‘It’s Unbelievable’: The Hidden Dangers of Road Construction Crews and How One Harker Heights Family Lost a Son

A Preventable Tragedy on SH-195

The morning of February 17, 2026, began like any other for the Hurdle family in Harker Heights. LaRyzen Hurdle, a 24-year-old with dreams of creating video games and a laugh that could light up any room, left for work at 5:00 AM. His grandmother Velda remembers the ordinary goodbye – “We just saw him that morning because he left for work at 5 that morning and we got the call around 2 in the afternoon and it was just like ‘no, there’s no way this is happening.’”

By 1:12 AM that night, LaRyzen was gone. Not from a violent crime, not from an illness – but from a preventable collision on State Highway 195 in Williamson County. A collision that never should have happened. A collision that reveals the hidden dangers lurking in Texas’s road construction zones and the trucking industry’s systemic failures that put families like the Hurdles in our community at risk every single day.

At Attorney911, we’ve seen this pattern too many times. A young life cut short. A family shattered. A community rallying to support them while the corporations responsible for the tragedy circle their wagons. Today, we’re breaking down exactly what happened on SH-195, why it happened, and how Harker Heights families can protect themselves from similar tragedies on our own highways.

The Legal Fallout: Who’s Really Responsible?

The Obvious Parties

At first glance, this appears to be a simple case of a driver failing to obey traffic control devices. But in trucking accidents – especially those involving specialized vehicles like arrow board trucks – liability is rarely simple. Let’s break down the potentially responsible parties:

1. The GMC Van Driver

The driver of the GMC van is the most obvious party. Preliminary reports indicate the van “failed to move into the left lane” as directed by the arrow board truck. Possible explanations:

• Distraction: Cell phone use, fatigue, or other distractions
• Misinterpretation: Confusion about the merge instructions
• Impairment: Drugs or alcohol (though no indication of this in preliminary reports)
• Mechanical Failure: Brake failure or other vehicle issues

Legal Implications:
– If the driver was at fault, their insurance would be primary
– Texas follows modified comparative negligence – if the driver was more than 50% at fault, they cannot recover damages
– If the driver was working at the time, their employer might share liability

2. The Arrow Board Truck Driver

The driver of the arrow board truck may share responsibility:

• Positioning: Was the truck properly positioned to direct traffic?
• Visibility: Were all lights and arrow displays functioning properly?
• Movement: Was the truck stationary or moving when struck?
• Training: Was the driver properly trained in traffic control procedures?

FMCSA Regulations Potentially Violated:
– 49 CFR § 392.2 – “No commercial motor vehicle shall be driven… unless the driver is satisfied that the vehicle will safely operate.”
– 49 CFR § 392.7 – “No commercial motor vehicle shall be driven unless the driver is satisfied that… all parts and accessories are in good working order.”
– 49 CFR § 392.14 – “Extreme caution in the operation of a commercial motor vehicle shall be exercised when hazardous conditions… adversely affect visibility or traction.”

3. The Construction Company Operating the Arrow Board Truck

The company responsible for the road construction crew and the arrow board truck has significant liability exposure:

• Equipment Maintenance: Was the arrow board truck properly maintained?
• Driver Training: Was the driver properly trained in traffic control procedures?
• Traffic Control Plan: Was the merge setup appropriate for the conditions?
• Safety Protocols: Were proper safety measures in place for nighttime operations?

Legal Doctrine: Respondeat Superior – employers are liable for employees’ negligent acts within the scope of employment.

4. The Road Construction Project Manager

The entity overseeing the construction project may share liability:

• Traffic Control Approval: Did they approve the merge setup?
• Safety Oversight: Did they ensure proper safety measures were in place?
• Contractor Selection: Did they hire qualified contractors?

The Root Causes: Why This Tragedy Was Preventable

1. Inadequate Traffic Control in Construction Zones

Construction zones are among the most dangerous areas on Texas highways. The SH-195 incident reveals several common construction zone hazards:

The “Squeeze Play” Scenario:
– Arrow board truck positioned in right lane
– Traffic forced to merge left
– Creates confusion and last-minute lane changes
– Particularly dangerous at night when visibility is reduced

Federal Highway Administration Guidelines:
The FHWA’s “Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices” (MUTCD) provides specific guidelines for construction zone traffic control. Key requirements include:

• Advance Warning: Signs should be placed well before the work zone to alert drivers
• Transition Areas: Gradual lane shifts rather than abrupt merges
• Activity Area: Clearly marked work zone with proper lighting
• Termination Area: Signs indicating the end of the work zone

Common Construction Zone Violations We See:
– Inadequate advance warning signs
– Poorly positioned arrow board trucks
– Inadequate lighting in nighttime operations
– Failure to adjust traffic control for weather conditions
– Lack of flaggers or traffic control personnel

2. Nighttime Construction Zone Dangers

The SH-195 collision occurred at 1:12 AM – the deadliest time for construction zone accidents. Nighttime construction presents unique challenges:

Visibility Issues:
– Reduced visibility of traffic control devices
– Glare from headlights and construction lighting
– Difficulty judging distances and speeds

Fatigue Factors:
– Drivers may be fatigued during late-night hours
– Construction workers may experience fatigue from long shifts
– Arrow board truck drivers may be working extended hours

FMCSA Nighttime Driving Requirements:
– 49 CFR § 392.14 – “Extreme caution shall be exercised when hazardous conditions… adversely affect visibility or traction.”
– 49 CFR § 392.5 – “No driver shall operate a commercial motor vehicle… while his/her alertness is so impaired… as to make it unsafe for him/her to begin or continue to operate the commercial motor vehicle.”

