
Fatal Hit-and-Run in Woodforest: Why This White Dodge Ram Pickup Must Be Found
Every year, thousands of Texas families are devastated by hit-and-run accidents. But when the fleeing vehicle is a commercial pickup truck—especially one matching the description of a 2013-2018 Dodge Ram—the stakes become even higher. This isn’t just a traffic violation. It’s a potential corporate accountability case with life-altering consequences for the victim’s family.
The recent fatal hit-and-run near Woodforest and Normandy in east Harris County has left a community searching for answers. A man was struck and killed while on foot. The vehicle believed to be involved—a white pickup truck—fled the scene before deputies arrived. Based on car parts recovered at the scene, investigators believe the truck was a 2013 to 2018 Dodge Ram. There’s no word on the license plate. The road is a divided boulevard in a residential area with multiple apartment buildings nearby.
This incident isn’t just a tragedy—it’s a legal emergency. And if you’ve been affected by a similar hit-and-run involving a commercial vehicle, you need to understand your rights and the legal strategies that can bring justice.
The Woodforest Hit-and-Run: What We Know
On Friday night, February 21, 2026, at approximately 3:05 AM, Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) deputies responded to a fatal crash near the intersection of Woodforest and Normandy. When they arrived, they found a man who had been struck by a vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The vehicle believed to be involved—a white pickup truck—had fled before deputies arrived. Based on car parts recovered at the scene, investigators believe the truck was a 2013 to 2018 Dodge Ram. There’s no word on the license plate.
The road where the accident occurred is a divided boulevard in a residential area with multiple apartment buildings nearby. The sheriff’s office has not released additional details about the victim or the circumstances leading up to the crash. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information to call HCSO at 713-221-6000 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-8477.
Why This Case Is Different: The Commercial Vehicle Factor
Most people think of hit-and-run accidents as involving private passenger vehicles. But when the fleeing vehicle is a commercial pickup truck—especially one that may be used for business purposes—the legal landscape changes dramatically.
Commercial vehicles are subject to federal safety regulations. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates all commercial motor vehicles operating in interstate commerce. Even if the Dodge Ram in this case wasn’t a traditional 18-wheeler, if it was being used for business purposes (such as deliveries, service calls, or company errands), it may still fall under FMCSA jurisdiction.
Key FMCSA regulations that may apply:
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49 CFR § 390.5 – Definition of Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV): A vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,001 pounds or more, or designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver), or transporting hazardous materials requiring placards. While a Dodge Ram pickup may not meet the weight threshold, if it was being used for business purposes, it could still be considered a CMV under certain circumstances.
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49 CFR § 392.2 – Applicability of Driving Rules: All drivers of CMVs must comply with FMCSA driving rules, including prohibitions on distracted driving, fatigue, and impairment.
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49 CFR § 392.5 – Alcohol Prohibition: No driver shall be on duty or operate a CMV while under the influence of alcohol. Any driver with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .04 or higher is considered under the influence.
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49 CFR § 392.82 – Prohibition on Texting: Drivers are prohibited from texting while driving a CMV.
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49 CFR § 396.3 – Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance: Motor carriers must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain all CMVs under their control.
If the Dodge Ram involved in this hit-and-run was being used for business purposes, the driver and the company that owned or operated the vehicle may be liable for violating these federal regulations. This creates additional avenues for holding the responsible parties accountable.
The Hit-and-Run Epidemic: Why Drivers Flee
Hit-and-run accidents are on the rise nationwide. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, hit-and-run crashes have increased by 60% since 2009. In 2016 alone, there were 2,049 hit-and-run fatalities in the United States—an average of nearly six deaths per day.
Why do drivers flee the scene of an accident?
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Fear of Criminal Charges: Drivers who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, driving without a license, or operating a stolen vehicle are more likely to flee to avoid arrest.
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Lack of Insurance: Uninsured drivers may flee to avoid financial responsibility for the damages they caused.
