Johnson County, TX — February 26, 2025, Cheri Hawley was killed in a single-vehicle car accident at approximately 1:30 p.m. along County Road 213.
According to authorities, 72-year-ld Cheri Hawley was traveling in a southeast bound Nissan Altima on County Road 213 in the vicinity southeast of the C.R. 212 intersection when the accident took place.
The cause of the accident remains unclear. Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, the Nissan was involved in a single-vehicle collision in which the airbag reportedly did not deploy. Hawley sustained fatal injuries over the course of the accident, according to reports. Additional details pertaining to this incident are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
When I see reports like this, my main concern is whether Cheri Hawley’s loved ones will get the answers they need about what happened. A single-vehicle crash might seem straightforward, but experience has shown me that these incidents often involve more than meets the eye. That’s why it’s critical to examine three key questions when looking into any serious accident.
The first question is whether authorities have conducted a thorough investigation. Law enforcement will likely document the scene and consider possible contributing factors, but key details can sometimes be overlooked. Were there roadway hazards, such as debris, poor lighting, or pavement defects, that may have contributed? Did another vehicle play a role, even if it wasn’t directly involved? Did officers have enough time and resources to fully reconstruct the accident? Ensuring these questions are answered is crucial to understanding the full circumstances of the crash.
The second question to consider is whether anyone has looked into the possibility of a vehicle defect. Reports indicate that the airbag in the Nissan Altima did not deploy, which could raise serious concerns. Airbags are designed to activate under specific conditions, and a failure to deploy when expected could indicate a defect in the crash sensors, airbag system, or vehicle structure. Additionally, other mechanical failures—such as brake malfunctions, steering issues, or tire problems—could have contributed to the crash itself. Unfortunately, these issues are often overlooked unless someone specifically pushes for them to be investigated. A forensic examination of the vehicle could help determine whether a defect played a role in the accident.
Finally, it’s important to determine whether all relevant electronic data has been collected. The Altima’s engine control module may have recorded valuable information about speed, braking, and steering inputs leading up to the crash. Additionally, surveillance footage from nearby properties or traffic cameras may offer visual evidence of what happened. Even cellphone data could be relevant if distraction or a medical emergency was a factor. Securing this evidence quickly is essential to preserving a complete and accurate understanding 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.
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