Pedestrian Accident on Haynes Avenue Injures Student: What Midland Families Need to Know About Crosswalk Safety and Legal Rights
Every school day, Midland students walk to and from Goddard Junior High, crossing busy streets like Haynes Avenue. On February 20, 2026, that routine became a nightmare when a student was struck by a vehicle in a crosswalk right outside the school. The injuries were described as “minor” but not life-threatening – yet this incident should serve as a wake-up call for every Midland family.
At Attorney911, we’ve seen too many cases where “minor” injuries turn out to be more serious than first thought. What’s more concerning is that this wasn’t an isolated incident – a second collision occurred nearby shortly after the first. This pattern suggests systemic issues with traffic safety around our schools that demand attention.
The Incident: What Happened on Haynes Avenue
On the afternoon of February 20, 2026, a student was struck by a vehicle while using the crosswalk at Goddard Junior High on Haynes Avenue. Emergency crews responded quickly and transported the student to a local hospital. While officials reported the injuries weren’t life-threatening, they didn’t release the student’s identity or provide further details about the incident.
What makes this case particularly troubling is that it wasn’t an isolated event. Shortly after the first crash, a separate traffic collision occurred near the campus. Authorities haven’t shared details about this second incident, but the proximity in time and location raises serious questions about traffic safety in the area.
School officials responded by urging drivers to remain cautious around campuses and follow traffic laws to protect students and staff. While this is good advice, it doesn’t address the root causes that led to these incidents.
The Bigger Picture: Midland’s School Zone Safety Crisis
This incident isn’t just about one driver or one student. It’s about a pattern of danger that exists in school zones across Midland. As our managing partner Ralph Manginello has seen in his 25+ years of handling personal injury cases, these accidents often reveal deeper systemic issues:
- Inadequate crosswalk design or visibility
- Speeding in school zones during arrival and dismissal times
- Driver distraction, especially with cell phones
- Poor traffic flow management around schools
- Insufficient signage or warning systems
The fact that two accidents occurred in close proximity suggests that the area around Goddard Junior High may have inherent traffic safety issues that need to be addressed.
Crosswalk Safety: What Midland Drivers Need to Know
Crosswalks exist to protect pedestrians, but they only work if drivers respect them. In Texas, drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in crosswalks, whether marked or unmarked. This isn’t just common courtesy – it’s the law.
Texas Transportation Code § 552.003 states:
“The operator of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing a roadway in a crosswalk if:
(1) no traffic control signal is in place or in operation; and
(2) the pedestrian is:
(A) on the half of the roadway in which the vehicle is traveling; or
(B) approaching so closely from the opposite half of the roadway as to be in danger.”
Yet time and again, we see drivers failing to yield, speeding through school zones, or becoming distracted at critical moments. The consequences can be devastating.
The Legal Rights of Pedestrian Accident Victims
When a vehicle strikes a pedestrian in a crosswalk, the legal implications are clear. The driver – and potentially their employer – can be held liable for the injuries caused. This is true even if the pedestrian’s injuries are initially described as “minor.”
At Attorney911, we’ve seen cases where what seemed like minor injuries at first developed into more serious conditions over time. That’s why it’s crucial for accident victims to:
- Seek immediate medical attention, even if injuries seem minor
- Document everything about the accident scene
- Obtain witness contact information
- Report the incident to police
- Consult with an experienced personal injury attorney
Ralph Manginello often tells clients: “Don’t let the insurance company decide what your injuries are worth. Get checked out by a doctor and let us fight for the compensation you truly deserve.”
Why These Cases Are More Complex Than They Seem
While the basic legal principle is straightforward – drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks – these cases often involve complex factors:
Driver Distraction: Was the driver using a cell phone? Texting? Adjusting the radio? Distracted driving is a leading cause of pedestrian accidents.
Vehicle Type: Was this a personal vehicle or a commercial truck? Commercial vehicles have different insurance requirements and liability considerations.
Employer Liability: If the driver was working at the time, their employer may share liability under the doctrine of respondeat superior.
Road Design: Are there design flaws in the crosswalk or surrounding area that contributed to the accident? Poor visibility, inadequate signage, or confusing traffic patterns can all play a role.
School Responsibility: Did the school have adequate safety measures in place? Were crossing guards present and properly trained?
