Tragedy on Woodforest Boulevard: Holding Trucking Companies Accountable After Rayford Howard’s Death

A Life Cut Short on Harris County Roads

The evening of February 22, 2026, started like any other for 57-year-old Rayford Howard. He was crossing Woodforest Boulevard in the 12600 block, heading toward an apartment complex. What should have been a routine walk home turned into a horrific tragedy when he was struck by a white 2013-2018 Ram pickup truck. The impact was catastrophic. Rayford was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver didn’t stop. He fled, leaving Rayford’s body on the roadway. This wasn’t just an accident—it was a hit-and-run. A life lost. A family shattered. And a community left demanding answers.

At Attorney911, we’ve seen this pattern too many times. Trucking companies and drivers who believe they can evade responsibility. Insurance adjusters who show up before the ambulance leaves. Evidence that mysteriously disappears. But we know how to fight back. With 25+ years of experience holding negligent trucking operations accountable, our team—led by Ralph Manginello—has recovered millions for families devastated by preventable tragedies like this one.

If you’ve lost a loved one in a trucking accident anywhere in Texas, call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911. Evidence disappears fast. We don’t.

The Corporate Web Behind Texas Trucking Accidents

Who Was Really Behind the Wheel?

The arrest of 17-year-old Benjamin Lira raises disturbing questions. Minors cannot legally obtain commercial driver’s licenses. So why was a teenager operating what appears to be a commercial vehicle at night in a high-traffic area?

Possible Scenarios We Investigate in Cases Like This:

1. Company-Owned Vehicle: The Ram pickup may have been owned by a company and assigned to an employee who allowed an unauthorized driver to operate it
2. Contractor Vehicle: The truck may have been owned by an independent contractor working for a larger company
3. Stolen Vehicle: The truck may have been stolen, though this seems less likely given the hit-and-run nature
4. Family-Owned Business: The vehicle may have been part of a family business where minors were allowed to drive
5. Improper Licensing: The actual driver may have been unlicensed or improperly licensed

Corporate Accountability Questions:

• Who owned the vehicle?
• Was it being used for commercial purposes?
• Who employed the driver (or allowed the minor to drive)?
• Were proper background checks conducted?
• Was the vehicle properly maintained?
• Were there prior safety violations?

At Attorney911, we’ve seen cases where companies try to distance themselves from accidents involving their vehicles. They claim the driver was “off duty” or “using the vehicle for personal reasons.” But Texas law doesn’t let companies off the hook that easily.

Legal Doctrine: Respondeat Superior
Under Texas law, employers can be held liable for the actions of their employees when those actions occur within the scope of employment. Even if the driver was technically “off the clock,” if they were using a company vehicle or performing company-related tasks, the employer may still be responsible.

Ralph Manginello has successfully held companies accountable in similar cases: “We’ve seen trucking companies try every trick in the book to avoid responsibility. They claim the driver was independent. They say the vehicle was personal. They blame the victim. But the law is clear—when a company puts a dangerous vehicle on the road, they’re responsible for what happens.”

The Woodforest Boulevard Corridor: A Danger Zone for Pedestrians

Why This Location Is Particularly Dangerous

The 12600 block of Woodforest Boulevard in Harris County is not just any roadway. It’s a high-risk corridor that combines several dangerous factors:

1. High Traffic Volume: Woodforest Boulevard is a major thoroughfare serving residential areas, apartment complexes, and commercial establishments
2. Pedestrian Activity: The presence of apartment complexes means significant pedestrian traffic, especially during evening hours
3. Limited Lighting: Evening accidents often occur in areas with inadequate street lighting
4. Speeding Issues: Major boulevards often have speeding problems, especially during off-peak hours
5. Commercial Vehicle Traffic: The area likely sees significant commercial vehicle traffic serving local businesses
6. Crosswalk Deficiencies: Many pedestrian accidents occur at locations with inadequate or poorly marked crosswalks

Texas Pedestrian Accident Statistics:
– Texas consistently ranks among the most dangerous states for pedestrians
– In 2023, Texas saw 834 pedestrian fatalities—one of the highest totals in the nation
– Harris County is one of the most dangerous counties for pedestrians in Texas
– Most pedestrian fatalities occur in urban areas during evening and nighttime hours

FMCSA Pedestrian Safety Regulations:
While FMCSA regulations primarily focus on vehicle operation, several rules protect pedestrians:

• 49 CFR § 392.14 – Hazardous Conditions: Drivers must exercise extreme caution in hazardous conditions, including areas with pedestrian traffic
• 49 CFR § 392.9 – Safe Loading: Improperly secured loads that fall onto roadways create pedestrian hazards
• 49 CFR § 392.10 – Railroad Grade Crossings: Nearby railroad crossings may create additional pedestrian hazards

