Pedestrian Rescued from Under DART Bus at Downtown Dallas Intersection: What Happened and What Comes Next

One Wrong Turn, One Life Changed Forever

The afternoon of February 19, 2026, started like any other in downtown Dallas. But by 1:26 p.m., the intersection of Commerce and St. Paul streets had become the scene of a terrifying accident that left a man trapped beneath a DART bus, his upper body injured, and his life hanging in the balance.

What began as a routine motorized scooter ride ended with the rider suddenly stopping to avoid a turning DART bus—only to lose control, fall off the scooter, and land directly under the bus. The incident sent shockwaves through the city, snarling traffic for hours as first responders worked to free the victim and secure the scene.

But this wasn’t just an accident. It was a preventable tragedy—one that raises serious questions about pedestrian safety, bus operator training, and the responsibilities of public transit agencies like DART. If you or a loved one has ever been in a similar situation, you know how quickly life can change. And if you’re reading this, you may be wondering: What really happened? Who is responsible? And what can be done to prevent this from happening again?

At Attorney911, we’ve spent over 25 years holding negligent parties accountable in cases just like this. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has seen firsthand how accidents involving buses, trucks, and commercial vehicles can devastate lives—and how the legal system can help victims fight back. In this article, we’ll break down the facts of this incident, explain the legal principles at play, and show you why this case is far from over.

The Legal Fallout: Who Is Responsible?

Accidents like this one don’t happen in a vacuum. They’re the result of a chain of decisions—some made in the moment, others made long before the incident ever occurred. When a pedestrian is injured by a commercial vehicle like a DART bus, multiple parties could be held liable. Let’s break down who might be responsible in this case.

1. DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit)

DART is the public transit agency responsible for operating buses in Dallas. As the owner and operator of the bus involved in this incident, DART could be held liable under several legal theories:

Negligent Operation of the Vehicle

Bus drivers are held to a high standard of care because of the size and weight of their vehicles. If the DART bus driver failed to:
– Check mirrors and blind spots before turning
– Signal properly
– Yield to pedestrians
– Operate the bus at a safe speed for conditions

…then DART could be found negligent for the driver’s actions under the doctrine of respondeat superior (Latin for “let the master answer”). This legal principle holds employers responsible for the actions of their employees when those actions occur within the scope of employment.

Negligent Training and Supervision

Public transit agencies like DART are required to train their drivers thoroughly. If DART failed to:
– Provide adequate training on pedestrian safety
– Teach drivers how to navigate tight urban intersections
– Ensure drivers understand how to operate buses safely around scooters and pedestrians

…then the agency could be directly liable for negligent training or supervision. This is especially relevant in cases where a