The Hidden Dangers of “Minor” Injuries
When officials describe injuries as “not life-threatening” or “minor,” it can create a false sense of security. In our experience, many injuries that seem minor at first can develop into more serious conditions:
- Concussions: Even mild traumatic brain injuries can have lasting effects on cognitive function, memory, and mood.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Whiplash and other soft tissue injuries may not show up on initial scans but can cause chronic pain.
- Psychological Trauma: Being struck by a vehicle can lead to anxiety, PTSD, and fear of walking or crossing streets.
- Delayed Symptoms: Some injuries, like internal bleeding or nerve damage, may not show symptoms immediately.
That’s why Ralph Manginello always advises: “If you’ve been hit by a car, get checked out by a doctor. Don’t assume you’re fine just because you can walk away from the scene.”
What Midland Families Can Do to Protect Their Children
This incident should prompt every Midland family to take steps to improve pedestrian safety:
-
Teach Safe Crossing Habits:
– Always use designated crosswalks
– Make eye contact with drivers before stepping into the street
– Look left, right, then left again before crossing
– Never assume a driver sees you -
Advocate for Safer School Zones:
– Contact Midland ISD and city officials to request safety assessments
– Push for improved crosswalk visibility, signage, and lighting
– Request additional crossing guards during peak times
– Advocate for traffic calming measures like speed bumps -
Report Dangerous Conditions:
– If you notice unsafe conditions around schools, report them to:- Midland ISD transportation department
- Midland Police Department
- Midland’s traffic engineering division
-
Document Safety Concerns:
– Take photos of dangerous intersections or crosswalks
– Record traffic patterns during school arrival and dismissal times
– Keep a log of near-misses or unsafe driving behavior
The Legal Process: What to Expect After a Pedestrian Accident
If your child has been struck by a vehicle, understanding the legal process can help you navigate what comes next:
-
Immediate Steps:
– Seek medical attention
– Report the accident to police
– Document the scene with photos
– Get contact information from witnesses
– Contact an attorney -
Investigation:
– Your attorney will gather evidence, including:- Police reports
- Witness statements
- Medical records
- Traffic camera footage
- Vehicle data (if available)
-
Determining Liability:
– Was the driver negligent?
– Were there contributing factors like poor road design?
– Does the driver’s employer share liability? -
Negotiation:
– Your attorney will negotiate with insurance companies
– Most cases settle out of court
– If a fair settlement can’t be reached, your case may go to trial -
Compensation:
– Medical expenses (current and future)
– Pain and suffering
– Emotional distress
– Lost wages (if parents need to take time off work)
– Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence)
Why You Need an Experienced Attorney
Pedestrian accident cases can be more complex than they appear. Insurance companies often try to minimize claims, arguing that the pedestrian was at fault or that injuries aren’t serious. Having an experienced attorney on your side can make all the difference.
At Attorney911, we have a unique advantage: our associate attorney Lupe Peña spent years working for insurance defense firms. He knows exactly how they evaluate claims and what tactics they use to minimize payouts. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for accident victims.
Ralph Manginello has been handling personal injury cases in Texas for over 25 years. He’s seen firsthand how insurance companies try to take advantage of accident victims, especially when they don’t have legal representation. That’s why he always tells clients: “Don’t talk to the insurance company without an attorney. Their job is to pay you as little as possible – our job is to get you what you deserve.”
The Statute of Limitations: Why Time Is Critical
In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident. This means you have a limited window to file a lawsuit if you need to.
However, you shouldn’t wait to take action. Evidence can disappear quickly, and memories fade. The sooner you contact an attorney, the stronger your case will be.
Common Insurance Company Tactics (And How to Counter Them)
Insurance companies have a playbook of tactics they use to minimize pedestrian accident claims:
-
Quick Settlement Offers:
– They’ll offer a lowball settlement before you understand the full extent of your injuries
– Counter: Never accept the first offer. Consult with an attorney first. -
Blame the Pedestrian:
– They’ll argue the pedestrian wasn’t in the crosswalk, was distracted, or didn’t look
– Counter: Gather evidence showing the pedestrian had the right-of-way -
Minimize Injuries:
– They’ll claim injuries are minor or pre-existing
– Counter: Get thorough medical documentation and follow all treatment recommendations -
Delay Tactics:
– They’ll drag out the claims process hoping you’ll give up
– Counter: Have an attorney keep the pressure on -
Recorded Statements:
– They’ll ask for a recorded statement to use against you
– Counter: Never give a recorded statement without an attorney present
What Compensation Is Available?
