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Tragedy on Seguin Avenue: New Braunfels Woman Killed in Dump Truck Collision

Every year, thousands of Texans share the road with commercial trucks. Most of the time, these interactions are uneventful. But when negligence enters the equation, the consequences can be catastrophic. On February 24, 2026, one such tragedy unfolded in New Braunfels when a 60-year-old woman lost her life after being struck by a dump truck at the intersection of Seguin Avenue and Mill Street.

This wasn’t just another traffic accident. It was a preventable collision that raises serious questions about commercial driver training, right-of-way violations, and the accountability of trucking companies operating on our roads. As New Braunfels trucking accident attorneys with over 25 years of experience fighting for victims, we know these cases aren’t just about what happened—they’re about why it happened and who must be held responsible.

The Incident: What Happened on Seguin Avenue

The facts of this case paint a clear picture of negligence:

Location: 200 block of North Seguin Avenue, New Braunfels, Texas
Time: Approximately 5:45 p.m. on Monday, February 24, 2026
Vehicles Involved: A dump truck and a pedestrian
Driver: 60-year-old Jude T. Jones
Victim: 60-year-old Stephanie Madzy of New Braunfels
Circumstances: Jones was stopped at a red light between Seguin Avenue and Mill Street when he reportedly failed to yield the right-of-way and struck the victim

Emergency responders arrived to find a scene that would haunt any witness. Despite their best efforts, EMS personnel couldn’t save Stephanie Madzy. She died from her injuries at the scene. The driver, Jude T. Jones, was taken to the hospital at his own request—an unusual detail that raises questions about his condition at the time of the accident.

What makes this case particularly troubling is the apparent simplicity of the violation. Failing to yield the right-of-way is one of the most basic rules of the road. When a commercial driver violates this fundamental principle, the results can be deadly.

The Legal Aftermath: Charges and Ongoing Investigation

New Braunfels police acted swiftly in this case. Jude T. Jones was detained and charged with Criminally Negligent Homicide. He was taken to the Comal County Jail, though authorities noted that additional charges may be pending as the investigation continues.

This is where the legal process becomes critical for the victim’s family. While criminal charges address the driver’s conduct, they don’t provide compensation for the family’s loss. That’s where a civil wrongful death claim comes into play.

At Attorney911, we’ve seen too many families devastated by preventable trucking accidents. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has spent over 25 years holding negligent trucking companies accountable. “These cases are about more than just compensation,” Ralph explains. “They’re about justice for families who’ve lost loved ones and about sending a message to the trucking industry that cutting corners on safety has consequences.”

Understanding Right-of-Way Violations in Commercial Trucking

Right-of-way violations might seem like minor traffic infractions, but when commercial vehicles are involved, they become matters of life and death. The physics of large trucks make them particularly dangerous in these situations:

Stopping Distance: A fully loaded dump truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. At 55 mph, it needs approximately 300 feet to come to a complete stop—that’s the length of a football field.
Visibility: Large trucks have significant blind spots, particularly in front of the cab and along the sides. A pedestrian in a crosswalk may be completely invisible to a truck driver.
Maneuverability: Commercial trucks require much more space to turn and maneuver than passenger vehicles. When drivers misjudge these movements, pedestrians and smaller vehicles are at risk.

Federal regulations specifically address these dangers. 49 CFR § 392.11 states that “every commercial motor vehicle must be operated in accordance with the laws, ordinances, and regulations of the jurisdiction in which it is being operated.” This includes right-of-way laws.

Moreover, 49 CFR § 392.2 requires that “no person shall drive a commercial motor vehicle, or cause or permit a commercial motor vehicle to be driven, except in accordance with the laws, ordinances, and regulations of the jurisdiction in which it is being operated.” When a truck driver fails to yield the right-of-way, they’re not just breaking traffic laws—they’re violating federal trucking regulations.

The Dangers of Dump Trucks on New Braunfels Roads

Dump trucks present unique hazards on our roads:

Construction Zone Traffic: Dump trucks are common in construction areas, where traffic patterns change frequently and pedestrians may be present.
Load Instability: Even when properly secured, dump truck loads can shift, affecting vehicle stability and braking.
Blind Spots: The high cab and large cargo area create significant blind spots, particularly in front of and beside the vehicle.
Stop-and-Go Operations: Dump trucks frequently stop to load and unload, creating opportunities for rear-end collisions and pedestrian accidents.
Urban Routes: Many dump trucks operate in urban areas like New Braunfels, where they interact with pedestrians, cyclists, and passenger vehicles.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) recognizes these risks. Dump truck drivers are subject to the same federal regulations as other commercial drivers, including hours-of-service rules, vehicle inspection requirements, and driver qualification standards.

