1 Injured in Hit-and-Run Accident on West 34th Street in Houston, TX

Houston, TX — September 28, 2024, one person was injured in a hit-and-run accident at about 1:30 a.m. on West 34th Street.

Authorities said a 2018 Jeep Wrangler was headed west in the 5400 block of West 34th when a 2019 Ram 1500 allegedly ran a red light on Northwest Freeway and crashed into it. The Ram hit a traffic light pole before its driver fled on foot.

The Jeep driver, a 25-year-old woman whose name has not been made public at this time, suffered serious injuries in the crash, according to authorities. The passenger, another 25-year-old woman, may have suffered minor injuries.

Authorities have not released any additional details about the crash.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When I read about a crash like this, my first thought is that I hope investigators are doing everything they can to uncover exactly what happened. Hit-and-run crashes raise serious concerns, and experience has shown me that they often involve more than just driver negligence. That’s why any thorough investigation must address three critical questions.

First, did the authorities conduct a thorough investigation? The report states that the Ram 1500 ran a red light before crashing into the Jeep and fleeing the scene, but it’s essential to confirm what led up to the crash. Were there witnesses or traffic cameras that captured the moment of impact? Was the fleeing driver identified, and if not, what steps are being taken to find them? Given that the Ram hit a traffic pole, law enforcement should also evaluate whether the intersection’s signals and road markings were functioning correctly at the time of the crash. Without these details, key elements of the crash may go unexamined.

Second, has anyone considered whether a vehicle defect played a role? People often assume hit-and-run drivers flee to avoid legal consequences, but mechanical failures can’t be ruled out without an inspection of the abandoned vehicle. Did the Ram 1500 experience a brake failure, stuck throttle or steering issue that contributed to the driver losing control? If the driver fled out of fear rather than guilt, a vehicle malfunction could be a relevant factor. Additionally, the Jeep Wrangler should also be examined to ensure that its airbags, seat belts and other safety features functioned properly during the crash. Unless the vehicles are preserved and inspected, these possibilities may never be explored.

Lastly, has all the electronic data from the crash been preserved? Both the 2018 Jeep Wrangler and the 2019 Ram 1500 are equipped with engine control modules that store crucial data, such as speed, braking and throttle input before the crash. This information could clarify whether the Ram driver attempted to stop or if the Jeep driver had time to react. Additionally, surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras may provide further evidence of what happened and help law enforcement identify the fleeing driver. However, this type of evidence is time-sensitive, and if it isn’t gathered quickly, it could be lost.

At the end of the day, hit-and-run crashes leave more questions than answers, and those affected deserve to know the full truth. Ensuring a thorough investigation, considering all possible causes and preserving all available evidence are critical steps in that process. The least the community can do is make sure every effort is made to determine exactly what led to this crash.