3. Arrow Board Truck Specific Hazards

Arrow board trucks are specialized vehicles with unique risks:

Positioning Risks:
– Often positioned in travel lanes rather than shoulders
– Can create sudden obstacles for drivers
– May block visibility of other hazards

Lighting Issues:
– Arrow displays can be distracting or confusing
– Improper lighting can create glare
– Malfunctioning displays can give incorrect instructions

Size and Stability:
– Top-heavy design makes them prone to rollovers
– Large profile creates significant impact force in collisions
– May not have same safety features as commercial trucks

FMCSA Requirements for Specialized Vehicles:
– 49 CFR § 390.5 – Defines commercial motor vehicles to include specialized equipment
– 49 CFR § 393.11 – Lighting requirements for all CMVs
– 49 CFR § 393.51 – Coupling devices and towing methods

4. The Human Factors: Why Drivers Fail to Merge

The GMC van driver’s failure to merge is the immediate cause of this tragedy. But why do drivers fail to obey merge instructions?

Common Reasons We See in Construction Zone Accidents:

The Evidence: What Will Prove This Case?

In trucking accident cases, evidence disappears quickly. Our firm has seen countless cases where critical evidence was destroyed or overwritten within days of an accident. Here’s what needs to be preserved in the SH-195 case:

1. Electronic Data from the Arrow Board Truck

Electronic Control Module (ECM) / Black Box Data:
– Speed before and during the collision
– Brake application timing and pressure
– Throttle position
– Engine RPM
– Cruise control status
– Fault codes and system warnings

Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Data:
– Driver’s hours of service
– Duty status (driving, on-duty not driving, off-duty)
– GPS location history
– Vehicle movement data

Arrow Board Control System:
– Display patterns and instructions
– Malfunction records
– Lighting intensity settings

Why This Evidence Matters:
This data can prove whether the arrow board truck was properly positioned, whether the driver was fatigued, and whether the vehicle’s systems were functioning properly.

2. Physical Evidence from the Scene

Vehicle Damage:
– Crush patterns on both vehicles
– Paint transfer analysis
– Tire marks and skid marks
– Debris field analysis

Arrow Board Truck Condition:
– Arrow display functionality
– Lighting system condition
– Brake system inspection
– Tire condition and tread depth

Roadway Evidence:
– Traffic control device positioning
– Road surface conditions
– Visibility obstructions
– Signage placement and visibility

3. Documentation from the Construction Company

Traffic Control Plan:
– Approved traffic control diagram
– Merge setup instructions
– Nighttime operation protocols

Driver Records:
– Driver Qualification File (49 CFR § 391.51)
– Training records
– Hours of service records
– Previous accident and violation history

Maintenance Records:
– Pre-trip and post-trip inspection reports
– Maintenance logs
– Repair records
– Annual inspection reports

Safety Policies:
– Nighttime operation policies
– Fatigue management programs
– Distracted driving policies

4. Witness Statements

Eyewitness Accounts:
– Other drivers who saw the collision
– Construction crew members
– Nearby residents or business owners

Expert Witnesses:
– Accident reconstruction experts
– Human factors experts
– Traffic control experts
– Medical experts

Why This Case Matters for Harker Heights Families

The Dangers on Our Local Highways

While this tragedy occurred in Williamson County, the same dangers exist right here in Harker Heights and across Bell County. Our community faces identical risks from:

Construction Zones on Major Corridors:
– I-35 through Temple and Belton
– US-190 through Harker Heights and Killeen
– SH-36 through Temple and Belton
– Loop 363 and other local construction projects

Nighttime Construction Hazards:
– TxDOT frequently conducts nighttime construction to minimize traffic disruption
– Reduced visibility creates increased risks
– Fatigue affects both drivers and construction workers

Arrow Board Trucks in Our Area:
– Used on virtually every major construction project
– Often positioned in travel lanes rather than shoulders
– Can create sudden obstacles for local drivers

The Trucking Industry’s Systemic Problems

The SH-195 tragedy is not an isolated incident. It’s part of a larger pattern of trucking industry failures that put Texas families at risk every day. At Attorney911, we’ve seen these patterns in case after case:

1. Inadequate Training:
– Many construction zone traffic control drivers receive minimal training
– Companies cut corners to save costs
– Drivers often don’t understand proper positioning and visibility requirements

2. Fatigue and Hours of Service Violations:
– Construction zone work often involves long, irregular hours
– Drivers may be working multiple jobs
– Companies pressure drivers to work beyond legal limits

3. Poor Maintenance:
– Specialized vehicles like arrow board trucks often receive less maintenance than standard commercial trucks
– Lighting systems and arrow displays may not be properly inspected
– Brake systems may be neglected

4. Inadequate Traffic Control Planning:
– Construction companies often use cookie-cutter traffic control plans
– Plans may not be adjusted for local conditions
– Nighttime operations may not receive proper safety reviews

5. Lack of Accountability:
– Construction companies often operate through multiple subcontractors
– Responsibility gets diffused
– No single entity takes full responsibility for safety

The Attorney911 Difference: How We Fight for Texas Families

At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for trucking accident victims across Texas for over 25 years. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has built a reputation for aggressive representation and multi-million dollar results. Here’s what sets us apart:

1. Immediate Action

We understand that evidence disappears quickly in trucking accident cases. That’s why we:

• Send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours
• Demand immediate download of electronic data
• Secure physical evidence before it’s repaired or destroyed
• Begin our investigation immediately

2. Comprehensive Investigation

Our team leaves no stone unturned:

• Electronic Data Analysis: ECM, ELD, GPS, and telematics data
• Accident Reconstruction: Using the latest technology to recreate the crash
• Driver Background Checks: Complete review of driver qualification files
• Company Safety Records: FMCSA compliance history and CSA scores
• Maintenance Records: Complete review of vehicle maintenance history
• Traffic Control Analysis: Expert review of construction zone setup

3. Aggressive Representation

We fight for maximum compensation:

• Multi-Million Dollar Results: Our track record speaks for itself
• Trial Experience: We’re not afraid to take cases to court
• Insurance Company Tactics: We know how to counter their strategies
• Multiple Defendants: We pursue all potentially liable parties

4. Compassionate Client Service

We treat our clients like family:

• 24/7 Availability: We’re here when you need us
• Regular Updates: You’ll always know what’s happening with your case
• Compassionate Support: We understand the emotional toll of these cases
• No Fee Unless We Win: You pay nothing unless we recover compensation

5. Our Unique Advantage: Former Insurance Defense Attorney

Our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney. This gives us an insider’s perspective on how insurance companies evaluate and minimize claims. We know their tactics because we used to be on their side.

The Community Response: Harker Heights Comes Together

In the wake of this tragedy, the Harker Heights community has rallied around the Hurdle family:

• A GoFundMe was set up to help with funeral expenses
• Within a week, the fundraising goal was surpassed
• The family says this outpouring of support is a testament to the impact LaRyzen had on his community

Velda Hurdle’s words capture the community’s sentiment: “A GoFundMe was set up and within a week, their goal was surpassed. His grandmother says that’s a testament to the kind of impact he had made on his friends and community.”

This community support is heartwarming, but it also highlights an important truth: No amount of community support can replace the legal accountability that the responsible parties owe this family.

The GoFundMe will help with immediate expenses, but it won’t cover:
– The lifetime of lost income
– The medical expenses from the other injured parties
– The pain and suffering endured by the family
– The punitive damages that could prevent future tragedies

The Attorney911 Promise: We Fight for Texas Families

At Attorney911, we’ve made it our mission to hold negligent corporations accountable and fight for Texas families. When you call us, you’re not just getting a lawyer – you’re getting a team that will fight for you like family.

Our Promise to You:
– We’ll investigate your case thoroughly
– We’ll preserve all critical evidence
– We’ll identify all potentially liable parties
– We’ll fight for maximum compensation
– We’ll treat you with compassion and respect
– We won’t rest until justice is served

Our Track Record Speaks for Itself:
– $50+ million recovered for Texas families
– Multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements
– 25+ years of experience fighting trucking companies
– Former insurance defense attorney on our team
– 4.9-star Google rating from 251+ clients

Final Thoughts: Honoring LaRyzen’s Memory

LaRyzen Hurdle was more than just a statistic. He was a grandson, a friend, a community member with dreams of creating video games. His grandmother remembers him as “a goofy little grandson. He gets along with everybody. He’s quiet and not quiet at the same time.”

His death leaves a void that can never be filled. But by holding the responsible parties accountable, we can honor his memory and help prevent future tragedies.

At Attorney911, we believe that justice is the best memorial we can build for victims like LaRyzen. When corporations cut corners and put profits over safety, they must be held accountable. When negligence takes lives, the responsible parties must pay.

If you’ve been affected by a similar tragedy, we’re here to help. Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. Let us fight for you like we would fight for our own family.

Remember: The trucking companies have teams of lawyers working to protect them. You deserve the same level of representation. Call Attorney911 today at 1-888-ATTY-911. We’re here to fight for you.