Local Connection to Abilene:
While this tragedy occurred in Harris County, Abilene residents face similar dangers on local corridors:

• Highway 83/84: Major thoroughfare with significant pedestrian traffic near commercial areas
• Buffalo Gap Road: High-speed corridor with limited pedestrian infrastructure
• South 1st Street: Urban corridor with heavy truck traffic serving local businesses
• I-20 Corridor: Interstate area with truck stops and service plazas attracting pedestrian traffic

Abilene’s mix of urban corridors, commercial trucking routes, and pedestrian activity creates similar risks to those seen on Woodforest Boulevard.

Liability in Pedestrian Trucking Accidents: Who Can Be Held Accountable?

The Web of Responsibility in Rayford Howard’s Death

In pedestrian accidents involving commercial vehicles, multiple parties may share liability. Each case is unique, but in this incident, we would investigate:

1. The Driver (Benjamin Lira)
   – Criminal liability for hit-and-run
   – Civil liability for negligent operation
   – Possible underage driving violations

2. The Vehicle Owner
   – Negligent entrustment if they allowed an unqualified driver to operate the vehicle
   – Failure to maintain the vehicle in safe condition

3. The Employer (if commercial vehicle)
   – Vicarious liability for employee actions
   – Negligent hiring if background checks weren’t conducted
   – Negligent training if proper safety procedures weren’t taught
   – Negligent supervision if driver behavior wasn’t monitored

4. The Cargo Owner (if applicable)
   – Pressure to meet delivery deadlines
   – Improper loading instructions

5. The Vehicle Manufacturer
   – Defective design (visibility issues, brake problems)
   – Manufacturing defects

6. Government Entities
   – Inadequate road design
   – Poor lighting or signage
   – Failure to maintain safe crosswalks

Legal Doctrine: Negligence Per Se
When a driver violates a safety statute—like fleeing the scene of an accident—the violation can establish negligence per se. This means the jury doesn’t have to decide whether the driver was negligent—the law presumes it.

Case Precedent: Landmark Pedestrian Accident Verdicts
While we can’t comment on specific Attorney911 cases, several landmark verdicts demonstrate what’s possible when companies are held accountable:

1. $411 Million Verdict (Florida, 2020)
   – 45-vehicle pileup on I-95
   – Motorcyclist suffered severe injuries
   – Jury found multiple parties negligent
   – Demonstrates potential for massive verdicts in complex cases

2. $160 Million Verdict (Alabama, 2024)
   – Daimler truck rollover
   – Driver left quadriplegic
   – $75 million compensatory + $75 million punitive
   – Shows punitive damages for gross negligence

3. $730 Million Verdict (Texas, 2021)
   – Landstar Ranger oversize load
   – Navy propeller killed 73-year-old woman
   – $480 million compensatory + $250 million punitive
   – Largest trucking verdict in Texas history

4. $150 Million Settlement (Texas, 2022)
   – Werner Enterprises truck
   – Two children killed on I-30
   – Largest 18-wheeler settlement in U.S. history
   – Shows potential for massive settlements

Ralph Manginello notes: “These verdicts show what happens when companies prioritize profits over safety. Juries are sending a message that this behavior won’t be tolerated. And that message leads to better settlements for families who’ve suffered.”

The Insurance Battle: What Rayford Howard’s Family Is Up Against

How Trucking Companies Try to Minimize Claims

When a tragedy like this occurs, the trucking company’s insurance adjusters spring into action. Their goal isn’t to help the family—it’s to protect the company’s bottom line. At Attorney911, we know their tactics because we used to work on their side.

Common Insurance Company Tactics:

1. Quick Lowball Settlement Offers
   – “We’ll give you $50,000 right now to settle”
   – Designed to pay far less than the case is worth
   – Often made before the family understands the full extent of damages

2. Blaming the Victim
   – “The pedestrian shouldn’t have been crossing there”
   – “The victim was wearing dark clothing”
   – “The victim wasn’t in a crosswalk”
   – Texas is a modified comparative negligence state—if the victim is found more than 50% at fault, the family recovers nothing

3. Minimizing Injuries
   – “It was just a minor impact”
   – “The victim would have died anyway”
   – “The injuries weren’t that serious”

4. Delaying the Process
   – “We’re still investigating”
   – “We need more medical records”
   – “The adjuster is on vacation”
   – Designed to wear down the family and force a low settlement

5. Using Recorded Statements Against the Family
   – “Just tell us what happened”
   – “We need your statement to process the claim”
   – Anything said can be used to minimize the claim

6. Disputing Medical Treatment
   – “That treatment wasn’t necessary”
   – “The victim should have gone to a cheaper doctor”
   – “The victim didn’t follow doctor’s orders”

Our Insider Advantage:
Attorney911 has a unique advantage—our team includes attorneys who used to work for insurance companies. We know exactly how they evaluate claims, what arguments they use, and how to counter their tactics.

