Floyd County, TX — December 24, 2024, Ethan Soto was killed and a teen was injured after a car accident at around 7:41 p.m. on U.S. Highway 70.

According to initial details about the accident, it happened in the area of the U.S. 70 and Highway 207 intersection.

Ethan Soto Car Accident in Floydada, TX

Investigators said that 35-year-old Ethan Tanner Soto and a 13-year-old were in a Dodge Ram going along the highway. For reasons which are not clear right now, the vehicle ran off the side of the road where it crashed into the Floydada welcome sign.

As a result of the accident, Ethan Soto was killed. The teen in the Dodge had serious injuries. Right now, additional details about the accident are unavailable.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

I’ve worked with hundreds of families affected by serious car accidents, and one thing remains the same between all of them: they want answers. As simple as that seems, there can be unique challenges, including making sure authorities were actually able to get a crash the attention it deserved. A few key questions can help in that regard.

Did authorities take the time and use the right tools to fully investigate? A vehicle leaving the roadway could involve road hazards, poor visibility, or sudden evasive maneuvers. Did investigators examine skid marks, road conditions, and environmental factors to determine what happened?

Did they consider whether a vehicle defect played a role? Mechanical failures—such as brake malfunctions, steering issues, or tire blowouts—can cause a driver to lose control. Additionally, seatbelt or airbag failures could have made the crash more severe. Was the vehicle thoroughly inspected before it was repaired or scrapped?

Did they secure all available electronic evidence? The vehicle’s Engine Control Module (ECM) may have recorded speed, braking, and steering inputs leading up to the crash. GPS records, cellphone activity, or nearby surveillance footage could also provide valuable insights. Were investigators careful to preserve this information?

If authorities are able to provide satisfactory answers, it’s probably because they’ve conducted good investigations. If their answers leave doubts, though, then families can take the steps to ensure there’s a secondary look at the facts to ensure nothing important slipped through the cracks.

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