Dallas, TX — September 19, 2024, James Roemer was killed in a truck accident at about 5:15 p.m. on State Highway 310/S.M. Wright Freeway.
A preliminary accident report indicates a 2016 Hyundai Accent was headed north on the highway when it hit a 2002 Chevrolet Silverado that was going west on East Overton Road.
Hyundai driver James Roemer, 68, died in the crash according to authorities. The Chevrolet driver suffered a possible injury.
Authorities have not released any additional information about the crash.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
When I read about a crash like this, my first thought is that I hope the people affected, especially the family of the deceased, get the answers they deserve. A collision at an intersection between a passenger vehicle and a pickup truck raises immediate questions about right-of-way, timing and visibility. While the initial report provides a basic outline of what occurred, it does not explain how or why these two vehicles came to occupy the same space at the same time. To fully understand what happened on State Highway 310 at East Overton Road, we need to ask three critical questions.
First, did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? Any intersection collision demands careful scene reconstruction. Were there traffic signals or stop signs governing the flow of traffic? Did investigators evaluate the timing of those signals or the layout of the intersection to determine whether either driver had a clear opportunity to yield or proceed safely? Were there visibility issues, such as obstructions or sun glare, that might have limited one driver’s view of the other? Without this level of detail, it’s difficult to determine whether the crash was preventable and, if so, how.
Second, has anyone considered whether a vehicle defect might have played a role in the crash? The 2016 Hyundai Accent involved in the collision should be carefully examined. Was there a brake or steering system malfunction? Did the accelerator respond properly when needed? A sudden loss of vehicle control due to a mechanical failure is not something visible in a crash scene photo. It requires a forensic mechanical inspection. The same should be said for the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado, which may have had aging components or safety systems that didn’t perform as intended. Unless the vehicles are preserved and reviewed, key contributing factors could go undetected.
Finally, has all the electronic data related to the crash been collected? Both vehicles may contain engine control modules capable of storing vital information about speed, braking and steering input in the seconds leading up to the crash. That data could help reconstruct how fast each vehicle was going and whether evasive maneuvers were attempted. In addition, traffic cameras or nearby surveillance footage — especially at busy intersections — may offer direct insight into how the crash unfolded. As with all digital evidence, it’s essential that this data is preserved quickly before it is lost.
A crash like this demands a full and fact-driven investigation. A man lost his life, and another person may have been injured. Those affected deserve more than a summary: they deserve a detailed and accurate explanation of what occurred. By asking the right questions, securing all available evidence and carefully evaluating every possibility, we help ensure that no factor is overlooked and that those left behind are given the clarity they need.
