The shoulder of a highway is supposed to be a zone of relative safety, a place where pedestrians or disabled vehicles can remain clear of the high-speed flow of traffic. On Monday, March 30, 2026, that expectation of safety was shattered on SH 195 in Killeen, Bell County, Texas.
At approximately 2:22 p.m., 43-year-old Jerry Wayne Craigo was walking south along the shoulder of SH 195. He was doing everything a pedestrian is expected to do—staying off the main travel lanes and moving in a predictable direction. However, according to preliminary investigations by the Killeen Police Department Traffic Unit, a gray 2022 Chevrolet Pickup struck Mr. Craigo from behind. The impact was devastating. Mr. Craigo sustained multiple life-threatening injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
At Attorney911, we have spent over 27 years litigating catastrophic accidents across Texas. When we see a report of a pedestrian being struck from behind while on the shoulder of a highway like SH 195, our legal instincts immediately identify several layers of potential negligence. This wasn’t just an “accident”—it was a failure of a driver to maintain a single lane and control their vehicle’s speed.
If your family is reeling from a similar tragedy in Killeen or anywhere in Bell County, you need to know that the insurance company for the driver of that 2022 Chevrolet Pickup is already building a defense. You need a team that knows their playbook because we helped write it. Our firm includes a former insurance defense attorney, Lupe Peña, who spent years learning firsthand how large insurance companies value—and undervalue—claims.
Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, no-obligation consultation. We don’t get paid unless we win your case.
The Reality of Pedestrian Fatalities in Killeen and Bell County
Killeen is a high-traffic hub, largely due to its proximity to Fort Cavazos and the constant movement of residents and commercial fleets along corridors like SH 195, I-14, and US-190. The data from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) paints a sobering picture of the risks faced by people in our community.
In 2024, Bell County recorded 6,022 total crashes, resulting in 63 fatalities. While pedestrians make up only about 1% of total crashes in Texas, they account for a staggering 19% of all roadway deaths. In fact, a pedestrian crash in Texas is 28.8 times more likely to be fatal than a collision between two cars.
The incident involving Mr. Craigo on SH 195 highlights one of the “Silent Killers” we track at Attorney911: “Failed to Drive in Single Lane.” This factor was responsible for 800 deaths in Texas in 2024 alone, making it the #1 deadliest contributing factor by volume in the state. When a driver allows a heavy vehicle like a 2022 Chevrolet Pickup to drift onto the shoulder, the results for a vulnerable pedestrian are almost always catastrophic.
Learn more about your rights in our video, “The Victim’s Guide to Car Crash Compensation,” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLbNemS_YlM.
Analyzing Liability: Why This Is a Clear Case of Negligence
When a vehicle strikes a pedestrian from behind on a highway shoulder, the burden of explanation lies heavily on the driver. Under Texas Transportation Code § 545.060, an operator shall drive as nearly as practical entirely within a single lane and may not move from the lane unless that movement can be made safely.
In the Killeen incident, several theories of liability must be investigated:
1. Driver Inattention and Distraction
“Driver Inattention” was a factor in 81,101 Texas crashes in 2024. Was the driver of the Chevrolet pickup looking at a phone? Were they distracted by a navigation system? Even a two-second glance away from the road at 60 mph means the vehicle travels over 175 feet—more than enough distance to drift onto the shoulder and strike a pedestrian.
2. Failure to Control Speed
TxDOT data shows that “Failed to Control Speed” is the #1 contributing factor to crashes in Texas, with 131,978 incidents in 2024. If the driver was traveling too fast for the conditions or failed to react to the presence of a pedestrian on the shoulder, they are liable for the consequences.
3. Potential Corporate Liability
Was the 2022 Chevrolet Pickup a personal vehicle or a company truck? Killeen is home to numerous government contractors, delivery fleets, and service companies. If the driver was “on the clock” or driving a vehicle owned by an employer, the doctrine of respondeat superior (vicarious liability) applies. This allows the victim’s family to pursue a claim against the employer’s commercial insurance policy, which typically carries much higher limits than a standard personal policy.
4. Negligent Hiring and Supervision
If the driver was working for a company at the time of the SH 195 crash, we investigate the employer’s records. Did they check the driver’s Motor Vehicle Record (MVR)? Did they provide adequate safety training? If a company puts an unsafe driver on the road, they are directly liable for the harm that driver causes.
The Insurance Defense Playbook: How They Will Try to Blame the Victim
Because Lupe Peña worked for years at a national defense firm, we know exactly how the insurance company for the pickup driver will approach this case. They won’t start by offering a fair settlement. They will start by trying to shift the blame to Jerry Wayne Craigo.
In Texas, we follow the 51% Bar Rule (Modified Comparative Negligence). This means if an insurance company can convince a jury that the pedestrian was 51% or more at fault, the family recovers zero. They may argue:
* “The pedestrian was too close to the travel lane.”
* “The pedestrian was wearing dark clothing.”
* “The pedestrian failed to yield the right-of-way.”
In fact, “Pedestrian Failed to Yield” is the #1 fatal factor cited in Texas pedestrian crashes, appearing in 472 fatal incidents in 2024. Insurance adjusters weaponize this statistic to lowball grieving families. They use software like Colossus to algorithmically undervalue claims based on these blame-shifting arguments.
We don’t let them get away with it. We know how to present evidence—accident reconstruction, cell phone records, and witness statements—to prove that the driver’s failure to maintain their lane was the sole proximate cause of the tragedy.
For more insight into how we fight these tactics, watch “What Should You Not Say to an Insurance Adjuster?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UKRbFprB0E.
