Tragedy in Oberlin: Hit-and-Run Truck Driver Kills 14-Year-Old Electric Bicycle Rider Kulyn Manuel

The Incident That Shook Allen Parish

It was a quiet Saturday morning in Oberlin, Louisiana—February 18, 2026, just before 8:00 AM. Fourteen-year-old Kulyn Brooks Manuel, an eighth-grade student from Allen Parish, was riding his electric bicycle across a major highway when tragedy struck. A white dually truck collided with him, and the driver fled the scene. Kulyn was pronounced deceased shortly after.

This wasn’t just an accident. It was a hit-and-run—one of the most cowardly acts on our roads. And it left a family shattered, a community grieving, and a young life cut far too short.

At Attorney911, we’ve seen too many cases like this. Hit-and-run truck accidents are on the rise, and the consequences are devastating. But here’s what you need to know: justice is possible. Even when the driver flees, even when the trucking company tries to hide, we know how to fight back.

Why Hit-and-Run Truck Accidents Are Different

This wasn’t just a hit-and-run. It was a commercial vehicle hit-and-run—and that changes everything.

The Size Disparity Problem

• Electric bicycle: Approximately 50-100 lbs
• Dually truck: Up to 33,000 lbs (GVWR for single-unit trucks)
• Impact force: The truck was likely 300-600 times heavier than Kulyn’s bicycle

When a commercial truck hits a bicycle, the results are almost always catastrophic. The physics don’t lie—mass times velocity equals force. And in this case, the force was overwhelming.

The Cowardice of Fleeing

Hit-and-run drivers often flee for one reason: they know they did something wrong. In commercial trucking cases, fleeing drivers may be:
– Violating hours of service regulations (fatigued driving)
– Under the influence of drugs or alcohol
– Driving without proper licensing or training
– Operating a vehicle with known mechanical defects
– Transporting illegal or improperly secured cargo

When a truck driver flees the scene, it’s not just a criminal act—it’s often an admission of guilt.

The Trucking Company’s Responsibility

Here’s what most people don’t realize: the trucking company is almost always liable, even if the driver flees. Under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are responsible for their employees’ actions within the scope of employment.

In this case, we need to ask:
– Who owned the white dually truck?
– Which company employed the driver?
– Were there FMCSA violations in the company’s safety record?
– Did the company pressure drivers to meet unrealistic schedules?

At Attorney911, we’ve seen cases where trucking companies:
– Hired drivers with poor safety records
– Failed to conduct proper background checks
– Pressured drivers to violate hours of service regulations
– Neglected vehicle maintenance
– Failed to train drivers on bicycle and pedestrian safety

Why Truck Drivers Flee: The Real Reasons

When a truck driver flees the scene of an accident, it’s rarely about panic. More often, it’s about avoiding accountability. Here are the real reasons truck drivers flee:

1. Hours of Service Violations

Federal regulations limit how long truck drivers can operate:
– 11-hour driving limit after 10 consecutive hours off duty
– 14-hour on-duty window (cannot drive beyond 14th hour)
– 30-minute break required after 8 cumulative hours of driving
– 60/70-hour weekly limit (60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days)

When drivers violate these rules, they’re fatigued, impaired, and dangerous. And they know it.

FMCSA Regulation: 49 CFR § 395.3 – Maximum driving time for property-carrying vehicles

2. Drug and Alcohol Violations

Commercial drivers are subject to strict drug and alcohol testing:
– Pre-employment testing required
– Random testing throughout employment
– Post-accident testing after fatal crashes
– Reasonable suspicion testing when impairment is suspected

FMCSA Regulation: 49 CFR § 392.4 – Prohibition against drug use
FMCSA Regulation: 49 CFR § 392.5 – Alcohol prohibition

3. Unqualified Drivers

Trucking companies must maintain Driver Qualification Files for every driver, including:
– Employment application
– Motor vehicle record
– Road test certificate
– Medical examiner’s certificate
– Previous employer verification

When companies cut corners on hiring, unqualified drivers hit the road.