Ralph Manginello explains: “We’ve seen insurance companies deny claims for the most ridiculous reasons. They’ll say the victim wasn’t really hurt. They’ll claim the accident was the victim’s fault. They’ll offer pennies on the dollar. But we know their playbook because we used to write it. Now we use that knowledge to fight for families.”

What the Family Should Do:
1. Do NOT give any recorded statements
2. Do NOT sign any documents without legal review
3. Do NOT accept any settlement offers
4. Document everything (medical treatment, expenses, impact on daily life)
5. Contact an experienced wrongful death attorney immediately

Why This Case Matters for Abilene Families

The Same Dangers Exist on Taylor County Roads

While this tragedy occurred in Harris County, Abilene families face identical risks every day. The same corporate pressures, the same regulatory violations, and the same dangerous driving behaviors exist right here in Taylor County.

Abilene’s High-Risk Corridors:

1. Highway 83/84 (South 1st Street)
   – Major commercial corridor
   – Heavy truck traffic serving local businesses
   – Significant pedestrian activity near commercial areas
   – Speeding issues, especially at night

2. Buffalo Gap Road
   – High-speed corridor
   – Limited pedestrian infrastructure
   – Heavy truck traffic serving oil field operations
   – Dangerous intersections

3. I-20 Corridor
   – Major interstate with heavy truck traffic
   – Truck stops and service plazas attracting pedestrian activity
   – High-speed collisions
   – Fatigued driver risks

4. Ambler Avenue
   – Urban corridor with significant pedestrian traffic
   – Near schools and residential areas
   – Commercial vehicle traffic serving local businesses

5. Treadaway Boulevard
   – Major thoroughfare with heavy truck traffic
   – Pedestrian activity near apartment complexes
   – Limited lighting in some areas

Local Industries Creating Trucking Risks:
– Oil and Gas: Heavy truck traffic serving Permian Basin operations
– Agriculture: Livestock and produce transport
– Manufacturing: Parts and product distribution
– Retail: Delivery trucks serving local businesses
– Construction: Heavy equipment transport

Abilene-Specific Risks:
– Oil Field Traffic: Fatigued drivers working long hours
– Agricultural Vehicles: Slow-moving equipment on rural roads
– Military Traffic: Large vehicles from Dyess AFB
– College Traffic: Pedestrian activity around Hardin-Simmons and McMurry
– Downtown Congestion: Mixed vehicle and pedestrian traffic

Ralph Manginello warns: “Abilene isn’t immune to these tragedies. We’ve seen cases right here in Taylor County where families have lost loved ones to preventable trucking accidents. The same corporate cost-cutting, the same regulatory violations, the same dangerous driving behaviors exist on our local roads. That’s why it’s so important for Abilene families to understand their rights.”

The Attorney911 Difference: Why Choose Our Firm

25+ Years Fighting for Texas Families

When tragedy strikes, you need more than just a lawyer—you need a fighter. You need a team that knows how to take on trucking companies and their insurance carriers. You need Attorney911.

Why Families Choose Us:

1. Proven Track Record
   – 25+ years of experience since 1998
   – Multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts
   – Experience with catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases

2. Insider Knowledge
   – Our team includes former insurance defense attorneys
   – We know how insurance companies evaluate claims
   – We know their tactics because we used to use them

3. Aggressive Representation
   – We don’t back down from tough cases
   – We take on Fortune 500 companies
   – We’re prepared to go to trial if necessary

4. Compassionate Service
   – We treat clients like family
   – We understand the emotional toll
   – We’re here to support you through every step

5. Local Knowledge
   – We know Texas roads and Texas courts
   – We understand local industries and risks
   – We’re part of the community we serve

Ralph Manginello’s Experience:
– 25+ years as a trial attorney
– Federal court admission to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
– Experience in BP explosion litigation against multinational corporations
– Recovered millions for trucking accident victims
– Recognized as a Million Dollar Advocate by the Trial Lawyers Achievement Association

Our Unique Advantage:
At Attorney911, we have something most firms don’t—an attorney who used to work for the other side. Lupe Peña spent years defending insurance companies before joining our team. He knows exactly how they evaluate claims, what arguments they use, and how to counter their tactics.

