Celina Pedestrian Hit by Large Truck on Preston Road: What Happened and What Comes Next
One Step Changed Everything
It was just after 7:55 a.m. on a Tuesday morning in Celina, Texas. A 46-year-old man stepped into the northbound lanes of Preston Road (State Highway 289). In that instant, everything changed. A large truck struck him, leaving him with critical injuries. Paramedics from the Celina Fire Department rushed him to a nearby hospital, where he was treated for life-threatening trauma.
This wasn’t just another traffic incident. This was a catastrophic collision between an 80,000-pound commercial vehicle and a human being. The physics of that impact—80,000 pounds of steel against a 200-pound person—created forces that no human body is designed to withstand.
At Attorney911, we’ve seen what happens when trucks and pedestrians collide. The injuries are almost always severe: traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, multiple fractures, internal bleeding. Recovery is long, painful, and often incomplete. The medical bills pile up. The lost wages accumulate. The emotional toll on families is immeasurable.
And the legal questions begin immediately: Why was this truck on Preston Road at that time? Was the driver fatigued? Was the truck properly maintained? Did the trucking company cut corners that led to this tragedy?
These aren’t just questions—they’re the foundation of justice for the victim and their family.
Preston Road: A Corridor of Commerce and Danger
Preston Road (State Highway 289) isn’t just any road—it’s a major freight corridor serving the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Understanding this highway’s role in North Texas commerce helps explain why large trucks were present at the time of the accident.
The Economic Engine of SH 289
| Industry | Companies Operating on SH 289 | Truck Traffic Generated |
|---|---|---|
| Retail Distribution | Walmart, Amazon, Target, Costco | Daily deliveries to stores and fulfillment centers |
| Manufacturing | Toyota (Plano), Texas Instruments, Raytheon | Parts delivery, finished goods transport |
| Oil & Gas | Halliburton, Schlumberger, local operators | Equipment transport, fuel delivery |
| Agriculture | Local farms, grain elevators, feed suppliers | Produce, grain, livestock transport |
| Construction | Local builders, Home Depot, Lowe’s | Materials delivery, heavy equipment transport |
| Waste Management | Republic Services, Waste Management | Garbage trucks, recycling transport |
The Trucking Companies You’ll Find on Preston Road
Based on our experience with North Texas trucking corridors, these are the carriers most likely to have trucks on SH 289 at 7:55 a.m.:
- Werner Enterprises – Major national carrier with significant DFW presence
- Swift Transportation – One of the largest truckload carriers in the U.S.
- J.B. Hunt – Intermodal and truckload operations throughout Texas
- Schneider National – Major presence in the Dallas logistics market
- Heartland Express – Regional and national carrier with Texas operations
- Local and Regional Carriers – Numerous smaller companies serving North Texas businesses
Why This Matters for the Victim:
If the truck involved was operated by one of these companies, we’re dealing with corporate defendants that have deep pockets and significant insurance coverage. These aren’t mom-and-pop operations—they’re multi-billion dollar corporations with legal teams dedicated to minimizing liability.
The Dangerous Mix: Trucks and Pedestrians on Rural Highways
Preston Road presents a dangerous combination of factors:
- High-Speed Traffic: SH 289 is designed for 65-70 mph speeds in many sections
- Limited Pedestrian Infrastructure: Rural highways often lack sidewalks, crosswalks, and pedestrian signals
- Commercial Access Points: Businesses along the highway create pedestrian traffic
- Dawn/Dusk Conditions: Low sun angles create visibility challenges
- Mixed Traffic: Passenger vehicles, trucks, and agricultural equipment share the road
FMCSA Regulation Connection:
49 CFR § 392.14 requires drivers to exercise “extreme caution” in hazardous conditions, including “when pedestrians are present.” This regulation creates a heightened duty of care for truck drivers operating near pedestrians.
The Legal Case: Holding the Right Parties Accountable
In trucking accident cases, multiple parties may share liability. Here’s who we would investigate in this Celina pedestrian accident:
1. The Truck Driver
Potential Liability:
– Negligent operation of the vehicle
– Failure to maintain proper lookout
– Failure to yield to pedestrian
– Speeding or driving too fast for conditions
– Distracted driving
– Fatigued driving
– Impaired driving
– Failure to conduct proper pre-trip inspection
Key Evidence:
– ELD data showing hours of service
– ECM