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Immigration Status: Undocumented immigrants may fear deportation if they stay at the scene.
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Commercial Drivers Under Pressure: Truck drivers, delivery drivers, and other commercial operators may flee if they’re violating hours-of-service regulations, driving an uninspected vehicle, or carrying unauthorized cargo.
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Simple Panic: Some drivers flee out of sheer panic, even if they’re not doing anything illegal at the time.
In this case, the fact that the fleeing vehicle was a white Dodge Ram pickup—potentially used for commercial purposes—raises additional questions. Was the driver on the clock? Was the vehicle properly maintained? Was the driver violating any federal or state regulations at the time of the crash?
The Legal Consequences of Hit-and-Run in Texas
In Texas, leaving the scene of an accident involving injury or death is a felony offense. Under Texas Transportation Code § 550.021, a driver involved in an accident resulting in injury or death must:
- Immediately stop at the scene or as close as possible
- Immediately return to the scene if the vehicle is not stopped at the scene
- Immediately determine whether a person is involved in the accident and whether that person requires aid
- Remain at the scene until the driver complies with the requirements of § 550.023 (providing information and rendering aid)
Penalties for Hit-and-Run in Texas:
| Offense | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Hit-and-Run Involving Injury | Third-degree felony (2-10 years in prison, up to $10,000 fine) |
| Hit-and-Run Involving Death | Second-degree felony (2-20 years in prison, up to $10,000 fine) |
| Hit-and-Run Involving Serious Bodily Injury | Second-degree felony (2-20 years in prison, up to $10,000 fine) |
In addition to criminal penalties, hit-and-run drivers face civil liability for the damages they cause. This includes compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Funeral and burial expenses (in wrongful death cases)
- Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct)
Why This Case Could Be a Corporate Accountability Nightmare
If the Dodge Ram involved in this hit-and-run was being used for business purposes, the legal implications extend far beyond the driver. The company that owned or operated the vehicle could be held vicariously liable for the driver’s actions under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior (“let the master answer”).
Potential liable parties in this case:
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The Driver: Directly liable for negligence, hit-and-run, and any violations of traffic laws or FMCSA regulations.
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The Truck Owner (if different from the driver): If the Dodge Ram was owned by a company or individual other than the driver, they could be liable for negligent entrustment—allowing an unfit driver to operate the vehicle.
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The Employer (if the driver was on the clock): If the driver was performing job duties at the time of the crash, the employer could be vicariously liable for the driver’s actions. This includes:
– Negligent Hiring: Failing to properly vet the driver’s background, driving record, or qualifications.
– Negligent Training: Failing to provide adequate safety training.
– Negligent Supervision: Failing to monitor the driver’s compliance with safety regulations.
– Negligent Maintenance: Failing to properly maintain the vehicle. -
The Vehicle Manufacturer (Dodge/Fiat Chrysler): If a defect in the Dodge Ram contributed to the crash (such as brake failure, steering malfunction, or defective headlights), the manufacturer could be liable under product liability laws.
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Parts Manufacturers: If a defective part (such as tires, brakes, or lighting components) contributed to the crash, the manufacturer of that part could be liable.
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Cargo Owners or Shippers: If the Dodge Ram was transporting cargo for a third party, and improper loading or securement contributed to the crash, the cargo owner or shipper could share liability.
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Government Entities: If poor road design, inadequate lighting, or missing signage contributed to the crash, the government entity responsible for maintaining the road could be liable. However, sovereign immunity protections may limit this liability.
The Evidence That Could Make or Break This Case
In hit-and-run cases, evidence disappears fast. The longer authorities wait to identify the fleeing vehicle, the harder it becomes to hold the responsible parties accountable. Here’s what investigators—and potential civil attorneys—will be looking for:
1. Physical Evidence from the Scene
- Car parts recovered at the scene: Investigators believe the truck was a 2013 to 2018 Dodge Ram based on recovered parts. These parts could contain serial numbers or other identifying marks that link them to a specific vehicle.
