1 Injured in Car Accident on Wadley Ave. in Midland, TX

Midland, TX — February 13, 2025, one person was injured following a car accident at approximately 7:30 p.m. along Wadley Avenue.

According to authorities, two people were traveling in a Subaru Legacy on at the Big Spring Street and Wadley Avenue intersection when the accident took place.

The cause of the accident remains unclear. Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, an eastbound Volkswagen on Wadley entered the intersection at an apparently unsafe time, failing to yield the right of way at a red light. This resulted in a collision between the Volkswagen and the Subaru.

The person who had been a passenger in the Subaru sustained reportedly serious injuries due to the wreck and was transported to a local medical facility by EMS in order to receive necessary treatment. Apparently the person who had been behind the wheel of the Volkswagen along with seven minors who had there been passengers were taken to medical facilities, as well, though this was reportedly done as a precaution. Additional details pertaining to this incident—including the identity of the victim—are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When I read about a crash like the one that left a passenger in the Subaru Legacy seriously injured, I know that many people will assume it was simply a case of someone running a red light. While that’s certainly a possibility, my experience has shown me that intersection collisions—especially those involving multiple occupants and serious injuries—are often more complex than they first appear. Instead of making assumptions, it’s important to ask the right questions to ensure that all possible contributing factors are explored. To that end, there are three critical questions that need to be considered.

First, did the authorities conduct a thorough investigation? When a vehicle allegedly runs a red light and causes a crash, investigators should confirm exactly what happened. Did law enforcement collect statements from all involved parties and any available witnesses? Did they check for nearby traffic cameras or surveillance footage to determine whether the light was red when the Volkswagen entered the intersection? Were there any factors—such as poor visibility, obstructed signage, or malfunctioning traffic signals—that could have contributed? The quality of the investigation will determine whether all possible explanations are explored or if key details are overlooked.

Second, has anyone looked into whether a vehicle defect contributed to the crash? While intersection collisions are often attributed to driver error, mechanical failures—such as brake malfunctions, acceleration issues, or faulty traffic signal recognition—should not be ruled out. If one of the vehicles failed to respond properly to driver input, that could be a critical factor in understanding how the crash occurred. Additionally, modern vehicles often include safety features like automatic emergency braking and collision avoidance systems—if those systems failed to engage, that would be important to investigate. Unfortunately, vehicle defects are rarely examined unless someone specifically requests a forensic inspection. If the vehicles are quickly repaired or scrapped, any evidence of a defect may be lost before it can be analyzed.

Lastly, have investigators gathered all available electronic data? Most modern vehicles are equipped with event data recorders (EDRs), which capture crucial details such as speed, braking, and steering inputs in the moments leading up to a crash. This data could help clarify whether the driver attempted to stop or if the vehicle responded unpredictably. Additionally, if any nearby businesses or traffic cameras recorded the crash, that footage could provide valuable context. If this evidence isn’t secured quickly, it may become unavailable, making it harder to determine the full circumstances of the accident.

At the end of the day, answering these questions could be essential to understanding what really happened and why. A thorough examination of all three of these issues—including the quality of police investigations, possible vehicle defects, and electronic data—is the least that can be done to ensure that those affected by the crash receive the clarity they deserve.