FMCSA Regulation: 49 CFR § 391.51 – Driver qualification files

4. Mechanical Defects

Trucks must be properly maintained. Common defects that cause accidents:
– Brake failures (29% of truck crashes involve brake problems)
– Tire blowouts (11,000 crashes annually)
– Lighting failures (inadequate visibility)
– Cargo securement failures (shifting loads cause rollovers)

FMCSA Regulation: 49 CFR § 396.3 – Inspection, repair, and maintenance

5. Cargo Violations

Improperly loaded or secured cargo causes accidents through:
– Shifting loads that destabilize the truck
– Overweight loads that exceed vehicle capacity
– Hazardous material spills that create additional dangers

FMCSA Regulation: 49 CFR § 393.100 – Protection against shifting and falling cargo

6. Pressure from Dispatchers

Trucking companies often pressure drivers to meet unrealistic schedules. This leads to:
– Speeding to make up time
– Skipping required breaks
– Driving in unsafe conditions
– Falsifying log books

FMCSA Regulation: 49 CFR § 390.13 – General applicability of safety regulations

How Hit-and-Run Truck Accidents Happen: The Root Causes

At Attorney911, we’ve investigated hundreds of trucking accidents. Here are the most common causes of hit-and-run truck crashes:

1. Driver Fatigue

Fatigued driving is a leading cause of truck accidents. When drivers are tired:
– Reaction times slow
– Judgment is impaired
– Risk of falling asleep increases

FMCSA data shows:
– Fatigue is a factor in 13% of large truck crashes
– Drivers who violate HOS regulations are more likely to crash

2. Distracted Driving

Commercial drivers face unique distractions:
– Dispatch communications
– GPS devices
– Mobile phones
– In-cab electronics
– Eating and drinking while driving

FMCSA Regulation: 49 CFR § 392.82 – Prohibition against texting
FMCSA Regulation: 49 CFR § 392.80 – Prohibition against using hand-held mobile phones

3. Impaired Driving

Despite strict regulations, some truck drivers operate under the influence:
– Alcohol
– Illegal drugs
– Prescription medications
– Over-the-counter drugs

FMCSA Regulation: 49 CFR § 382 – Controlled substances and alcohol use and testing

4. Speeding and Aggressive Driving

Trucks require longer stopping distances. When drivers speed:
– Stopping distance increases dramatically
– Maneuverability decreases
– Risk of rollovers and jackknifes increases

FMCSA Regulation: 49 CFR § 392.6 – Speed and the duty to drive safely

5. Mechanical Failures

Poor maintenance leads to catastrophic failures:
– Brake failures: 29% of truck crashes involve brake problems
– Tire blowouts: 11,000 crashes annually
– Lighting failures: Reduced visibility
– Steering failures: Loss of control

FMCSA Regulation: 49 CFR § 396 – Inspection, repair, and maintenance

6. Cargo Securement Failures

Improperly loaded or secured cargo causes:
– Rollovers from shifting loads
– Spills that create road hazards
– Overweight loads that exceed vehicle capacity

FMCSA Regulation: 49 CFR § 393.100-136 – Cargo securement

7. Inadequate Training

Many trucking companies cut corners on training:
– Insufficient safety instruction
– Poor defensive driving techniques
– Lack of bicycle/pedestrian awareness
– Inadequate emergency maneuver training

FMCSA Regulation: 49 CFR § 380 – Special training requirements

Why Hit-and-Run Cases Are Harder to Solve

Hit-and-run cases present unique challenges:

1. Identifying the Vehicle

• Many trucks look similar (white duallys are common)
• Fleeing drivers may remove identifying marks
• Witnesses may not get license plate numbers

2. Locating the Driver

• Drivers may flee the state
• Trucking companies may not cooperate
• Drivers may use false identities

3. Preserving Evidence

• Trucking companies may destroy records
• Electronic data may be overwritten
• Physical evidence may be repaired or discarded

4. Proving Liability

• Without the driver’s statement, reconstructing events is harder
• Trucking companies may deny responsibility
• Multiple parties may share fault

5. Overcoming Insurance Tactics

• Insurance companies may deny claims
• They may argue the victim was at fault
• They may offer lowball settlements

The Trucking Industry’s Hit-and-Run Problem

Hit-and-run accidents involving commercial trucks are a growing concern. Here’s why:

1. The Pressure to Deliver

Trucking companies often pressure drivers to meet unrealistic schedules. This leads to:
– Speeding
– Skipping required breaks
– Driving in unsafe conditions
– Falsifying log books

2. The Driver Shortage

The trucking industry faces a severe driver shortage. This leads to:
– Hiring unqualified drivers
– Skipping background checks
– Ignoring safety violations

3. The Profit Motive

Trucking companies prioritize profits over safety:
– Deferring maintenance to save costs
– Pressuring drivers to violate HOS regulations
– Cutting corners on training

4. The Culture of Impunity

Many trucking companies believe they can get away with violations:
– Paying fines instead of fixing problems
– Fighting safety regulations
– Lobbying against stricter enforcement

The Role of FMCSA Regulations in Your Case

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations exist to prevent exactly this type of tragedy. When trucking companies violate these rules, they create dangerous conditions that lead to catastrophic accidents.

Key FMCSA Regulations That May Apply in This Case:

Proving FMCSA violations is often the key to establishing negligence and securing maximum compensation.

