Deadly Pedestrian Crash in New Braunfels: Dump Truck Driver Charged with Criminally Negligent Homicide

The streets of New Braunfels should be safe for everyone—residents, visitors, and especially pedestrians. But on February 25, 2026, that safety was shattered when a dump truck driver failed to yield the right-of-way and struck 60-year-old Stephanie Madzy while she was crossing North Seguin Avenue. Despite life-saving efforts by first responders, Madzy succumbed to her injuries at the scene.

The driver, 60-year-old Jude T. Jones, now faces criminal charges for criminally negligent homicide. While this charge addresses the criminal aspect of the case, it does nothing to compensate the family for their devastating loss. That’s where civil justice comes in—and that’s where Attorney911 steps forward to fight for accountability and full compensation.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident in New Braunfels or anywhere in Texas, you need an attorney who understands the complex web of federal trucking regulations, corporate liability, and the aggressive tactics insurance companies use to minimize claims. Our team, led by Ralph Manginello with over 25 years of experience, knows how to hold negligent trucking companies accountable. Call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation.

Why This Incident Is a Wake-Up Call for New Braunfels

New Braunfels is a vibrant community known for its rich history, scenic beauty, and family-friendly atmosphere. But like many growing Texas cities, it faces increasing traffic congestion, especially during peak hours and major events. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers pedestrians face when sharing the road with large commercial vehicles.

The Growing Risk of Pedestrian Accidents in Texas

Pedestrian accidents involving commercial trucks are on the rise across Texas. According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT):

• In 2023, there were 8,363 pedestrian crashes in Texas, resulting in 1,030 fatalities and 1,526 serious injuries.
• Commercial vehicles, including dump trucks, were involved in a significant number of these crashes, particularly in urban and suburban areas where pedestrian traffic is high.
• Right-turn accidents at intersections are a leading cause of pedestrian fatalities, accounting for nearly 20% of all pedestrian deaths in Texas.

New Braunfels, with its mix of historic downtown streets, busy commercial corridors, and major events like Wurstfest and the annual 18-day extravaganza that draws approximately 1.5 million visitors each year, is no exception to these risks. The influx of tourists, combined with local traffic, creates a perfect storm for pedestrian accidents—especially when drivers fail to yield or exercise caution.

The Unique Dangers of Dump Trucks

Dump trucks are a common sight in New Braunfels, particularly in construction zones, residential areas, and along major thoroughfares like I-35 and Loop 337. While they play a vital role in the city’s growth, they also pose unique risks to pedestrians and other motorists:

1. Large Blind Spots: Dump trucks have massive blind spots, particularly on the right side and directly behind the vehicle. Pedestrians in these “no-zones” are virtually invisible to the driver.
2. Wide Turns: Dump trucks require significant space to make turns. Drivers often swing wide to the left before making a right turn, which can trap pedestrians in crosswalks.
3. Heavy Loads: Fully loaded dump trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, making them difficult to stop quickly. Even at low speeds, the impact can be catastrophic.
4. Driver Fatigue: Dump truck drivers often work long hours, particularly in construction and delivery industries. Fatigue can impair judgment and reaction time, increasing the risk of accidents.
5. Improper Maintenance: Dump trucks undergo heavy wear and tear. Poorly maintained brakes, tires, or steering systems can fail, leading to loss of control.

In this case, Jones’s failure to yield the right-of-way suggests a lapse in attention or judgment—one that had deadly consequences. But was this an isolated mistake, or does it point to a larger pattern of negligence?

FMCSA Regulations: The Legal Framework for Holding Trucking Companies Accountable

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates commercial motor vehicles, including dump trucks, under Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR). These regulations are designed to ensure the safety of drivers, pedestrians, and other motorists. When trucking companies or drivers violate these rules, they create dangerous conditions that can lead to catastrophic accidents.

In this case, several FMCSA regulations are particularly relevant:

1. Driver Qualification Standards (49 CFR Part 391)

Trucking companies must ensure their drivers are qualified to operate commercial vehicles. This includes:

• Minimum Age Requirements (49 CFR § 391.11):
• Drivers must be at least 21 years old to operate a commercial motor vehicle in interstate commerce.

• While Texas allows intrastate drivers to be 18 years old, drivers under 21 are prohibited from transporting hazardous materials or operating vehicles with passengers.

• Medical Certification (49 CFR § 391.41):

• Drivers must pass a medical examination conducted by a certified medical examiner.
• The exam evaluates vision, hearing, blood pressure, and overall physical fitness.

