Gregg County, TX — October 10, 2024, Jackie Durso was killed in a car accident at about 12:30 p.m. on State Highway 131 north of Kilgore.
A preliminary accident report indicates a 2020 Mitsubishi Outback was crossing the southbound lanes of S.H. 131 on F.M. 1252 when it was hit by a 2023 Ford Edge.
Mitsubishi driver Jackie Duraso, 78, was killed in the crash, according to the report, while the driver of the Ford, a 62-year-old man, suffered minor injuries.
Authorities have not released any additional information about the Gregg County crash.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
When I read about a crash like this, my first thought is that I hope the families involved are able to get clear, fact-based answers about what happened. Intersection collisions, particularly those that involve a vehicle crossing the path of oncoming traffic, are frequently assumed to be the result of driver misjudgment. But in my experience, these crashes are often more complex than they appear. To fully understand what happened on State Highway 131 at FM 1252, we need to ask three critical questions.
First, did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? Intersection crashes require careful accident reconstruction to determine how far away the approaching vehicle was when the other vehicle began to cross. Did investigators evaluate sight lines, signage and traffic control devices at the intersection? Was there sufficient visibility for both drivers to make informed decisions? Did the roadway conditions, such as lighting or road grade, affect timing or perception? These are not questions that can be answered by observation alone: they require data, measurements and a complete analysis of the crash scene.
Second, has anyone looked into whether a vehicle defect played a role in the crash? The 2020 Mitsubishi Outback should be examined for mechanical failures that may have impacted the driver’s ability to cross safely. Was there a delay in acceleration? Did the brakes behave erratically, or did any steering issue affect the driver’s ability to position the vehicle properly? On the Ford Edge, did its safety systems — including forward-collision warning or emergency braking — function as designed? These are possibilities that are often overlooked unless both vehicles are preserved and reviewed by qualified experts.
Finally, has all the electronic data related to the crash been collected? Both vehicles are newer models and likely equipped with engine control modules that store pre-crash data such as speed, braking, throttle input and steering angle. That information could shed light on the Ford driver’s approach and the Mitsubishi driver’s maneuver. Additionally, if dashcams or nearby surveillance footage exists, it may offer a visual timeline of the crash sequence. This data is time-sensitive: once overwritten or lost, it cannot be recovered, which is why early preservation is critical.
A crash like this demands more than a surface-level review. A woman lost her life, and another driver was injured. It’s essential that we don’t rely solely on assumptions about what likely happened. By asking the right questions, securing both physical and digital evidence, and looking beyond the obvious, we can help those affected get the clarity and accountability they deserve.
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