What This Case Means for Louisiana and Beyond

While this tragedy occurred in Oberlin, Louisiana, the lessons apply everywhere—including here in Texas.

1. The Dangers of Major Highways

Louisiana’s major highways, like I-10 and I-49, see heavy truck traffic. But so do Texas’s highways:
– I-10: Gulf Coast corridor with heavy truck traffic
– I-45: Houston to Dallas corridor
– I-35: NAFTA corridor with massive truck volume

These highways are dangerous for bicyclists and pedestrians. And when accidents happen, the results are often catastrophic.

2. The Hit-and-Run Epidemic

Hit-and-run accidents are increasing nationwide. In Texas:
– Houston has one of the highest hit-and-run rates in the country
– Dallas, San Antonio, and Austin also see frequent hit-and-run incidents
– Rural highways, like those in East Texas, are particularly dangerous

3. The Trucking Industry’s Presence

Louisiana is home to major trucking hubs and ports. But Texas is the trucking capital of America:
– Port of Houston: #1 US port by foreign tonnage
– Laredo: Busiest border crossing in the Western Hemisphere
– Dallas-Fort Worth: Major distribution hub
– San Antonio: Growing logistics center

With more trucks come more risks. And when accidents happen, the consequences are severe.

4. The Legal Landscape

Louisiana has unique laws that affect trucking accident cases:
– 1-year statute of limitations (shorter than most states)
– Pure comparative fault (you can recover even if partially at fault)
– No cap on punitive damages

Texas has different rules:
– 2-year statute of limitations
– Modified comparative fault (51% bar rule)
– Complex punitive damages cap

Understanding these differences is crucial for protecting your rights.

The Insurance Company’s Playbook: What They Don’t Want You to Know

When a hit-and-run truck accident occurs, the trucking company’s insurance adjusters spring into action. Their goal? To pay you as little as possible. Here’s how they operate:

1. The Quick Lowball Offer

• They’ll call within days of the accident
• They’ll offer a settlement that seems generous
• They’ll pressure you to accept immediately

Why it’s a trap: The first offer is almost always a lowball. They’re hoping you’ll accept before you understand the full extent of your injuries.

2. The Recorded Statement

• They’ll ask for a recorded statement
• They’ll ask leading questions
• They’ll use your words against you

Why it’s dangerous: Anything you say can be used to minimize your claim. Even innocent statements can be twisted.

3. The Blame Game

• They’ll argue you were at fault
• They’ll claim your injuries weren’t caused by the accident
• They’ll say you waited too long to seek treatment

Why it’s unfair: They’re trying to reduce their liability. Don’t let them push you around.

4. The Delay Tactic

• They’ll drag out the claims process
• They’ll request unnecessary documentation
• They’ll hope you’ll give up

Why it’s manipulative: They’re betting that financial pressure will force you to accept a low settlement.

5. The Surveillance Trap

• They’ll hire investigators to follow you
• They’ll photograph you doing everyday activities
• They’ll use these photos to argue you’re not really injured

Why it’s invasive: They’re looking for any excuse to deny your claim.

The Path to Justice: What to Expect

If you’re considering legal action after a hit-and-run truck accident, here’s what to expect:

Phase 1: Investigation (0-3 Months)

• Evidence preservation
• Accident reconstruction
• Liable party identification
• Initial demand letter

Phase 2: Treatment and Documentation (3-12 Months)

• Medical treatment
• Injury documentation
• Damage calculation
• Settlement negotiations

Phase 3: Litigation (12-24 Months)

• Filing the lawsuit
• Discovery process
• Depositions
• Mediation

Phase 4: Resolution (18-36 Months)

• Settlement negotiations
• Trial preparation
• Verdict or settlement

Most cases settle before trial. But we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial—because that’s what gives us leverage in negotiations.

The Cost of Waiting: Why You Need to Act Now

In hit-and-run trucking cases, time is not on your side. Here’s why you need to act immediately:

1. Evidence Disappears Quickly

• ECM/Black Box Data: Can be overwritten in 30 days
• ELD Records: May be retained for only 6 months
• Dashcam Footage: Often deleted within 7-14 days
• Witness Memories: Fade significantly within weeks
• Physical Evidence: Vehicles may be repaired or scrapped

2. Statutes of Limitations Apply

• Louisiana: 1 year for personal injury/wrongful death
• Texas: 2 years for personal injury/wrongful death
• Federal Claims: May have different deadlines

Once the statute of limitations expires, you lose your right to sue forever.

3. Insurance Companies Act Fast

• They send rapid-response teams to the scene
• They start building their defense immediately
• They pressure victims to accept quick settlements

You need a team that moves just as fast.