• Drivers with conditions like sleep apnea, epilepsy, or uncontrolled diabetes may be disqualified unless they obtain an exemption.

• Driving Record Check (49 CFR § 391.23):

• Trucking companies must review a driver’s Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) from every state where the driver has held a license in the past 3 years.

• Drivers with a history of serious traffic violations, DUIs, or license suspensions may be disqualified.

• Background Investigation (49 CFR § 391.23):

• Companies must investigate a driver’s employment history for the past 3 years, including any accidents or violations.
• Failure to conduct this investigation can result in negligent hiring claims.

How This Applies to the New Braunfels Crash:
If the trucking company that employed Jude T. Jones failed to properly vet his driving record, medical history, or qualifications, they could be liable for negligent hiring. For example:
– Did Jones have a history of traffic violations, DUIs, or license suspensions?
– Did he have a medical condition that should have disqualified him from driving?
– Was he properly trained on pedestrian safety and right-turn protocols?

3. Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance (49 CFR Part 396)

Trucking companies must maintain their vehicles in safe operating condition. This includes regular inspections, repairs, and documentation.

Key Maintenance Requirements:

• Pre-Trip Inspections (49 CFR § 396.13):
• Drivers must inspect their vehicles before every trip, checking brakes, tires, lights, steering, and other critical systems.

• If defects are found, the vehicle must be repaired before operation.

• Post-Trip Inspections (49 CFR § 396.11):

• Drivers must prepare a written report at the end of each day’s work, documenting any defects or deficiencies.

• Annual Inspections (49 CFR § 396.17):

• Every commercial motor vehicle must pass a comprehensive annual inspection covering 16+ systems.

• The inspection must be conducted by a qualified inspector, and records must be retained for 14 months.

• Maintenance Records (49 CFR § 396.3):

• Trucking companies must maintain records of all inspections, repairs, and maintenance for at least 1 year.

How This Applies to the New Braunfels Crash:
If the dump truck Jones was driving had defective brakes, tires, or other critical systems, the trucking company could be liable for negligent maintenance. For example:
– Were the brakes properly adjusted?
– Were the tires worn or underinflated?
– Were there known defects that were ignored?
– Did Jones conduct a pre-trip inspection before the crash?

Brake failures are a leading cause of trucking accidents, accounting for 29% of all large truck crashes. If the dump truck’s brakes failed or were improperly maintained, the trucking company could be held liable.

Precedent Cases: How Courts Have Handled Similar Trucking Accidents

Trucking accident cases involving pedestrian fatalities often result in multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements, particularly when negligence is proven. Here are a few landmark cases that demonstrate what’s possible when trucking companies are held accountable:

1. $462 Million Verdict – St. Louis Underride Crash (2024)

Case: A catastrophic underride crash in St. Louis resulted in the decapitation of two men. The jury awarded $462 million against the trucking company and trailer manufacturer, finding that the underride guard was defective and failed to prevent the smaller vehicle from sliding underneath the trailer.

Why It Matters for New Braunfels:
While this case involved an underride collision, it demonstrates how juries respond to egregious negligence and defective equipment. If the dump truck in the New Braunfels crash had poorly maintained brakes, tires, or other critical systems, a similar verdict could be possible.

3. $730 Million Verdict – Texas Oversize Load Crash (2021)

Case: A Navy propeller being transported as an oversize load struck and killed a 73-year-old woman in Texas. The jury awarded $730 million against Landstar Ranger, the trucking company, finding that the company failed to properly secure the load and violated safety regulations.

Why It Matters for New Braunfels:
This case demonstrates how cargo securement failures and regulatory violations can lead to massive verdicts. If the dump truck in the New Braunfels crash was overloaded or improperly loaded, the trucking company could face similar liability.

What the New Braunfels Family Should Do Next

If you’ve lost a loved one in a trucking accident, the legal process can feel overwhelming. Here’s what the family of Stephanie Madzy should do to protect their rights and pursue justice:

1. Preserve Evidence Immediately

Evidence in trucking cases disappears fast. The trucking company’s rapid-response team is already working to protect their interests. The family must act quickly to preserve critical evidence, including:
– ECM/Black Box Data: This data records speed, braking, throttle position, and other critical details. It can be overwritten within 30 days.
– ELD Records: These logs show whether the driver violated hours of service regulations. They may be retained for only 6 months.
– Dashcam Footage: If the truck had a dashcam, the footage could be **deleted within days