Wrongful Death and Survival Actions in Bell County
When an accident results in a fatality, as it did for Mr. Craigo on SH 195, Texas law provides two distinct paths for recovery:
The Wrongful Death Claim
Under the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, the surviving spouse, children, and parents of the deceased can file a wrongful death claim. This is intended to compensate the family for their own losses, including:
* Loss of financial support and earning capacity.
* Loss of companionship, guidance, and love.
* Emotional pain and mental anguish.
The Survival Action
A survival action is different. It is a claim brought by the estate for the damages the deceased person suffered before they passed away. This includes:
* Physical pain and suffering prior to death.
* Mental anguish.
* Medical expenses incurred before death.
* Funeral and burial expenses.
In a high-impact collision like the one on SH 195, the “multiple life-threatening injuries” mentioned by Killeen police suggest a period of intense physical trauma. Proving these damages requires a sophisticated legal team that understands both the medical and legal complexities of fatal accidents.
As we state in our documented results: “At Attorney911, our personal injury attorneys have helped numerous injured individuals and families facing trucking-related wrongful death cases recover millions of dollars in compensation.” While this specific case involved a pickup, the principles of high-stakes litigation remain the same. Every case is unique, and past results do not guarantee future outcomes, but they do demonstrate our capability to handle the most serious matters.
The 48-Hour Protocol: Why Speed Matters in Killeen
If you are a family member of someone involved in a crash on SH 195 or any Killeen roadway, the next 48 hours are critical. Evidence in pedestrian accidents disappears at an alarming rate.
- Surveillance Footage: Many businesses along SH 195 have security cameras. However, this footage is often overwritten every 7 to 14 days. If we don’t send a formal preservation letter immediately, that video evidence is gone forever.
- Vehicle Data: Modern vehicles like a 2022 Chevrolet Pickup are equipped with an Event Data Recorder (EDR), often called a “black box.” This records speed, braking, and steering input in the seconds before a crash. If the truck is repaired or salvaged, this data can be lost.
- Witness Memories: People who saw the crash or the moments leading up to it will begin to forget details within days. We need to secure their statements while the events are fresh.
- The Police Report: Obtaining the official Killeen Police Department crash report is a priority. We review it for inaccuracies that could hurt your case later.
Learn more about the first steps in our video, “What Should I Do First After an Accident?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCox4Lq7zBM.
Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Killeen Accident Case?
Ralph Manginello has been licensed to practice law in Texas for over 27 years. He is admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, and has handled complex litigation against some of the largest corporations in the world, including involvement in the BP Texas City Refinery explosion litigation.
When you hire Attorney911, you aren’t just getting a lawyer; you’re getting a team that treats you like family. As our client Chad Harris noted: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client…You are FAMILY to them.”
We understand the specific challenges of Bell County courtrooms. Whether your case is heard in a Killeen municipal court or a district court in Belton, we bring the same relentless advocacy that has recovered over $50 million for our clients across all practice areas.
Our Commitment to You:
- No Fee Unless We Win: You have enough to worry about. We handle all upfront costs of investigation and litigation.
- Direct Attorney Access: You won’t be passed off to a junior clerk. Ralph and Lupe are personally involved in our cases.
- Bilingual Service: Hablamos Español. Lupe Peña is fluent, and our staff, including Zulema, ensures that language is never a barrier to justice. As Celia Dominguez shared: “Especially Miss Zulema, who is always very kind and always translates.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Killeen Pedestrian Accidents
What if the driver says they didn’t see the pedestrian?
In legal terms, “I didn’t see him” is an admission of inattention, not a defense. Drivers have a legal duty to maintain a proper lookout. On a clear afternoon at 2:22 p.m., there is no excuse for failing to see a pedestrian on the shoulder of a highway.
Does my own insurance cover me if I was hit as a pedestrian?
Yes, this is a fact many people in Killeen don’t realize. If you have Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage on your own auto policy, it follows you even when you are walking. If the driver who hit you has low limits—like the Texas minimum of $30,000—your own policy can provide the additional compensation your family needs. Learn more in our video, “Uninsured & Underinsured Motorists,” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWcNFyb-Yk8.
How long do I have to file a claim in Texas?
Under Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. However, waiting is dangerous. As we’ve explained, evidence disappears long before the two-year deadline.
Can I still recover if my loved one was partially at fault?
Yes. As long as the deceased was not more than 50% at fault, the family can still recover damages. The total award is simply reduced by the percentage of fault. Our job is to ensure the driver is held 100% accountable for drifting onto the shoulder.
Your Legal Emergency Lawyers™ in Killeen
The death of Jerry Wayne Craigo is a tragedy that has left a void in the Killeen community. At Attorney911, we believe that the only way to prevent future tragedies on SH 195 is to hold negligent drivers and their insurance companies fully accountable.
We have the experience to take on the most complex cases, the insider knowledge to defeat insurance company tactics, and the compassion to support your family through the darkest times.
If you have questions about a crash in Killeen, Bell County, or anywhere in Texas, don’t wait for the insurance company to call you. Call the firm that knows their playbook.
Contact Attorney911 today:
* Emergency Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
* Houston Office: (713) 528-9070
* Email: ralph@atty911.com or lupe@atty911.com
* Website: https://attorney911.com
For more information on the legal process, listen to Ralph Manginello on the Attorney 911 Podcast, available on Apple Podcasts at https://podcasts.apple.com/bj/podcast/attorney-911/id1773141988.
Attorney911: Legal Emergency Lawyers™. We answer. We fight. We win.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique, and past results do not guarantee future outcomes. The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC (Attorney911) maintains its principal office in Houston, Texas.