Pharr, TX — February 21, 2025, Oscar Castillo was killed in an early afternoon car accident on westbound Interstate 2 in Hidalgo County.

Authorities said a pedestrian was hit by a car while attempting to cross the interstate north of Business U.S. Route 83.

Oscar Castillo Killed in Car Accident in Pharr, TX

Pharr resident Oscar Castillo, 54, died at the scene of the crash, according to authorities.

The driver whose car hit Oscar Castillo stayed at the scene after the collision, authorities said.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the crash at this time.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When I read about a crash like this, my first thought is that those affected deserve clear answers about what happened. That may seem simple, but in my experience, many crash investigations fail to explore key details that could provide a full understanding of the incident. To get to the truth, three critical questions must always be asked.

First, did authorities conduct a thorough investigation? When a pedestrian is struck on a highway, investigators often focus on why the pedestrian was there in the first place. But just as important is an examination of the driver’s actions and environmental factors. Was the driver speeding? Were they distracted or impaired? Did road conditions, lighting or obstructions play a role? Without analyzing all these factors, it’s difficult to get a full picture of what happened.

Second, has anyone considered whether a vehicle defect contributed to the crash? While it may not seem like an obvious factor, mechanical failures such as brake malfunctions, steering problems or even faulty headlights could have affected the driver’s ability to avoid the pedestrian. If the driver took evasive action but the vehicle didn’t respond properly, that could point to an issue with the car itself. Unfortunately, defect-related crashes are often overlooked unless someone makes a point to investigate.

Finally, has all available electronic data been collected? Many modern vehicles store critical information about speed, braking and steering inputs before impact. That data could confirm whether the driver attempted to stop in time. Surveillance footage from traffic cameras or nearby businesses could provide further insight into how the pedestrian entered the roadway and how the driver reacted. Additionally, cell phone records could help determine whether distraction played a role in the moments leading up to the crash.

At the end of the day, a person lost their life, and the least that can be done is to ensure a complete and thorough investigation. The only way to truly understand what happened — and to provide the affected family with real answers — is by asking the right questions and making sure that no potential evidence is overlooked.

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