Hit-and-Run Truck Accident in Daingerfield: Why This Case Demands Immediate Legal Action

Every year, thousands of Texans are injured in trucking accidents. But when a driver flees the scene—leaving a victim stranded on the side of the road—that’s not just negligence. That’s a deliberate act that compounds the trauma and makes justice harder to secure.

This is exactly what happened on February 18, 2026, at the intersection of Broadnax Street and Webb Street in Daingerfield, Texas. Around 8:20 p.m., a pedestrian was struck by a vehicle while working on his disabled 18-wheeler, which was parked off the roadway. The victim was injured and rushed to the hospital—his condition still unknown. What makes this case especially egregious? The driver didn’t stop. He didn’t call for help. He left the scene, only to be identified later and taken into custody at his home.

The driver has been named as John Dupriest Jr., 65, of Daingerfield. But this case isn’t just about one reckless driver. It’s about a systemic failure—one that puts profit over safety, cuts corners on training, and turns a blind eye to the dangers on our roads.

At Attorney911, we’ve seen this pattern before. Trucking companies push drivers to meet impossible deadlines. Drivers, exhausted and overworked, make catastrophic mistakes. And when those mistakes lead to injury or death, the companies scramble to protect themselves—not the victims.

This case is a legal emergency. And if you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident—whether in Daingerfield, Jacksonville, or anywhere in Texas—you need an attorney who knows how to fight back.

Who Is Liable? The Web of Responsibility in Trucking Accidents

In most car accidents, liability is straightforward: the at-fault driver is responsible. But in trucking accidents, multiple parties can share blame. This is especially true in hit-and-run cases, where the driver’s actions may have been enabled—or even encouraged—by the trucking company.

Here’s who could be held accountable in this case:

1. The Driver: John Dupriest Jr.

Dupriest is the most obvious defendant. He struck the pedestrian and fled the scene—both clear violations of Texas law.

But his liability goes deeper. Under FMCSA regulations (49 CFR § 392.3), drivers are prohibited from operating a commercial vehicle while fatigued, ill, or otherwise impaired. If Dupriest was overworked, distracted, or under the influence, he could face additional negligence claims.

Key Questions:
– Was Dupriest fatigued? (Hours of service violations are a leading cause of trucking accidents.)
– Was he distracted? (Cell phone records could reveal texting or dispatch communications at the time of the crash.)
– Did he have a history of violations? (Driver Qualification Files often reveal patterns of reckless behavior.)

2. The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

Trucking companies are vicariously liable for their drivers’ actions under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior (“let the master answer”). But they can also be directly liable for their own negligence.

Potential Claims Against the Trucking Company:
– Negligent Hiring: Did the company fail to properly vet Dupriest? If he had a history of accidents, violations, or substance abuse, the company could be liable for putting him behind the wheel.
– Negligent Training: Were Dupriest’s training records incomplete or inadequate? FMCSA requires mandatory entry-level driver training (49 CFR § 380)—failure to comply is negligence.
– Negligent Supervision: Did the company monitor Dupriest’s hours of service? If he was pressured to meet unrealistic deadlines, the company could be liable for encouraging HOS violations.
– Negligent Maintenance: Was the truck properly maintained? Brake failures, tire blowouts, and lighting issues are common in trucking accidents—and often traceable to deferred maintenance.

Key Evidence:
– Driver Qualification File (DQF): Required by 49 CFR § 391.51, this file contains Dupriest’s employment history, driving record, medical certification, and drug test results.
– Hours of Service (HOS) Records: ELD data can prove whether Dupriest was overworked at the time of the crash.
– Maintenance Records: If the truck had unrepaired defects, the company could be liable for negligent maintenance.

3. The Cargo Owner or Shipper

If the 18-wheeler was transporting cargo, the shipper could share liability if:
– The cargo was improperly loaded (shifting loads cause rollovers and loss of control).
– The cargo was overweight, exceeding the truck’s capacity.
– The shipper pressured the driver to meet unrealistic deadlines, contributing to fatigue.

4. The Maintenance Company

If a third-party maintenance provider serviced the truck, they could be liable for:
– Negligent repairs (e.g., improper brake adjustments, faulty tire replacements).
– Failure to identify critical safety issues during inspections.

