Lubbock, TX — February 2, 2025, Mayda Dimas was injured in a car accident at about 11 p.m. at the intersection of 82nd Street and Frankford Avenue.
A preliminary accident report indicates a 2005 Dodge Durango rear-ended a 2020 Nissan Versa that was stopped at the intersection. A 2023 Nissan Altima was involved in the crash as well.
Dodge driver Mayda Dimas, 36, suffered suspected serious injuries in the crash, according to authorities.
The report lists possible injuries for Versa driver Ashton Smith, 22, and Altima driver David Blackerby, 36.
Authorities have not released any additional information about the crash at this time. The accident is still being investigated.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
When I see a report like this, my first thought is that I hope those involved get the answers they need about what caused this crash. While the report states that a Dodge Durango rear-ended a stopped Nissan Versa, that alone doesn’t explain why it happened or how the Altima became involved. To truly understand what led to this crash, three critical questions must be asked.
First, did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? Rear-end collisions are often attributed to driver inattention or following too closely, but a proper investigation should consider all possible factors. Did investigators analyze skid marks or vehicle damage patterns to determine whether braking occurred before impact? Were there traffic signals or congestion that may have contributed to sudden stops? Did authorities interview witnesses or check for surveillance footage from nearby businesses to get a clearer picture of how the crash unfolded? The quality of the investigation will determine how well authorities can explain what happened.
Second, has anyone looked into the possibility that a vehicle defect played a role? The Dodge Durango is a nearly 20-year-old SUV, meaning mechanical failures — such as brake malfunctions, stuck accelerators or steering issues — could have contributed to the crash. If the driver attempted to stop but the brakes failed, that would change the entire understanding of the incident. Unfortunately, vehicle defects are rarely considered in official investigations because most police departments lack the resources to conduct a forensic mechanical inspection. If the Durango is repaired or scrapped before it can be examined by an expert, crucial evidence may be lost.
Third, has all the electronic data relating to the crash been collected? All three vehicles likely have engine control modules (ECMs) that record key crash data, such as speed, braking and steering input in the moments before impact. Additionally, nearby security cameras, dashcams or even cell phone data could help clarify what happened. Without this data, investigators may be left with only partial information about the events leading up to the crash.
At the end of the day, those involved in this crash deserve clear and complete answers. The least the community can do is ensure that every possible step is taken to uncover the full truth.
