Fort Bend County, TX — August 9, 2024, Victor Hernandez and another person were injured in a car accident at approximately 9:15 p.m. along University Boulevard.

According to authorities, 36-year-old Victor Hernandez was traveling in a westbound Toyota Tacoma pickup truck on University Boulevard approaching the Glenn Lakes intersection when the accident took place.

The cause of the accident remains unclear. Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, the Tacoma failed to appropriately control its speed. It was subsequently involved in a collision with the rear-end of a trailer being hauled by a Dodge Ram 1500 pickup truck occupied by a 63-year-old woman. The impact apparently caused the trailer to become separated from the Dodge. It also led to the Tacoma overturning, coming to a stop resting on its wheels.

Hernandez suffered serious injuries over the course of the accident, while the woman sustained moderate injuries, according to reports. They were each transported to local medical facilities in order to receive necessary treatment. Additional details pertaining to this incident are not currently available.

Commentary

When I read about a crash like the one that left Victor Hernandez and another person injured, my first thought is whether investigators will be able to determine exactly what happened. While reports indicate that the pickup truck collided with the rear of a trailer, experience has shown me that rear-end crashes aren’t always as simple as they seem. Before drawing conclusions, it’s important to ask the right questions to ensure that the investigation fully explores all possible contributing factors. To that end, there are three critical questions that need to be considered.

First, did the authorities conduct a thorough investigation? Rear-end collisions are often assumed to be the fault of the trailing driver, but there are cases where other factors play a role. Investigators should consider whether the trailer had proper lighting and reflectors, whether the lead vehicle braked unexpectedly, and whether any road conditions contributed to the collision. Additionally, since the impact caused the trailer to detach, it’s worth asking whether it was properly secured. A complete investigation should account for all of these possibilities rather than relying on assumptions.

Second, has anyone looked into whether a vehicle defect contributed to the crash? If the pickup failed to slow down in time, it’s important to examine whether a mechanical failure—such as brake issues or a malfunction in the vehicle’s collision avoidance systems—may have played a role. Additionally, the fact that the trailer separated from the lead vehicle raises questions about whether it was properly attached or if a defect in the hitch assembly contributed to the outcome. Unfortunately, unless someone specifically requests a forensic vehicle examination, these possibilities are often overlooked. If the vehicles are quickly repaired or scrapped, key evidence may be lost before it can be analyzed.

Lastly, have investigators gathered all available electronic data? Many modern vehicles are equipped with event data recorders (EDRs), which capture crucial details such as speed, braking, and steering input before a crash. This data could help clarify whether the driver attempted to stop or if there was a delay in braking. Additionally, surveillance footage from nearby businesses or dashcams from passing vehicles may provide valuable context about how the crash unfolded. If this information isn’t secured quickly, it may no longer be available, making it more difficult to determine the true cause of the accident.

At the end of the day, answering these questions could be essential to understanding what really happened. While rear-end crashes may seem straightforward, a full and fair investigation is necessary to ensure that all contributing factors are considered. A complete review of all possible causes—including road conditions, vehicle defects, and electronic data—is the least that can be done to ensure that those affected by the crash receive the answers they deserve.