- Paint transfer: If the victim’s clothing or personal belongings show paint transfer from the truck, this could help identify the make, model, and even the specific vehicle.
- Tire marks: Skid marks or tire impressions could reveal the truck’s speed, braking pattern, and direction of travel.
- Surveillance footage: Nearby businesses, apartment complexes, or traffic cameras may have captured the crash or the fleeing vehicle.
2. Digital Evidence
- GPS and telematics data: If the Dodge Ram was equipped with GPS or telematics (common in commercial vehicles), this data could reveal the vehicle’s route, speed, and location at the time of the crash.
- Cell phone records: If the driver was using a cell phone at the time of the crash (texting, talking, or using GPS), this could prove distracted driving.
- Dispatch records: If the driver was on the clock, dispatch records could show whether the driver was under pressure to meet a deadline, potentially violating hours-of-service regulations.
3. Corporate Records
- Vehicle maintenance records: If the Dodge Ram was a company vehicle, maintenance records could reveal whether the truck was properly inspected and repaired.
- Driver qualification files: If the driver was employed by a company, the employer is required to maintain a Driver Qualification (DQ) File containing the driver’s employment application, driving record, medical certification, and training records. Missing or incomplete files could prove negligent hiring.
- Hours-of-service logs: If the driver was subject to FMCSA hours-of-service regulations, electronic logging device (ELD) data could reveal whether the driver was fatigued at the time of the crash.
- Safety policies and training records: If the company failed to implement proper safety policies or provide adequate training, this could prove negligent supervision.
4. Witness Statements
- Eyewitness accounts: Witnesses may have seen the crash, the fleeing vehicle, or the driver’s behavior before or after the accident.
- Residential witnesses: Given that the crash occurred in a residential area with multiple apartment buildings, residents may have heard the crash or seen the fleeing vehicle.
5. Forensic Evidence
- DNA and fingerprints: If the driver left the vehicle at the scene (even briefly), DNA or fingerprints could help identify them.
- Vehicle damage analysis: If the Dodge Ram is recovered, forensic analysis of the damage could help reconstruct the crash and prove liability.
The Role of FMCSA Regulations in Proving Negligence
If the Dodge Ram involved in this hit-and-run was being used for commercial purposes, FMCSA regulations could play a crucial role in proving negligence. Here’s how:
1. Negligence Per Se
Under Texas law, a defendant’s violation of a statute or regulation can establish negligence per se—meaning the violation itself is considered negligence. If the driver or the company violated FMCSA regulations, this could automatically prove negligence.
Potential FMCSA violations in this case:
| Regulation | Potential Violation | How It Applies |
|---|---|---|
| 49 CFR § 392.2 | Failure to comply with driving rules | If the driver was distracted, fatigued, or impaired |
| 49 CFR § 392.5 | Driving under the influence | If the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs |
| 49 CFR § 392.82 | Texting while driving | If the driver was using a cell phone at the time of the crash |
| 49 CFR § 395 | Hours-of-service violations | If the driver was fatigued due to excessive driving time |
| 49 CFR § 396.3 | Failure to maintain vehicle | If poor vehicle maintenance contributed to the crash |
| 49 CFR § 391.11 | Unqualified driver | If the driver lacked proper licensing or medical certification |
2. Spoliation of Evidence
If the trucking company or driver destroyed or failed to preserve evidence (such as ELD data, maintenance records, or the vehicle itself), this could lead to spoliation sanctions. Courts can instruct juries to assume that the destroyed evidence would have been unfavorable to the defendant.
3. Pattern of Violations
If the company or driver has a history of FMCSA violations, this could prove a pattern of negligence and support a claim for punitive damages.