4. Medical Treatment Should Begin Immediately

• Some injuries don’t show symptoms right away
• Delaying treatment gives insurance companies ammunition
• Early documentation strengthens your case

The Future Kulyn Manuel Would Have Had

Kulyn Brooks Manuel was just 14 years old when his life was cut short. He was an eighth-grade student with his whole future ahead of him.

We don’t know what Kulyn would have become. Maybe a doctor. Maybe a teacher. Maybe an engineer. But we do know this: his future was stolen from him.

And that’s why cases like this are so important. Because when a trucking company puts an unsafe driver on the road, when a driver flees the scene instead of taking responsibility, they don’t just take one life—they take a lifetime of possibilities.

At Attorney911, we fight to hold these companies accountable. We fight for justice. And we fight for the futures that were stolen.

How You Can Help Prevent Future Tragedies

Hit-and-run truck accidents are preventable. Here’s how we can all help:

1. Report Unsafe Trucks

• If you see a truck with unsafe equipment, report it to the FMCSA
• Call 1-888-DOT-SAFT (1-888-368-7238) or file a complaint online

2. Advocate for Stricter Enforcement

• Support organizations that push for trucking safety
• Contact your representatives about trucking safety issues
• Vote for leaders who prioritize road safety

3. Educate Young Drivers

• Teach teens about sharing the road with trucks
• Explain the dangers of distracted driving
• Emphasize the importance of visibility and defensive driving

4. Support Hit-and-Run Victims

• Donate to organizations that help hit-and-run victims
• Advocate for stronger hit-and-run laws
• Share information about hit-and-run resources

5. Drive Defensively

• Give trucks plenty of space
• Avoid blind spots
• Never assume a truck driver sees you
• Be extra cautious at intersections

What This Means for You

If you’re reading this and you’ve been involved in a hit-and-run truck accident, here’s what you need to know:

1. You’re Not Alone

This happens more often than you think. And there are people who can help.

2. Justice Is Possible

Even when the driver flees, even when the trucking company tries to hide, justice can be achieved.

3. You Deserve Compensation

For your medical bills, your lost income, your pain and suffering, and your future losses.

4. Time Is Critical

Evidence disappears quickly. The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.

5. You Need an Experienced Attorney

Trucking cases are complex. You need a team with the knowledge and resources to fight back.

The Next Step: What to Do Now

If you or a loved one has been involved in a hit-and-run truck accident, here’s what to do next:

1. Call Attorney911 Immediately

• Toll-Free: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
• Direct: (713) 528-9070
• Email: ralph@atty911.com

2. Schedule a Free Consultation

• We’ll evaluate your case at no cost
• We’ll explain your legal options
• We’ll answer all your questions

3. Let Us Handle the Rest

• We’ll send spoliation letters to preserve evidence
• We’ll investigate the accident thoroughly
• We’ll fight for maximum compensation

Don’t wait. Every hour counts in hit-and-run trucking cases. Call us now.

Additional Resources

For more information on trucking safety and your legal rights, check out these resources from Attorney911:

Videos

• The Victim’s Guide to 18-Wheeler Accident Injuries – What to do after a trucking accident
• Can I Sue for Being Hit by a Semi Truck? – Your legal rights after a truck accident
• The Definitive Guide To Commercial Truck Accidents – Understanding trucking regulations
• Truck Tire Blowouts and When You Need a Lawyer – How tire failures cause accidents
• What Should You Not Say to an Insurance Adjuster? – Protecting your rights after an accident

What to Do Next

If you’ve been involved in a hit-and-run truck accident, don’t wait. Call Attorney911 now:

• Toll-Free: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
• Direct: (713) 528-9070
• Email: ralph@atty911.com
• Website: https://attorney911.com

Hablamos Español. Our team includes fluent Spanish speakers to serve all members of our community.

Closing: A Message from Ralph Manginello

“At Attorney911, we’ve seen too many families devastated by hit-and-run truck accidents. We’ve seen the pain, the anger, and the overwhelming grief. And we’ve made it our mission to fight for justice.

When a trucking company puts an unsafe driver on the road, when a driver flees instead of taking responsibility, they don’t just break the law—they break lives. And they need to be held accountable.

If you’ve been affected by a hit-and-run truck accident, I want you to know this: you’re not alone. We’re here to fight for you. We’re here to hold the negligent parties accountable. And we’re here to get you the compensation you deserve.

But we can’t do it without you. You have to take the first step. You have to call us. You have to let us fight for you.

So if you’re ready to stand up and fight back, call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911. Let’s get justice for you and your family.”

— Ralph Manginello, Managing Partner, Attorney911