5. The Truck or Parts Manufacturer

If a mechanical defect contributed to the crash, the manufacturer could be liable under product liability law. Common defects include:
– Brake failures (49 CFR § 393.48 requires functional brake systems).
– Tire blowouts (49 CFR § 393.75 mandates minimum tread depth).
– Steering system failures.
– Defective underride guards (rear impact guards are required by 49 CFR § 393.86 to prevent underride collisions).

The Legal Process: What Happens Next?

If you or a loved one was injured in this accident—or any trucking accident—here’s what to expect:

Step 1: Preserve Evidence (Critical First 48 Hours)

• Send a spoliation letter to the trucking company, driver, and all potentially liable parties.
• Demand preservation of ECM/black box data, ELD logs, maintenance records, and dashcam footage.
• Photograph the scene (if possible) and document injuries.

Step 2: Investigate Liability

• Subpoena the Driver Qualification File (DQF) to check for negligent hiring.
• Obtain ELD and ECM data to prove hours of service violations or speeding.
• Review maintenance records for deferred repairs or known defects.
• Interview witnesses before memories fade.

Step 3: Identify All Liable Parties

• Trucking company (vicarious and direct liability).
• Cargo owner/shipper (if improper loading contributed).
• Maintenance provider (if negligent repairs caused the crash).
• Manufacturer (if a defective part failed).

Step 4: File a Lawsuit (Before the Statute of Limitations Expires)

• Texas statute of limitations for personal injury: 2 years from the date of the accident.
• Wrongful death claims: Also 2 years from the date of death.
• Government claims (if road defects contributed): 6 months to file a notice of claim.

Step 5: Negotiate or Go to Trial

• Most cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to court.
• Insurance companies know which attorneys are willing to take cases to trial—and they offer better settlements to clients with trial-ready lawyers.

Why You Need an Attorney—Now

If you’re the victim in this case—or any trucking accident—you cannot afford to wait. Here’s why:

1. Evidence Disappears Fast

• Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days.
• ELD logs may be deleted after 6 months.
• Dashcam footage is often automatically erased within days.
• Witness memories fade—the sooner we interview them, the stronger your case.

2. Trucking Companies Have Teams of Lawyers

Before the ambulance even arrives, the trucking company’s rapid-response team is already working to protect their interests—not yours. They’ll:
– Destroy or alter evidence (logs, maintenance records).
– Pressure the driver to change his story.
– Offer a lowball settlement before you understand the full extent of your injuries.

3. Insurance Companies Are Not on Your Side

Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. They’ll:
– Record your statements and use them against you.
– Delay your claim until the statute of limitations is about to expire.
– Offer a quick settlement—far less than your case is worth.

At Attorney911, we know these tactics because we used to work on the other side. Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years defending insurance companies. Now, he uses that insider knowledge to fight for victims.

4. Trucking Cases Are Complex

Unlike car accidents, trucking cases involve:
– Multiple liable parties (driver, company, cargo owner, manufacturer).
– Federal regulations (FMCSA, HOS, cargo securement).
– Massive insurance policies ($750,000 to $5,000,000+).
– Catastrophic injuries (TBI, spinal cord damage, amputations).

You need an attorney who understands this complexity—and knows how to maximize your recovery.

Landmark Trucking Verdicts: What’s Possible in Your Case

Trucking companies often claim they’ll “fight hard” to avoid paying fair compensation. But juries have shown they won’t tolerate negligence—especially when lives are at stake.

Here are some landmark trucking verdicts that demonstrate what’s possible:

1. $730 Million – Texas (2021)

Case: Ramsey v. Landstar Ranger
Facts: A Navy propeller being transported as an oversize load fell off a trailer and struck a vehicle, killing a 73-year-old woman.
Result: $480 million in compensatory damages + $250 million in punitive damages.
Why It Matters: This case shows that gross negligence in cargo securement can lead to nuclear verdicts.

2. $462 Million – Missouri (2024)

Case: St. Louis Underride Crash
Facts: Two men were decapitated in an underride collision when their vehicle slid under a trailer.
Result: $462 million verdict against the trucking company and manufacturer.
Why It Matters: Underride guards are required by federal law (49 CFR § 393.86), but many companies cut corners—with deadly consequences.