Why This Case Could Be Worth Millions
Hit-and-run cases involving commercial vehicles often result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. Here’s why:
1. Higher Insurance Limits
Commercial vehicles are required to carry much higher insurance limits than private passenger vehicles. While Texas only requires $30,000 in liability coverage for private vehicles, commercial vehicles must carry:
| Cargo Type | Minimum Insurance Requirement |
|---|---|
| Non-Hazardous Freight (10,001+ lbs GVWR) | $750,000 |
| Oil/Petroleum (10,001+ lbs GVWR) | $1,000,000 |
| Large Equipment (10,001+ lbs GVWR) | $1,000,000 |
| Hazardous Materials (All) | $5,000,000 |
| Passengers (16+ passengers) | $5,000,000 |
Even if the Dodge Ram in this case wasn’t a traditional 18-wheeler, if it was being used for commercial purposes, it may have been covered by a commercial policy with limits far exceeding $30,000.
2. Corporate Deep Pockets
When a commercial vehicle is involved in a fatal accident, the potential defendants include corporations with deep pockets. Companies like Amazon, Walmart, FedEx, UPS, and major trucking carriers have the resources to pay substantial settlements and verdicts.
3. Nuclear Verdicts in Trucking Cases
Juries are increasingly willing to award nuclear verdicts—jury awards exceeding $10 million—in cases involving commercial vehicle accidents. Recent examples include:
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$462 Million (2024, Missouri): A jury awarded $462 million to the families of two men who were decapitated in an underride crash. The verdict included $100 million in compensatory damages and $362 million in punitive damages against the trucking company and trailer manufacturer.
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$160 Million (2024, Alabama): A jury awarded $160 million to a man who was left quadriplegic after a rollover crash. The verdict included $75 million in compensatory damages and $75 million in punitive damages against Daimler Trucks.
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$150 Million (2022, Texas): A Texas jury awarded $150 million to the families of two children killed in a crash with a Werner Enterprises truck. This remains the largest 18-wheeler settlement in U.S. history.
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$730 Million (2021, Texas): A Texas jury awarded $730 million to the family of a woman killed by an oversize load. The verdict included $480 million in compensatory damages and $250 million in punitive damages against Landstar Ranger.
These verdicts demonstrate that juries are willing to hold trucking companies fully accountable for negligence—especially when evidence shows a pattern of safety violations or corporate misconduct.
4. Punitive Damages
In cases involving gross negligence or willful misconduct, Texas law allows for punitive damages—additional compensation designed to punish the defendant and deter future misconduct.
Examples of conduct that could support punitive damages in this case:
- The driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- The driver was texting or otherwise distracted at the time of the crash
- The driver was violating hours-of-service regulations and was fatigued
- The company had a history of safety violations and failed to address them
- The company destroyed evidence to cover up negligence
Texas caps punitive damages at the greater of:
– (2 × economic damages) + (non-economic damages up to $750,000), or
– $200,000
However, these caps do not apply in cases involving felony conduct—such as hit-and-run resulting in death.
What the Victim’s Family Should Do Now
If you’ve lost a loved one in a hit-and-run accident—especially one involving a commercial vehicle—time is of the essence. Here’s what you should do immediately:
1. Preserve Evidence
- Demand that authorities preserve all evidence from the scene, including car parts, paint samples, and surveillance footage.
- Request a copy of the police report as soon as it’s available.
- Document everything: Take photos of the scene, the victim’s injuries, and any property damage. Keep a journal of your memories and conversations with investigators.
2. Contact an Experienced Trucking Accident Attorney
- Do not speak to insurance adjusters without legal representation. Insurance companies are trained to minimize claims, and anything you say can be used against you.
- Choose an attorney with experience in hit-and-run and commercial vehicle cases. Not all personal injury lawyers understand the complexities of FMCSA regulations, corporate liability, and nuclear verdicts.
At Attorney911, our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has over 25 years of experience fighting for victims of trucking accidents. Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how trucking companies and their insurers operate. We’ve secured multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts for families devastated by commercial vehicle crashes.
