Hale County, TX — May 16, 2025, Harold King was injured following a car accident that happened around 12:45 p.m. along FM 400.
According to initial details about the accident, it happened off the corner of FM 400 and County Road 135, south of Plainview.
Authorities said in preliminary statements that 61-year-old Harold King was in a Ford F-250 going northbound along the roadway. While doing so, the vehicle somehow left its lane. This resulted in the vehicle crashing.
Harold King reportedly had serious injuries due to the accident. There did not appear to be anyone else involved in the accident.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
One of the main concerns people come to me with after single-vehicle wrecks is whether or not their side of the story will be told fairly. This often happens when the driver is killed or seriously injured, since they won’t be able to immediately give a statement to officers at the scene. That’s why it’s often important to consider a few key questions to find out if authorities did their due diligence beyond just a glance at the crash scene.
1. Did the authorities have the time, training, and equipment to fully investigate the crash?
Not every crash scene receives the same level of attention. If the investigation was limited by a lack of time or resources, critical details—such as steering input, tire marks, or signs of a sudden maneuver—could be overlooked. When no one else is involved, it’s even more important that investigators slow down and document every possible factor, not just the outcome.
2. Has anyone looked into the possibility that a vehicle defect caused or worsened the crash?
A sudden loss of control may point to more than driver error. Mechanical issues—like a steering system failure, brake malfunction, or even problems with stability control—should always be considered. And if the vehicle’s safety features, such as airbags or seatbelts, didn’t work properly, they may have made the injuries more severe than they needed to be. These questions won’t be answered without a proper inspection.
3. Has all the electronic data, cell phone records, and nearby camera footage been collected?
Today’s vehicles often carry onboard data that can reveal critical information: speed, brake pressure, steering angles, and more. That data can tell investigators whether the vehicle responded as expected. Reviewing phone records helps confirm the timeline, and any nearby properties with cameras could have captured key footage. All of these sources are necessary to build a full picture of what really happened.
Real understanding comes from asking the questions that don’t always make it into the first report. If authorities did their due diligence, they’ll likely have adequate answers to these questions. If not, though, then that may be a sign the accident needs a secondary investigation to ensure nothing important slipped through the cracks.
Takeaways:
- Investigations can fall short without proper tools, time, or training.
- Mechanical or safety system failures may have contributed to or worsened the crash.
- Vehicle data, phone records, and local footage help reveal the full story.
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