Pedestrian accident victims may be entitled to various types of compensation:
- Medical Expenses: Current and future medical bills related to the accident
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress
- Lost Wages: If parents need to take time off work to care for their child
- Loss of Enjoyment: If the accident affects the child’s ability to participate in activities
- Punitive Damages: In cases of gross negligence or reckless behavior
The amount of compensation depends on factors like:
– Severity of injuries
– Impact on daily life
– Degree of negligence by the driver
– Available insurance coverage
Case Study: How a Similar Case Unfolded
While we can’t discuss specific Attorney911 cases, we can share a general example of how these cases often play out:
A middle school student in Houston was struck by a vehicle while crossing the street near his school. The driver claimed the student “darted out” from between parked cars. The student suffered a concussion and several broken bones.
Our investigation revealed:
– The driver was speeding in the school zone
– The driver had a history of traffic violations
– The crosswalk was poorly marked and lacked proper signage
– Several witnesses saw the driver run the red light
We were able to secure a settlement that covered:
– All medical expenses
– Compensation for pain and suffering
– Funds for future medical needs
– Punitive damages due to the driver’s reckless behavior
This case demonstrates why it’s so important to have an experienced attorney investigate all aspects of the accident.
The Role of Government in Pedestrian Safety
Government entities have a responsibility to maintain safe roads and crosswalks. When they fail in this duty, they can be held liable for accidents.
Common government failures that contribute to pedestrian accidents:
– Poorly designed crosswalks
– Inadequate signage or lighting
– Failure to maintain traffic signals
– Lack of proper traffic calming measures
– Insufficient crossing guards
However, suing a government entity comes with special challenges:
– Shorter deadlines for filing claims
– Sovereign immunity protections
– Complex legal procedures
That’s why it’s crucial to work with an attorney who understands these unique challenges.
How Midland’s Growth Is Affecting Pedestrian Safety
Midland’s rapid growth has brought increased traffic to our streets, often outpacing infrastructure improvements. This creates new challenges for pedestrian safety:
- More vehicles on the road mean more opportunities for accidents
- Increased construction can create confusing traffic patterns
- New developments may not include adequate pedestrian infrastructure
- School zones designed for smaller populations may now be overcrowded
As Ralph Manginello often points out: “Growth is good for our community, but we can’t let it come at the expense of our children’s safety. We need to be proactive about improving pedestrian infrastructure as our city expands.”
What to Do If Your Child Is Struck by a Vehicle
If your child is involved in a pedestrian accident, follow these steps:
-
Seek Immediate Medical Attention:
– Even if injuries seem minor, get a thorough medical evaluation
– Some injuries may not show symptoms immediately -
Report the Accident:
– Call 911 and file a police report
– Make sure the accident is properly documented -
Document Everything:
– Take photos of the accident scene
– Get contact information from witnesses
– Keep records of all medical treatment -
Don’t Talk to Insurance Adjusters:
– Insurance companies will try to get you to say things that hurt your case
– Refer all communication to your attorney -
Contact an Attorney:
– The sooner you involve an attorney, the stronger your case will be
– An attorney can handle communication with insurance companies
– Your attorney can investigate the accident and gather evidence
The Importance of Community Action
While legal action can help individual victims, real change requires community involvement. Midland families can make a difference by:
-
Joining or Forming a Safe Routes to School Program:
– These programs work to improve pedestrian safety around schools
– They often include walking school buses and safety education -
Attending City Council Meetings:
– Voice your concerns about pedestrian safety
– Request improvements to dangerous intersections -
Working with Schools:
– Advocate for better traffic management during arrival and dismissal
– Push for pedestrian safety education in schools -
Reporting Dangerous Conditions:
– If you see unsafe conditions, report them to city officials
– Follow up to ensure action is taken
How Attorney911 Can Help Midland Families
At Attorney911, we’re more than just personal injury attorneys – we’re Midland’s advocates for safer streets. When a child is struck by a vehicle, we:
-
Investigate Thoroughly:
– Gather all available evidence
– Interview witnesses
– Analyze traffic patterns and road design -
Identify All Liable Parties:
– The driver
– The driver’s employer (if applicable)
– Vehicle manufacturers (if defects contributed)
– Government entities (if road design was a factor) -
Fight for Maximum Compensation:
– Medical expenses
– Pain and suffering
– Future medical needs
– Punitive damages (when appropriate) -
Advocate for Change:
– Work with local officials to improve safety
– Push for better traffic management around schools
– Advocate for improved pedestrian infrastructure
Ralph Manginello has been fighting for accident victims in Texas for over 25 years. He understands the unique challenges of pedestrian accident cases and knows how to hold negligent parties accountable.