3. Investigate All Potential Defendants
- Identify the owner of the Dodge Ram. If it was a company vehicle, the employer could be liable for negligent hiring, training, or supervision.
- Determine whether the driver was on the clock. If the driver was performing job duties at the time of the crash, the employer could be vicariously liable.
- Investigate the vehicle’s maintenance history. If poor maintenance contributed to the crash, the company responsible for maintaining the vehicle could share liability.
- Check for product defects. If a defect in the Dodge Ram (such as brake failure or steering malfunction) contributed to the crash, the manufacturer could be liable.
4. File a Wrongful Death Claim
In Texas, the surviving family members of a wrongful death victim can file a wrongful death claim to recover compensation for:
- Lost income and financial support
- Loss of companionship, love, and guidance
- Mental anguish and emotional suffering
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence)
Who can file a wrongful death claim in Texas?
– Surviving spouse
– Children (including adult children)
– Parents (if there is no surviving spouse or children)
The statute of limitations for wrongful death claims in Texas is 2 years from the date of death. However, you should not wait to take action. Evidence disappears quickly, and the sooner you begin the legal process, the stronger your case will be.
5. Pursue Criminal Charges
While a wrongful death claim is a civil matter, the driver in this case could also face criminal charges for hit-and-run. A criminal conviction can strengthen your civil case by establishing negligence.
How Attorney911 Can Help
At Attorney911, we understand the devastation that hit-and-run accidents cause. We also know how to hold negligent drivers and corporations accountable. Here’s how we can help:
1. Immediate Evidence Preservation
We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours of being retained to demand that all evidence—including the vehicle, maintenance records, ELD data, and surveillance footage—be preserved. This prevents the trucking company or driver from destroying critical evidence.
2. Comprehensive Investigation
Our team conducts a thorough investigation, including:
– Accident reconstruction to determine how the crash occurred
– Forensic analysis of the vehicle and any recovered parts
– Review of FMCSA records to identify safety violations
– Subpoenas for corporate records, including driver qualification files, maintenance logs, and dispatch records
– Interviews with witnesses to gather eyewitness accounts
3. Identifying All Liable Parties
We leave no stone unturned in identifying every potentially liable party, including:
– The driver
– The vehicle owner
– The employer (if the driver was on the clock)
– The vehicle manufacturer (if a defect contributed to the crash)
– Parts manufacturers (if a defective part failed)
– Cargo owners or shippers (if improper loading contributed to the crash)
– Government entities (if poor road design or maintenance contributed to the crash)
4. Maximizing Your Compensation
We fight for full and fair compensation, including:
– Economic damages: Medical expenses, lost wages, funeral costs, and loss of financial support
– Non-economic damages: Pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of companionship, and loss of guidance
– Punitive damages: Additional compensation to punish gross negligence and deter future misconduct
5. Taking the Case to Trial if Necessary
While most cases settle out of court, we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Insurance companies know which lawyers are willing to go to court—and they offer better settlements to clients with trial-ready attorneys.
Ralph Manginello has secured multi-million dollar verdicts against some of the largest trucking companies in the country. Our team has the resources, experience, and determination to take on even the most powerful corporate defendants.
The Woodforest Hit-and-Run: A Case Study in Corporate Negligence
The Woodforest hit-and-run is more than just a tragic accident—it’s a case study in how corporate negligence can have deadly consequences. Here’s what we suspect may have happened, based on our experience with similar cases:
1. The Driver Was on the Clock
Many hit-and-run accidents involving commercial vehicles occur when drivers are under pressure to meet deadlines. If the driver of the Dodge Ram was performing job duties at the time of the crash, their employer could be liable for:
– Negligent hiring: Failing to properly vet the driver’s background or driving record
– Negligent training: Failing to provide adequate safety training
– Negligent supervision: Failing to monitor the driver’s compliance with safety regulations
– Negligent scheduling: Pressuring the driver to violate hours-of-service regulations
2. The Vehicle Was Poorly Maintained
Commercial vehicles must be systematically inspected and maintained under FMCSA regulations. If the Dodge Ram had:
– Worn brakes that failed to stop in time
– Defective headlights that made it difficult to see pedestrians
– Bald tires that caused the driver to lose control
– A malfunctioning horn that prevented the driver from warning the victim
…then the company responsible for maintaining the vehicle could be liable for negligence.
