Austin, TX — December 29, 2024, one person was killed in a hit-and-run accident at about 4 a.m. on northbound Interstate 35.
Authorities said an unknown vehicle hit a pedestrian in the 8900 block of South I-35 near exit for William Cannon Drive and Stassney Lane.
The pedestrian, a 31-year-old woman, died at the scene of the crash, according to authorities. Her name has not been made public.
Authorities are still searching for the four-door car that hit the pedestrian.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
When I read about a fatal hit-and-run like the one that occurred on I-35 in Austin, the most important thing is making sure the investigation leaves no stone unturned. It’s not enough to find the driver responsible; we also have to understand the circumstances that led to the crash. That means asking three essential questions: Did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? Has anyone looked into the possibility that a vehicle defect caused the crash? Has all the electronic data relating to the crash been collected?
Starting with the investigation, the crash occurred in the early morning hours around 4 a.m., a time when visibility is low and traffic volume tends to fluctuate. It’s critical that investigators carefully examine the scene for debris, vehicle fragments, tire marks and surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras. They also need to determine exactly where the pedestrian was relative to the highway — on a shoulder, trying to cross or walking along the lanes — because that could shed light on whether the driver had a reasonable chance to see and avoid her. Thorough scene documentation and canvassing for witnesses or camera footage can make all the difference in identifying and understanding the vehicle’s actions.
Next, we have to consider whether a vehicle defect might have played a role. While it may seem like the primary issue is the driver fleeing the scene, that doesn’t mean we should overlook the possibility that something went wrong with the vehicle, especially if the driver later claims they didn’t know they struck a person. Headlight failure, faulty collision detection systems, or brake malfunctions could influence both the occurrence of the crash and the driver’s perception of it. If the vehicle is eventually recovered, it will be crucial to examine it for mechanical issues that could explain how the crash happened or why the driver may not have responded appropriately.
Lastly, the importance of electronic data cannot be overstated. If authorities are able to locate the vehicle, the engine control module could hold key information, such as the speed at impact, brake usage and throttle input. This data can help confirm whether the vehicle slowed or swerved or if there was no attempt to avoid the collision. Phone records might also reveal if the driver was distracted at the time. In hit-and-run cases, especially fatal ones, electronic data often becomes the linchpin in reconstructing what really happened and assigning responsibility based on evidence rather than speculation.
At the heart of it, someone died on that roadway, and her family deserves more than assumptions—they deserve answers grounded in facts. That begins with a thorough investigation, continues with a full examination of any vehicle involved and ends with a clear accounting of what occurred and why. For the community, and most importantly for those grieving this loss, asking and answering these questions is the only way to move forward with clarity and purpose.