The Bottom Line: Midland’s Children Deserve Safe Streets
The incident at Goddard Junior High should be a wake-up call for our entire community. Every child deserves to walk to and from school safely. When drivers fail in their responsibility to yield to pedestrians, they must be held accountable.
If your child has been struck by a vehicle, don’t assume the injuries are minor. Don’t let the insurance company decide what your case is worth. And don’t try to handle this alone.
At Attorney911, we offer free consultations to help you understand your rights. We work on a contingency basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case. And with our team’s unique experience – including a former insurance defense attorney – we know how to fight for the compensation your family deserves.
Take Action Today
The aftermath of a pedestrian accident can be overwhelming. Medical bills pile up. Insurance companies pressure you to settle. You may not know where to turn.
But you don’t have to face this alone. Attorney911 is here to help.
Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. Our team is available 24/7 to answer your questions and help you understand your options.
Remember: Evidence disappears quickly. Witnesses forget details. The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. If your child has been struck by a vehicle, call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911. We’ll fight for your family’s rights while you focus on healing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pedestrian Accidents
Q: My child was hit by a car but the injuries seem minor. Should I still see a doctor?
A: Absolutely. Some injuries, like concussions or internal bleeding, may not show symptoms immediately. Getting checked out by a doctor creates important medical records that can be crucial if complications develop later.
Q: The driver who hit my child says it was their fault. Do I still need an attorney?
A: Yes. Even if the driver admits fault, their insurance company may try to minimize your claim. An attorney can ensure you receive fair compensation for all your damages.
Q: How long do I have to file a claim after a pedestrian accident?
A: In Texas, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, you should contact an attorney as soon as possible to preserve evidence and build the strongest case.
Q: What if the driver who hit my child doesn’t have insurance?
A: If the at-fault driver is uninsured, your own uninsured motorist coverage may apply. An experienced attorney can help you explore all available options for compensation.
Q: Can I sue the school or city if poor crosswalk design contributed to the accident?
A: Potentially, yes. Government entities can be held liable for dangerous road conditions. However, these cases have special rules and shorter deadlines, so it’s important to act quickly.
Q: How much is my child’s pedestrian accident case worth?
A: Every case is unique. Factors that affect case value include:
– Severity of injuries
– Medical expenses (current and future)
– Impact on daily life
– Degree of negligence by the driver
– Available insurance coverage
An experienced attorney can evaluate your specific situation and give you a better idea of what your case might be worth.
Q: The insurance company offered me a settlement. Should I accept it?
A: Never accept a settlement without consulting an attorney first. Insurance companies often make lowball offers before victims understand the full extent of their injuries. An attorney can help you evaluate whether the offer is fair.
Q: How much does it cost to hire an attorney for a pedestrian accident case?
A: At Attorney911, we work on a contingency basis. This means you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case, and our fee comes from the settlement or verdict.
Final Thoughts: Midland’s Children Are Counting on Us
The incident at Goddard Junior High should serve as a stark reminder of the dangers our children face every day on Midland’s streets. While we can’t prevent every accident, we can take steps to make our community safer:
- Drivers must slow down and pay attention, especially in school zones
- Parents must teach their children safe walking habits
- Schools must implement effective traffic management strategies
- City officials must prioritize pedestrian safety in infrastructure planning
- And when accidents do happen, victims must have access to justice
At Attorney911, we’re committed to fighting for safer streets in Midland. When negligence leads to tragedy, we hold the responsible parties accountable. And when insurance companies try to take advantage of accident victims, we fight back.
Ralph Manginello has been standing up for accident victims in Texas for over 25 years. He’s seen the devastating impact these accidents can have on families. That’s why he’s dedicated his career to helping victims get the compensation they deserve.
If your child has been struck by a vehicle, don’t wait. Evidence disappears quickly, and memories fade. The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.
Call Attorney911 today at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We’re available 24/7 to answer your questions and help you understand your options.
Remember: When it comes to pedestrian accidents, time is critical. Don’t let the insurance company decide what your case is worth. Let us fight for the compensation your family deserves.
Your child’s safety is our priority. Your family’s future is our mission. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now.