3. The Driver Was Distracted or Fatigued
Distracted driving and driver fatigue are leading causes of commercial vehicle accidents. If the driver of the Dodge Ram was:
– Texting or using a cell phone at the time of the crash
– Fatigued from violating hours-of-service regulations
– Under the influence of drugs or alcohol
…then both the driver and their employer could be liable for negligence.
4. The Company Had a History of Safety Violations
Many trucking companies prioritize profits over safety, cutting corners on maintenance, training, and compliance. If the company that owned or operated the Dodge Ram had a history of FMCSA violations, this could prove a pattern of negligence and support a claim for punitive damages.
What This Case Means for Houston Drivers
While this tragic incident occurred in east Harris County, the same dangers exist on Houston’s highways every day. Houston is home to some of the busiest trucking corridors in the country, including:
- I-10: The primary east-west corridor connecting Houston to San Antonio, El Paso, and Louisiana. I-10 is one of the most dangerous highways in Texas, with frequent trucking accidents.
- I-45: The main north-south corridor connecting Houston to Dallas. I-45 sees heavy truck traffic, especially around the Port of Houston.
- I-69/US-59: A major freight route connecting Houston to the East Texas oil fields and beyond.
- The Port of Houston: One of the busiest ports in the country, generating massive truck traffic as goods are transferred from ships to trucks and rail.
Houston drivers face unique risks from commercial vehicles:
- Fatigued Drivers: Truck drivers under pressure to meet deadlines often violate hours-of-service regulations, leading to fatigue-related crashes.
- Distracted Drivers: Cell phone use, GPS devices, and dispatch communications distract truck drivers, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Poorly Maintained Vehicles: Some trucking companies cut corners on maintenance to save money, leading to brake failures, tire blowouts, and other mechanical failures.
- Improperly Loaded Cargo: Overloaded or improperly secured cargo can shift during transit, causing rollovers or spills that lead to multi-vehicle accidents.
- Hit-and-Run Drivers: Commercial drivers who cause accidents may flee the scene to avoid liability, leaving victims with no way to seek justice.
How to Protect Yourself from Hit-and-Run Accidents
While you can’t control the actions of other drivers, you can take steps to protect yourself and your family:
1. Be Extra Cautious Around Commercial Vehicles
- Avoid blind spots: If you can’t see the truck driver’s mirrors, they can’t see you.
- Don’t linger beside trucks: Trucks have large blind spots on both sides. Pass quickly and avoid driving alongside them.
- Give trucks extra space: Trucks need more time to stop. Leave plenty of space when driving in front of or behind a truck.
- Watch for wide turns: Trucks often swing wide to make right turns. Never try to squeeze between a truck and the curb.
2. Document Everything After an Accident
If you’re involved in an accident—especially a hit-and-run—document everything:
– Call 911 immediately and report the accident.
– Take photos of the scene, vehicle damage, injuries, and road conditions.
– Get witness information—names, phone numbers, and addresses.
– Write down everything you remember about the other vehicle, including make, model, color, and license plate number (even if partial).
– Seek medical attention immediately, even if you don’t think you’re injured. Some injuries (like TBI or internal bleeding) may not show symptoms right away.
3. Know Your Rights
If you’re the victim of a hit-and-run, you have rights:
– Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage: If the at-fault driver is never identified, your own UM/UIM coverage may compensate you for your injuries.
– Wrongful Death Claims: If a loved one is killed in a hit-and-run, you may be entitled to compensation for lost income, loss of companionship, and funeral expenses.
