Lubbock, TX — April 21, 2025, One person was killed and one was injured in a car accident that occurred around 1:45 P.M. on FM 1294.
An investigation is underway following a car accident that left one person dead and injured another during the afternoon hours of April 21st. According to official reports, Andrew Perez was a passenger in a vehicle driven by Raymond Gonzales was traveling on FM 1294 in the westbound lanes, when for unknown reasons the vehicle pulled out in front of an oncoming vehicle at the intersection with US 84.
When first responders arrived on the scene, they found that Perez had sustained fatal injuries and was declared deceased, while Gonzales suffered serious injuries and he was transported to the hospital for treatment. At this time there has been no further information released from the accident, including the status of Gonzales’ injuries, however this remains an ongoing investigation and more details may be released by authorities in the future.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
When a vehicle pulls into the path of oncoming traffic, resulting in a fatal crash and serious injury, it’s easy to focus on the apparent decision made by the driver. But in cases like this—where the cause is still officially unknown—a deeper, structured investigation is critical. To fully understand what happened, we must start by asking three foundational questions: Did the authorities conduct a thorough investigation? Has anyone considered whether a mechanical or electronic defect contributed to the crash? And has all available electronic data from the vehicle been collected?
The first concern is whether the investigation sufficiently addressed the conditions leading up to the crash. Authorities should examine the intersection of FM 1294 and US 84 in detail—looking at traffic flow, signalization, sightlines, and whether visibility may have been obstructed. Factors such as sun glare, obstructed signage, or confusing lane markings can all influence a driver’s perception of whether it’s safe to proceed. A thorough scene reconstruction would also analyze vehicle positions, speed estimates, and possible evasive actions taken by either vehicle. Without this information, the narrative around the crash remains incomplete.
Second, the possibility of a mechanical or electronic failure must be considered. If the vehicle driven by Gonzales experienced an issue with the throttle, brakes, or transmission, it could have created a situation where the vehicle entered the intersection unexpectedly. Similarly, if there was a miscommunication between electronic systems—such as stability control or brake assist—it might have prevented a timely stop or correction. These possibilities often go unexamined unless someone intervenes early and ensures the vehicle is inspected by qualified professionals before it is altered, repaired, or destroyed.
Lastly, electronic data from the vehicle must be collected. Most modern vehicles are equipped with an electronic control module (ECM) that records critical data from the moments leading up to a crash—vehicle speed, throttle input, brake application, and seatbelt status, among other factors. This data can provide objective insight into what the driver was doing and whether the vehicle responded appropriately. If the data shows no braking or a sudden change in steering, it may point to mechanical failure or a driver unable to react. Investigators should also seek surveillance footage or dashcam recordings from the area that could supplement this data and provide a more complete picture.
Crashes at intersections are often presented as simple right-of-way violations, but that assumption can leave critical factors unexplored. A complete investigation, a careful review of vehicle performance, and the timely collection of digital evidence are all essential to understanding what actually occurred—and whether any aspect of the event could have been prevented. These steps are key to reaching conclusions that are based on facts, not just first impressions.
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