Update (March 4, 2025): The person killed in this accident was a 15-year-old boy.

Update (February 24, 2025): Authorities said a husband and wife have been arrested in connection with this accident. The man was charged with collision involving death and tampering with evidence, while his wife is charged with failure to report a felony.

San Benito, TX — February 9, 2025, one person was killed in a hit-and-run accident at about 3 a.m. on F.M. 1846/Williams Road near County Road 578.

Authorities said a bicyclist was hit from behind by an unknown vehicle while traveling north on F.M. 1846. The pickup did not stop.

The 15-year-old bicyclist died at the scene of the crash, according to authorities.

Authorities are still searching for the pickup that hit the teen. It is described “possibly a Ford” pickup with chrome trim and front end damage.

The accident is still under investigation.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When I read about a crash like the one in San Benito, my first thought is that those affected deserve clear answers about what happened. Hit-and-run crashes, especially those involving bicyclists, can leave families with more questions than answers. While much of the focus is rightfully on identifying the driver who fled, it’s equally important to examine every factor that may have contributed to the crash. That’s why there are three critical questions that should be asked in any crash investigation.

First, did the authorities conduct a thorough investigation? Hit-and-run cases can be challenging because key evidence may be lost if not collected quickly. Were there any witnesses who saw the vehicle before or after the crash? Have authorities reviewed traffic or security camera footage from businesses, homes or nearby intersections? Was the roadway properly illuminated, and were there any obstructions that could have affected visibility for either the bicyclist or the driver? A complete accident reconstruction should consider all these factors to ensure no detail is overlooked.

Second, has anyone looked into whether a vehicle defect played a role? While the driver’s failure to stop is the most pressing concern, it’s still important to ask whether a mechanical failure contributed to the crash itself. Did the suspect vehicle have a history of braking issues, steering malfunctions or defective headlights? If the driver is located, examining their vehicle for mechanical failures could help determine if any defects played a role in the collision. Unfortunately, because hit-and-run vehicles are often repaired quickly to cover up evidence, these opportunities can be lost if investigators don’t act swiftly.

Lastly, has all electronic data related to the crash been collected? Modern vehicles, especially those with advanced safety systems, may have recorded crucial data in their engine control modules, including speed, braking and steering input at the time of the crash. Additionally, nearby security cameras, traffic cameras, and even dashcams from passing vehicles could provide evidence that helps identify the suspect vehicle and clarify exactly what happened. Cell phone data might also help, whether from tracking the vehicle’s movements or determining whether distraction played a role. If authorities haven’t gathered this evidence, an independent investigation may still be able to do so.

At the end of the day, every serious crash deserves a complete and thorough investigation. Hit-and-run cases are especially difficult because they leave victims’ families searching for accountability, but identifying the driver is only part of the equation. Those affected deserve to know whether every factor was properly considered. Without answering these three key questions, it’s impossible to say with certainty what led to the crash, and that’s not a conclusion anyone should have to accept.

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