Pedestrian Injured in Car Accident on Frankford Road in Dallas, TX

Dallas, TX — October 13, 2024, a pedestrian was injured in a car accident at about 9:10 p.m. in the 4600 block of Frankford Road.

A preliminary accident report indicates a 2019 Toyota Corolla was headed west near Dallas North Tollway when it hit a pedestrian who was trying to cross the road.

The pedestrian, a 62-year-old Dallas man whose name has not been made public, suffered serious injuries in the crash, according to the report.

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

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When I read about a crash like this, my first thought is that I hope the injured pedestrian and his loved ones are able to get clear answers about what happened. A pedestrian struck while crossing the road, especially in the evening hours, is often chalked up to low visibility or unexpected movement, but in my experience, these situations are rarely that simple. To truly understand what happened on Frankford Road, we need to ask three critical questions.

First, did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? A key part of any pedestrian-involved collision is determining where and how the pedestrian was crossing. Was there a marked crosswalk nearby? Were there traffic signals in place, and were they functioning correctly? Was the area sufficiently illuminated to give drivers a clear view of someone crossing the road? Investigators should examine not just the point of impact but also the pedestrian’s approach path, the driver’s line of sight and the conditions at the time of the crash. Without a detailed reconstruction of the scene, it’s nearly impossible to determine whether the crash was avoidable.

Second, has anyone considered whether a vehicle defect may have played a role? The 2019 Toyota Corolla is relatively new and likely includes modern safety systems such as pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking. Were those systems functioning at the time of the crash? Did the vehicle’s headlights provide sufficient illumination, and were they aimed correctly? Even minor mechanical or electronic failures — whether in lighting, sensors or braking systems — can significantly affect a driver’s ability to react in time. Unless the vehicle is preserved and inspected, those potential contributing factors may be missed entirely.

Finally, has all the electronic data related to the crash been collected? The Toyota’s engine control module likely contains valuable pre-crash data, including vehicle speed, throttle position, braking activity and steering input. This data can help clarify whether the driver attempted to slow down or swerve before the impact. Additionally, nearby traffic cameras or surveillance systems from adjacent businesses may provide video evidence of the crash or the moments leading up to it. If the pedestrian was carrying a phone or wearable device, GPS or movement data might also help establish his position and timing. This kind of evidence is time-sensitive and must be preserved quickly.

Crashes involving pedestrians deserve thorough and unbiased investigation. A man suffered serious injuries while crossing a public road, and while driver visibility is always a consideration, it cannot be the only explanation offered. By asking the right questions and collecting all available evidence, we can provide the injured pedestrian and the community with the clarity they deserve.