3. $160 Million – Alabama (2024)

Case: Street v. Daimler
Facts: A rollover accident left the driver quadriplegic.
Result: $75 million in compensatory damages + $75 million in punitive damages.
Why It Matters: Rollover accidents are often caused by improper loading, speeding, or fatigue—all preventable with proper training and supervision.

4. $150 Million – Texas (2022)

Case: Werner Enterprises Settlement
Facts: Two children were killed in a crash on I-30.
Result: Largest 18-wheeler settlement in U.S. history.
Why It Matters: This case involved multiple liable parties, including the trucking company, driver, and cargo owner.

5. $1 Billion – Florida (2021)

Case: I-95 Chain Reaction Crash
Facts: An 18-year-old was killed in a multi-vehicle pileup caused by a trucking company’s gross negligence in hiring.
Result: $100 million in compensatory damages + $900 million in punitive damages.
Why It Matters: Negligent hiring is a major liability risk for trucking companies—and juries punish it severely.

What to Do If You’re Injured in a Trucking Accident in Jacksonville

If you or a loved one is injured in a trucking accident—whether in Jacksonville, Daingerfield, or anywhere in Texas—follow these steps:

1. Call 911 Immediately

• Report the accident and request medical assistance.
• Even if injuries seem minor, get checked out. Adrenaline masks pain, and some injuries (like TBI or internal bleeding) don’t show symptoms immediately.

2. Document the Scene

• Take photos of:
• All vehicles involved (including license plates and DOT numbers).
• Damage to your vehicle and the truck.
• Skid marks, debris, and road conditions.
• Your injuries.
• The accident location (street signs, traffic signals).
• Get witness information (names, phone numbers, addresses).

3. Do NOT Give a Recorded Statement

• The trucking company’s insurance adjuster will call you—often within hours.
• Do not speak to them without an attorney. Anything you say can and will be used against you.

4. Seek Medical Attention

• Go to the hospital or urgent care—even if you feel fine.
• Follow your doctor’s treatment plan to the letter. Gaps in treatment hurt your case.

5. Contact an 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney Immediately

• Time is critical. Evidence disappears fast.
• At Attorney911, we send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours to preserve black box data, ELD logs, and maintenance records.
• We investigate liability, identify all responsible parties, and fight for maximum compensation.

The Bottom Line: You Deserve Justice

The Daingerfield hit-and-run is more than just a tragic accident. It’s a symptom of a broken system—one that prioritizes profit over safety, cuts corners on training, and turns a blind eye to reckless behavior.

But here’s the good news: you don’t have to fight this battle alone.

At Attorney911, we’ve been holding trucking companies accountable for 25+ years. We know their tactics. We know how to preserve evidence, prove negligence, and secure maximum compensation for our clients.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident—whether in Daingerfield, Jacksonville, or anywhere in Texas—call us now. We’ll:
– Send a spoliation letter immediately to preserve critical evidence.
– Investigate liability and identify all responsible parties.
– Fight for maximum compensation—so you can focus on healing.

Time is critical. Evidence disappears fast. Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation.

Additional Resources

Learn More About Trucking Accidents

• The Victim’s Guide to 18-Wheeler Accident Injuries
• Can I Sue for Being Hit by a Semi Truck?
• The Definitive Guide to Commercial Truck Accidents

Understanding Your Rights After an Accident

• I’ve Had an Accident — What Should I Do First?
• What to Do After a Car Accident?
• What Should You Not Say to an Insurance Adjuster?

Why You Need an Attorney

• Why You Need a Lawyer After a Car Wreck: Fighting Big Insurance
• Don’t Represent Yourself in a Lawsuit
• How to Work With Your Lawyer for the Best Case Outcome

Final Thought: Justice Starts with One Call

The Daingerfield hit-and-run is a stark reminder of how quickly lives can change—and how easily trucking companies try to evade responsibility.

But you have the power to fight back. With the right legal team, you can hold the negligent parties accountable and secure the compensation you deserve.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911. We answer 24/7. Your fight starts today.