El Paso, TX — January 17, 2026, a woman was injured due to a single-car accident just after 9:00 p.m. along State Highway 375.

According to authorities, a 63-year-old woman was traveling in a northbound Ford F-150 pickup truck on S.H. 375 in the vicinity north of Montwood Drive when the accident took place.

Officials indicate that, for reasons yet to be confirmed, the pickup truck was involved in a single-vehicle collision in which it apparently struck a traffic attenuation device. The woman 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

After serious single-vehicle crashes, early reports often focus on the object that was struck rather than why control was lost. But when someone is badly injured and no other vehicles are involved, the most important answers usually come from looking closely at what happened beforehand.

Was the crash thoroughly investigated?
In a single-vehicle collision, a proper investigation should go beyond documenting the final point of impact. Investigators should examine how the truck was moving, when it began to leave its intended path, and what the driver was doing in the moments leading up to the crash. That can include mapping the vehicle’s path, reviewing tire marks, and analyzing damage patterns to understand speed and steering input. The depth of this work can vary depending on an officer’s training and experience. Some investigators are skilled in detailed crash reconstruction, while others may conduct only a basic review. In cases involving serious injuries, that difference matters.

Has anyone looked into a possible vehicle defect?
When a pickup truck suddenly leaves its lane and strikes a fixed object, mechanical issues should be carefully considered. Steering components, brake performance, tire condition, and suspension systems can all contribute to sudden loss of control. Modern trucks also rely on electronic stability systems designed to assist drivers when control begins to slip, but those systems do not always function as intended. These problems are not always obvious at the scene, which is why a thorough mechanical inspection is an important step.

Was all available electronic data collected?
Electronic data can provide valuable insight into what happened before the collision. Vehicle systems may record speed, braking, steering input, and stability-control activity. Phone data can help determine whether distraction played a role, and GPS information can help confirm timing and movement. This information is time-sensitive. If it is not preserved early, it can be overwritten or lost, leaving important questions unanswered.

When a single-vehicle crash leaves someone seriously injured, careful questions matter. A thorough investigation, close inspection of the vehicle, and full collection of electronic data help move the case from assumptions toward a clearer understanding of how the incident unfolded.

Key Takeaways:

  • Single-vehicle crashes require more than documenting the final impact.
  • Mechanical or system failures can contribute without obvious warning signs.
  • Electronic data can clarify driver actions before control was lost.

Explore cases we take