Corpus Christi, TX — November 13, 2024, one person was injured in a car accident at about 9:25 p.m. on Gollihar Road near Garcia Elementary School.

A preliminary accident report indicates a westbound 2018 Kia Sportage hit a pedestrian while turning left off of Prescott Street.

1 Injured in Car Accident on Gollihar Road in Corpus Christi, TX

The pedestrian, a 43-year-old woman whose name has not been made public, suffered suspected serious injuries in the crash, according to authorities.

The 51-year-old man who was driving the Kia was cited for failure to yield the right of way to the pedestrian, the report states.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the Nueces County crash.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When I read about a crash like this, my first thought is that those involved deserve clear answers about what happened. That may seem simple, but in my experience, pedestrian crashes at intersections often involve more complexity than they initially appear. To fully understand what led to this incident, three critical questions must be asked.

First, did authorities conduct a thorough investigation? While the driver of the Kia was cited for failing to yield, it’s important to determine exactly how the crash unfolded. Were traffic signals or pedestrian crossing signs in place and functioning correctly? Was the pedestrian in a marked crosswalk? Were there any sight obstructions, such as parked cars, poor lighting or roadway design issues, that may have prevented the driver from seeing the pedestrian in time? A full investigation should consider all these elements to ensure a clear understanding of what happened.

Second, has anyone considered whether a vehicle defect contributed to the crash? The Kia Sportage is a relatively modern vehicle, but even newer cars can experience mechanical failures. Did the vehicle’s braking system function properly? Were the headlights working as expected, providing adequate visibility? If the driver attempted to stop but the vehicle didn’t respond in time, that could point to a mechanical issue that needs further examination. Unfortunately, defect-related crashes often go unnoticed unless someone takes the time to investigate these possibilities before the vehicle is repaired.

Finally, has all available electronic data been collected? The Kia Sportage is equipped with a black box that stores critical crash data, such as speed, braking and steering input before impact. If retrieved, this data could confirm whether the driver tried to stop or if the vehicle maintained speed through the turn. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras could provide additional visual evidence. Additionally, reviewing cell phone records is essential to determining whether the driver was distracted at the time of the crash.

At the end of the day, a person suffered serious injuries, and the least that can be done is to ensure a full and fair investigation that leaves no stone unturned. The only way to truly understand what happened — and to provide real answers to those affected — is by asking the right questions and ensuring that every possible piece of evidence is examined.

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