Lupe explains: “I used to work for a national defense firm. I saw how insurance companies train their adjusters to minimize claims. I watched them deny legitimate injuries. I helped them develop strategies to pay victims as little as possible. Now I use that knowledge to fight for families. It’s an unfair advantage—but it’s one that works in our clients’ favor.”

Frequently Asked Questions About Pedestrian Trucking Accidents

Answers from Our Experienced Attorneys

Q: What should I do if I’ve lost a loved one in a trucking accident?

A: First, focus on your family and your grief. Then, contact an experienced wrongful death attorney immediately. Evidence disappears fast in trucking cases, so time is critical. Do not speak to insurance adjusters or sign any documents without legal representation.

Q: Who can be held responsible for a pedestrian trucking accident?

A: Multiple parties may share liability:
– The driver
– The trucking company (employer)
– The vehicle owner
– The cargo owner (if applicable)
– The vehicle manufacturer
– Government entities (for road design issues)

Q: What compensation is available in wrongful death cases?

A: Texas law allows for several types of damages:
– Lost earning capacity
– Loss of companionship and society
– Mental anguish and emotional pain
– Funeral and burial expenses
– Medical expenses before death
– Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence)

Q: How long do I have to file a wrongful death claim?

A: Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for wrongful death claims. This means you have until 2 years from the date of death to file a lawsuit. However, waiting is dangerous—evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and the case becomes harder to prove.

Q: What if the driver who hit my loved one fled the scene?

A: Hit-and-run cases are particularly serious. The act of fleeing creates a presumption of fault and may lead to punitive damage claims. Even if the driver is never identified, there may be other liable parties, such as the vehicle owner or employer.

Q: How much is my wrongful death case worth?

A: Every case is unique. Factors that affect case value include:
– The deceased’s earning capacity
– The impact on surviving family members
– The degree of the defendant’s negligence
– Available insurance coverage
– Whether punitive damages are warranted

Q: What if the driver was a minor?

A: If the driver was a minor, their parents or legal guardians may share liability. Additionally, if the vehicle was owned by a company, the company may still be responsible for allowing an unqualified driver to operate the vehicle.

Q: What if the trucking company claims the driver was independent?

A: Many trucking companies try to avoid liability by claiming their drivers are independent contractors. However, Texas law looks at the reality of the relationship, not just the label. If the company controlled the driver’s work, they may still be liable.

Q: What if the accident was partially my loved one’s fault?

A: Texas follows modified comparative negligence rules. If your loved one was less than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages. However, your recovery will be reduced by your loved one’s percentage of fault.

Q: How long will my case take?

A: Timelines vary:
– Simple cases: 6-12 months
– Complex cases: 1-3 years
– Cases going to trial: 2-4 years

Q: Do I need a lawyer for a wrongful death claim?

A: Yes. Insurance companies have teams of lawyers working to minimize your claim. You need someone on your side who knows how to fight back. Most wrongful death attorneys work on contingency—you pay nothing unless they win your case.

The Bottom Line: Justice for Rayford Howard’s Family

Holding the Responsible Parties Accountable

Rayford Howard’s death was preventable. Someone made a choice—whether through negligence, recklessness, or criminal intent—that led to this tragedy. His family deserves answers. They deserve justice. And they deserve compensation for their loss.

At Attorney911, we believe in holding companies accountable when their actions cause harm. We believe in fighting for families who’ve lost loved ones. And we believe in making our roads safer for everyone.

If you’ve lost a loved one in a trucking accident, you don’t have to face this alone. We’re here to help.

Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation.

Additional Resources

Learn More About Your Rights

The Victim’s Guide to 18-Wheeler Accident Injuries
Learn about the unique challenges of trucking accident cases and how to protect your rights.

Can I Sue for Being Hit by a Semi Truck?
Understand your legal options after a trucking accident, including who can be held liable.

The Definitive Guide To Commercial Truck Accidents
Comprehensive overview of commercial truck accidents, including federal regulations and liability issues.

What Should You Not Say to an Insurance Adjuster?
Learn how insurance companies try to minimize your claim and what to avoid saying.

The Ultimate Guide to Wrongful Death Claims
(Note: While we can’t link directly to internal pages, our website contains comprehensive information about wrongful death claims in Texas.)

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique, and the information provided may not apply to your specific situation. For legal advice regarding your case, please contact Attorney911 for a free consultation. The use of this website or communication through it does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Attorney-client relationships are only established through written agreements with Attorney911.