camera footage or nearby surveillance could help determine whether the road itself contributed to the loss of control.

Second, has anyone considered whether a mechanical failure may have played a role in the crash? The Ford Bronco is a relatively heavy vehicle, and a failure in the steering, braking, or suspension systems can make sudden corrections difficult or ineffective. Tire blowouts or issues with electronic stability control could also be contributing factors. These types of mechanical problems often require a forensic inspection of the vehicle in its post-crash condition—before it’s repaired or discarded—to identify any latent defects.

Finally, has all electronic and digital data been collected and reviewed? Vehicles like the Bronco are typically equipped with event data recorders that store key details such as speed, braking activity, throttle input, and steering angle in the seconds leading up to a crash. That data can reveal whether the driver attempted to regain control, how the vehicle responded, and whether it performed as expected. Investigators should also consider cell phone data, GPS logs, and any dashcam or surveillance footage that might clarify the moments leading up to the wreck.

Answering these three questions is critical to making sure that no stone is left unturned in understanding the causes of a crash like this. Serious wrecks deserve serious investigation, not assumptions. Getting clear answers to these questions is crucial for those seeking to understand what happened and why—and it's the least that can be done to help those affected find the clarity and closure they deserve.