– Punitive Damages: If the at-fault driver’s conduct was especially reckless (such as driving under the influence or fleeing the scene), you may be entitled to punitive damages.
The Bottom Line: Justice Is Possible
The Woodforest hit-and-run is a tragedy, but it’s not the end of the story. With the right legal team, the victim’s family can hold the responsible parties accountable and secure the compensation they deserve.
At Attorney911, we’ve spent over 25 years fighting for victims of trucking accidents. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has secured multi-million dollar verdicts against some of the largest trucking companies in the country. Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how trucking companies and their insurers operate.
If you’ve been affected by a hit-and-run accident—especially one involving a commercial vehicle—you don’t have to fight alone. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis—meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) for a free, confidential consultation. We’re available 24/7, and we’ll fight tirelessly to get you the justice you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What should I do if I’m the victim of a hit-and-run accident?
If you’re the victim of a hit-and-run, take these steps immediately:
– Call 911 and report the accident.
– Seek medical attention, even if you don’t think you’re injured.
– Document the scene with photos and witness statements.
– Do not speak to insurance adjusters without legal representation.
– Contact an experienced trucking accident attorney as soon as possible.
2. Can I still recover compensation if the hit-and-run driver is never found?
Yes. If the at-fault driver is never identified, your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage may compensate you for your injuries. Additionally, if the accident involved a commercial vehicle, other parties (such as the employer or vehicle manufacturer) may share liability.
3. How long do I have to file a wrongful death claim in Texas?
The statute of limitations for wrongful death claims in Texas is 2 years from the date of death. However, you should not wait to take action. Evidence disappears quickly, and the sooner you begin the legal process, the stronger your case will be.
4. What is negligence per se, and how does it apply to trucking accidents?
Negligence per se is a legal doctrine that allows a plaintiff to establish negligence by proving that the defendant violated a statute or regulation. In trucking accident cases, violations of FMCSA regulations (such as hours-of-service rules or vehicle maintenance requirements) can automatically prove negligence.
5. What are punitive damages, and when are they available?
Punitive damages are additional compensation designed to punish the defendant for gross negligence or willful misconduct. In Texas, punitive damages are available in cases involving:
– Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
– Reckless or intentional misconduct
– A pattern of safety violations
– Destruction of evidence
Punitive damages are capped in Texas, but the caps do not apply in cases involving felony conduct (such as hit-and-run resulting in death).
6. How much is my hit-and-run case worth?
The value of your case depends on several factors, including:
– The severity of your injuries
– The extent of your medical expenses
– Your lost wages and earning capacity
– The degree of the defendant’s negligence
– The available insurance coverage
Hit-and-run cases involving commercial vehicles often result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts due to higher insurance limits and corporate deep pockets.
7. Why should I hire an attorney for my hit-and-run case?
Hit-and-run cases are complex, especially when commercial vehicles are involved. An experienced attorney can:
– Preserve critical evidence before it’s destroyed
– Identify all liable parties, including corporations with deep pockets
– Negotiate with insurance companies to maximize your compensation
– Take your case to trial if necessary to secure a fair verdict
At Attorney911, we’ve spent over 25 years fighting for victims of trucking accidents. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has secured multi-million dollar verdicts against some of the largest trucking companies in the country. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis—meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Them Get Away With It
Hit-and-run accidents are among the most cowardly and devastating crimes on our roads. When a driver flees the scene, they’re not just breaking the law—they’re abandoning their moral responsibility to the victim and their family.
But justice is possible. With the right legal team, you can hold the responsible parties accountable and secure the compensation you deserve. At Attorney911, we’ve spent over 25 years fighting for victims of trucking accidents, and we’re ready to fight for you.
If you’ve been affected by a hit-and-run accident—especially one involving a commercial vehicle—call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) for a free, confidential consultation. We’re available 24/7, and we’ll fight tirelessly to get you the justice you deserve.
Don’t let them get away with it. Call Attorney911 now.