Live Oak County, TX — February 23, 2025, Matthew Ward was injured in a car accident at about 6 p.m. on F.M. 3162 near Lake Corpus Christi.

A preliminary accident report indicates a 2019 Toyota Corolla was headed east when it hit a culvert and overturned.

Matthew Ward Injured in Car Accident near Sandia, TX

Driver Matthew Ward, 31, suffered serious injuries in the crash north of Sandia, according to authorities.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the Live Oak County crash.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When I see reports of a crash like this, my first thought is that the injured driver and his loved ones deserve clear answers about what happened. A single-vehicle crash that results in a rollover raises important questions, and in my experience, these incidents often have underlying causes that aren’t immediately obvious. Before any conclusions can be reached, three key areas need further investigation.

First, did authorities conduct a thorough investigation? When a vehicle crashes into a culvert, it’s important to determine whether road design or visibility played a role. Was the culvert clearly marked and positioned safely away from the roadway? Did the driver have enough time to see and react to it? Were there any roadway hazards, such as debris, potholes, or uneven pavement, that may have caused the vehicle to veer off course? A proper accident reconstruction should examine whether road conditions contributed to the crash rather than assuming driver error was the only factor.

Second, has anyone looked into whether a vehicle defect contributed to the crash? The Toyota Corolla involved in this accident is a relatively new model, but mechanical failures can still occur. Did the brakes, steering, or tires fail at a critical moment? Was there a sudden acceleration issue that prevented the driver from controlling the vehicle? Additionally, rollovers can be linked to stability concerns, and if a vehicle’s safety systems didn’t perform as expected, that could have made the crash worse. A forensic inspection of the vehicle is essential to rule out mechanical or electronic failures.

Finally, has all available electronic data been collected? The Toyota Corolla likely has an engine control module (ECM) that records key data such as speed, braking, and steering inputs before the crash. Retrieving this information could help determine whether the driver attempted to stop or correct course before hitting the culvert. Authorities should also check for any nearby traffic or surveillance cameras that may have captured footage of the crash. Additionally, phone records should be reviewed to determine whether distraction played a role.

At the end of the day, a man suffered serious injuries in this crash, and his family deserves to know why. A full and thorough investigation is the only way to ensure that no key details are overlooked. If any of these three questions remain unanswered, we simply don’t have the full story.

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