Little Elm, TX — July 22, 2025, a child was injured in a car accident at about 4:10 p.m. at the intersection of F.M. 423 and Smotherman Road.
A preliminary accident report indicates that a northbound 2022 Ram 1500 ran a red light at Smotherman Road and crashed into a westbound 2023 Rivian R1S. Two southbound vehicles, a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE and a 2019 Mercedes-Benz E Class, were damaged in the crash as well.
A 5-year-old boy riding in the newer Mercedes was seriously injured in the crash, according to the report.
The driver suffered minor injuries, the report states, as did the driver of the Ram and Rivian. Two children in the Rivian were hurt as well.
The driver of the 2019 Mercedes was not injured, according to the report.
Authorities have not released any additional information about the Denton County crash at this time.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
When a routine drive turns into a trip to the hospital, especially for a child, it’s a harsh reminder that what happens on the road can ripple far beyond the crash itself. Moments like this make it clear that a surface-level explanation — a red light run, a missed brake — doesn’t always get to the heart of what truly went wrong.
Did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? With multiple vehicles involved and injuries to several children, this isn’t the kind of crash that should be closed with a quick report and a traffic citation. The mention of a red light violation raises questions, but who verified it, and how? An investigation that simply collects statements and snaps a few photos leaves too many gaps. Ideally, officers mapped the intersection using laser-based tools, traced vehicle movement through skid marks and debris and looked into whether driver actions aligned with the story being told. In many cases, however, the scope of the review depends heavily on which agency responds and the training level of the officers on scene.
Has anyone looked into the possibility that a vehicle defect caused the crash? If the driver of the Ram ran the light, that’s a serious failure, but not all such failures come from human error. A stuck throttle, braking malfunction or sensor glitch could cause a vehicle to blow through an intersection despite the driver’s intentions. That’s why it matters to physically inspect each involved vehicle, not just for visible damage, but for signs of mechanical or electronic failure. When newer-model vehicles are involved, there’s even more reason to check the systems under the hood.
Has all the electronic data relating to the crash been collected? This crash involved recent models from major automakers, which are likely equipped with onboard systems that log braking, speed, steering input and even lane position. Reviewing that data can clarify whether the Ram driver attempted to stop or accelerated through the light. Phone activity and GPS logs might shed light on attention or route patterns. Traffic cameras near the intersection could also confirm sequence of lights and vehicle motion. These tools don’t just support accountability; they help get the facts straight for everyone affected.
It’s easy to think we know what happened when someone runs a light. But without a deeper look into mechanical integrity and digital evidence, the full truth often stays just out of reach. When a child is badly hurt, that’s not a risk worth taking.
Key Takeaways:
- A red light violation should trigger a full-scale investigation, not just a traffic ticket.
- Vehicle systems should be inspected for defects that might have led to a loss of control.
- Electronic vehicle data and intersection footage can provide vital answers that witness accounts can’t.
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