Terry County, TX — February 6, 2025, Jessica Hernandez was killed following a single-car accident at approximately 5:45 a.m. along U.S. Highway 62.
According to reports, three people—a 73-year-old man, a 52-year-old man, and 50-year-old Jessica Hernandez—were traveling in a southwest bound Honda Fit on U.S. Highway 62 in the vicinity northeast of Wellman when the accident took place.
Reports indicate that traffic in that area—a construction zone—was restricted to the left lane. Officials state that, for as yet unknown reasons, the Honda veered into the center median before overcorrecting twice, once to the right and then again to the left. It reportedly entered the median a second time where it apparently overturned, coming to a stop resting on its left side.
Hernandez sustained fatal injuries over the course of the accident, according to reports. Additional details pertaining to this incident are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
When I read about a crash like the one in Terry County that claimed the life of Jessica Hernandez, many people might assume it was simply the result of driver error. While that may be true, my experience has shown me that single-vehicle accidents—especially in construction zones—often have more going on beneath the surface than is immediately apparent. Instead of making assumptions, it’s important to ask the right questions to ensure that all possible contributing factors are explored. To that end, there are three critical questions that need to be considered.
First, did the authorities conduct a thorough investigation? Construction zones can introduce unexpected hazards, such as poor signage, unclear lane markings, or sudden changes in road conditions. Did law enforcement examine whether these factors played a role? Were witness statements or any available dashcam or traffic camera footage reviewed? If an investigation only focuses on the driver’s actions without considering the environment, it risks leaving out important details that could explain what really happened.
Second, has anyone looked into whether a vehicle defect contributed to the crash? Overcorrection can sometimes indicate a mechanical issue, such as a steering or braking malfunction. Additionally, if the Honda Fit had any advanced driver assistance features, did they function as intended in the construction zone? Unfortunately, unless someone specifically requests a forensic vehicle inspection, these possibilities are rarely explored. If the vehicle is quickly repaired or scrapped, any evidence of a defect may be lost before it can be analyzed.
Lastly, have investigators gathered all available electronic data? Most modern vehicles are equipped with event data recorders (EDRs), which capture crucial details such as speed, braking, and steering inputs in the moments leading up to a crash. This data could help determine whether the vehicle responded as expected or if something unusual happened. Additionally, if there were any nearby traffic cameras, that footage could provide valuable context. If this evidence isn’t secured quickly, it may become unavailable, making it harder to determine the full circumstances of the accident.
At the end of the day, answering these questions could be essential to understanding what really happened and why. A thorough examination of all three of these issues—including the quality of police investigations, possible vehicle defects, and electronic data—is the least that can be done to ensure that those affected by the crash receive the clarity they deserve.
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