Bell County, TX — July 28, 2024, Zaccary Kern was injured following a car accident that occurred at around 2:30 A.M. on Gun Club Rd.

An investigation is underway into a car accident that left one person dead during the early morning hours of July 28th. According to official reports, Zaccary Kern was operating his Ford pickup in the eastbound lanes of Gun CLub Rd. and was approaching a curb when for unknown reasons the vehicle failed to navigate the curve and left the roadway, striking a fence and two trees in the process.

When first responders arrived on the scene they found that Kern had sustained serious injuries and was transported to the hospital for treatment. At this time it unknown what caused the vehicle to lose control, and the status of Kern's injuries remain unknown.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

An investigation is underway into a single-vehicle accident that occurred on July 28, 2024, at approximately 2:30 A.M. on Gun Club Road. According to official reports, a Ford pickup traveling eastbound failed to navigate a curve, left the roadway, and struck a fence and two trees. The driver sustained serious injuries and was transported to the hospital for treatment. The circumstances leading to the crash remain unclear, and further details may emerge as the investigation progresses.

When addressing incidents like this, it is critical to consider three key questions: (1) Did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? (2) Has anyone looked into the possibility that a vehicle defect contributed to the crash? (3) Has all the electronic data relating to the crash been collected?

First, it is essential to ensure a comprehensive investigation is conducted. Single-vehicle accidents are often assumed to result from driver error, but such assumptions should not be made without a thorough review of other potential factors. Did investigators evaluate the condition of the road surface, such as uneven pavement, loose gravel, or wet conditions, which could have contributed to the vehicle losing control? Was the curve adequately marked with signage or lighting to alert drivers? Collecting witness statements and reviewing any available surveillance footage from nearby properties could also provide additional insights.

Second, the possibility of a vehicle defect must be explored. Mechanical failures, such as brake issues, steering malfunctions, or tire blowouts, could explain why the vehicle failed to navigate the curve. Additionally, the performance of the vehicle’s safety systems, such as airbags and seat belts, should be examined to determine whether they functioned as intended during the crash. Preserving the vehicle for a detailed forensic analysis is crucial to uncovering any potential defects that may have contributed to the accident.

Finally, collecting and preserving electronic data is key to understanding the circumstances of the crash. Modern vehicles, including the Ford pickup involved, are equipped with electronic systems that record critical information, such as speed, braking, and steering inputs. This data can help reconstruct the vehicle’s actions in the moments leading up to the crash. Dash camera footage, if present, and any nearby surveillance cameras should also be reviewed. Additionally, cell phone records from the driver should be examined to determine whether distraction played a role in the accident. Securing this data promptly is critical to ensuring no evidence is lost.

By addressing these three key questions—investigation thoroughness, potential vehicle defects, and electronic data collection—the inquiry can provide a complete understanding of the factors that led to this accident. A comprehensive investigation not only helps clarify the cause but also identifies potential measures to improve road safety and prevent similar incidents in the future.