Liberty County, TX — November 16, 2024, Garrett Sowell was injured in a car accident at about 9:25 p.m. on F.M. 680.

A preliminary accident report indicates that a 2007 Dodge Charger was headed west when it overturned for an unknown reason.

Garrett Sowell Injured in Car Accident in Liberty County, TX

Driver Garrett Sowell, 22, suffered suspected serious injuries in the crash north of Eastgate, according to authorities.

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

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When I read about a crash like this, my first thought is that those involved deserve clear answers about what happened. That may seem simple, but in my experience, single-vehicle crashes are often more complex than they first appear. To fully understand what led to this crash, three critical questions must be asked.

First, did authorities conduct a thorough investigation? When a vehicle overturns without an obvious reason, it’s important to consider all possible contributing factors. Was the driver forced to swerve due to another vehicle or an obstruction in the road? Were road conditions — such as sharp curves, poor lighting or debris — a factor? And did investigators check for any mechanical failures or environmental hazards that could explain why the vehicle lost control? Without a full reconstruction of the crash, important details could be missed.

Second, has anyone considered whether a vehicle defect contributed to the crash? The Dodge Charger involved in this accident is an older model, meaning wear and tear could have affected critical safety systems. Did the driver experience a brake failure, steering issue or tire blowout? Stability issues in some vehicles can also increase the likelihood of a rollover. Unfortunately, defect-related crashes often go unrecognized unless someone takes the time to investigate them before the vehicle is scrapped or repaired.

Finally, has all available electronic data been collected? Most modern vehicles, including the 2007 Charger, contain a black box that records key crash data such as speed, braking and steering input before impact. If retrieved, this data could help determine whether the driver tried to avoid something or if the vehicle reacted unexpectedly. Additionally, nearby surveillance footage and cell phone records should be reviewed to rule out possible distractions or external factors.

At the end of the day, a serious crash left one person injured, and the least that can be done is to ensure a complete and thorough investigation. The only way to truly understand what happened is by asking the right questions and ensuring that every possible piece of evidence is examined.

Explore cases we take