Victoria County, TX — October 27, 2024, two teens were injured following a single-car accident at approximately 2:45 a.m. along Lone Tree Road.

According to authorities, two men ages 18 and 19 were traveling in a southbound Dodge Charger on Ben Jordan Street approaching the Lone Tree Road intersection when the accident took place.

The cause of the accident remains unclear. Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, after the vehicle made a left turn to head east on Lone Tree, it failed to safely maintain its lane of travel. It apparently veered to the right and crashed into a pole.

The 19-year-old reportedly sustained serious injuries due to the collision, while the 18-year-old suffered more minor injuries. 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 a late-night crash involving young drivers ends with serious injuries, like this one in Victoria County, it's tempting to assume inexperience or driver error played the central role. But in my experience, the real causes of crashes like this often go much deeper. Especially when the exact reason for the crash remains unclear, there are three important questions that should be asked to ensure the facts are fully understood.

First, did the authorities conduct a thorough investigation? Crashes that happen at 2:45 in the morning come with real investigative challenges—poor visibility, limited witness availability, and the complexity of reconstructing what happened in the dark. Investigators should evaluate the layout of the intersection, the sharpness of the turn, road surface conditions, and whether there were any visual obstructions. Without a full accident reconstruction that includes all of those factors, it’s possible that key details might be missed. That’s why it’s often necessary to bring in independent experts to make sure every angle is covered.

Second, has anyone considered whether a vehicle defect might have contributed to the crash? When a Dodge Charger veers off course during a turn, it raises questions. Was there a problem with the power steering system, the suspension, or the tires? Could there have been a failure in the electronic stability control system? These kinds of defects may not be obvious during a routine investigation and require a forensic inspection of the vehicle. Unfortunately, if the vehicle is repaired or discarded too soon, that opportunity can be lost forever.

Lastly, has all of the vehicle’s electronic data been collected? Most modern vehicles, including the Charger, come equipped with event data recorders that store important information—speed, brake use, throttle input, and steering behavior—just before a crash. That data can clarify whether the vehicle was behaving normally or if something unexpected occurred. Additional sources like cell phone records or nearby surveillance footage might also help reconstruct the moments leading up to the crash. But all of this information is time-sensitive, and if not preserved quickly, it can disappear.

In a crash where serious injuries are involved and the cause remains uncertain, it’s not enough to rely on assumptions or early impressions. 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.