Bexar County, TX — December 15, 2024, one person was injured in a single-car accident at approximately 4:15 a.m. along I.H. 35, Monarch Highway.
According to authorities, two men ages 50 and 24 were traveling in a southbound GMC pickup truck on I.H. 35 in the vicinity southwest of Fischer Road when the accident took place.
The cause of the accident remains unclear. Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, the pickup failed to appropriately control its speed. It was subsequently involved in a single-vehicle collision in which it apparently struck a median barrier and overturned.
The 24-year-old passenger reportedly sustained serious injuries over the course of the accident. Additional details pertaining to this incident—including the identity of the victim—are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
When a single-vehicle crash like this one happens in the early morning hours and results in serious injuries, the conversation often begins and ends with speculation about speed or driver error. But from what I’ve seen, those explanations don’t always capture the full story. If we want to understand how and why a crash like this really happened, there are three important questions that should be asked.
First, did authorities conduct a thorough investigation? A rollover crash on a highway like I-35 at 4:15 a.m. poses unique challenges—low light, sparse traffic, and potentially limited evidence at the scene. A complete investigation should go beyond basic facts to include a detailed reconstruction, evaluation of roadway conditions, and analysis of how the vehicle responded. Unfortunately, many agencies don’t have the specialized training or equipment to carry out that level of analysis, especially for single-vehicle crashes. That’s why it’s often necessary to bring in an independent expert to ensure that no contributing factors are overlooked.
Second, has anyone considered whether a vehicle defect might have played a role? A GMC pickup overturning after striking a median could suggest problems with steering, brakes, or even suspension—particularly if the driver tried to correct course and the vehicle didn’t respond as expected. These issues usually aren’t obvious just by looking at the wreckage and require a forensic inspection to identify. If the vehicle is repaired or scrapped before such an inspection takes place, any evidence of mechanical failure may be lost.
Lastly, has all of the electronic data from the vehicle been collected? Most modern pickups, including GMC models, are equipped with event data recorders that log speed, braking, and steering inputs in the seconds before a crash. That data is often the most reliable source for understanding exactly what happened. Additionally, phone data or GPS information could help clarify whether distraction or other factors were involved. But all of this information is time-sensitive. If it’s not preserved early in the process, it could be gone forever.
In serious crashes like this one, where the outcome includes significant injuries and the cause remains uncertain, settling for surface-level explanations won’t do. Asking these questions is the least that can be done to ensure that those affected by this crash get the clarity and closure they deserve.