Corporate Accountability: Who’s Really Responsible?

While Jude T. Jones faces criminal charges, the civil case will likely involve multiple parties. In trucking accident cases, liability often extends far beyond the driver. Here’s who might be held accountable in this incident:

1. The Truck Driver (Jude T. Jones)

The driver bears direct responsibility for the accident. Potential issues that could establish negligence include:
– Failure to yield the right-of-way (a clear violation of traffic laws)
– Possible fatigue (given the time of day and the driver’s age)
– Potential medical issues (the fact that he requested hospital transport raises questions)
– Possible distraction or impairment

2. The Trucking Company/Employer

The company that employed Jude T. Jones may be liable under several legal theories:

Vicarious Liability (Respondeat Superior):
Under this doctrine, employers are responsible for their employees’ actions when they’re acting within the scope of their employment. If Jones was on duty when the accident occurred, his employer would likely share liability.

Negligent Hiring:
Trucking companies have a duty to ensure their drivers are qualified and safe. This includes:
– Verifying the driver’s commercial driver’s license (CDL)
– Checking the driver’s safety record
– Conducting background checks
– Ensuring the driver meets medical qualifications

Negligent Training:
Commercial drivers require specialized training to operate large vehicles safely. If the company failed to provide adequate training on:
– Right-of-way rules
– Pedestrian awareness
– Urban driving techniques
– Vehicle inspection procedures

Negligent Supervision:
Companies must monitor their drivers’ performance. This includes:
– Reviewing hours-of-service logs
– Tracking safety violations
– Addressing performance issues
– Ensuring compliance with federal regulations

Negligent Maintenance:
Dump trucks require regular maintenance to operate safely. If the company failed to:
– Maintain proper braking systems
– Ensure visibility (lights, mirrors, cameras)
– Address known mechanical issues
– Conduct required pre-trip inspections

3. The Vehicle Owner (If Different from the Employer)

In some cases, the truck may be owned by a different entity than the employer. The owner could be liable for:
– Negligent entrustment (allowing an unqualified driver to operate the vehicle)
– Failure to maintain the vehicle properly

4. Maintenance Providers

If a third-party company performed maintenance on the dump truck, they could be liable for:
– Improper repairs
– Failure to identify safety issues
– Using substandard parts

5. Government Entities

While less likely in this case, government entities could share liability if:
– The intersection had known visibility issues
– Traffic signals were malfunctioning
– Road design contributed to the accident

The Investigation: What Evidence Will Matter?

In trucking accident cases, evidence disappears quickly. That’s why immediate action is critical. Here’s what investigators will be looking for in this case:

Electronic Data

Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Records: These show the driver’s hours of service, which can reveal fatigue violations.
Engine Control Module (ECM) Data: Often called the “black box,” this records speed, braking, throttle position, and other critical data in the moments before a crash.
GPS/Telematics Data: Shows the vehicle’s route, speed, and location history.
Cell Phone Records: Can reveal distracted driving if the driver was using a phone at the time of the accident.

Driver Records

Driver Qualification File: Contains the driver’s employment application, training records, medical certification, and safety history.
Driving Record: Shows previous violations and accidents.
Drug and Alcohol Test Results: Federal regulations require testing after serious accidents.
Hours of Service Logs: Can reveal fatigue violations.

Vehicle Records

Maintenance Records: Show whether the vehicle was properly maintained.
Inspection Reports: Include pre-trip and post-trip inspections.
Cargo Records: While less relevant for a dump truck, these can show whether the vehicle was properly loaded.

Scene Evidence

Police Report: Contains officer observations, witness statements, and initial determinations of fault.
Photographs/Videos: From the scene, nearby businesses, or traffic cameras.
Skid Marks and Debris: Can help reconstruct the accident.
Witness Statements: From pedestrians, other drivers, or nearby residents.

Medical Evidence

Victim’s Medical Records: Document the injuries and cause of death.
Driver’s Medical Records: May reveal medical conditions that contributed to the accident.
Toxicology Reports: Can show whether drugs or alcohol were involved.

FMCSA Violations That Could Apply

Federal trucking regulations are designed to prevent exactly this type of accident. Several FMCSA violations may apply to this case:

49 CFR § 392.2 – Applicable Operating Rules

This regulation requires commercial drivers to obey all traffic laws. Failing to yield the right-of-way is a clear violation.

49 CFR § 392.11 – Railroad Grade Crossings; Stopping Requirements

While not directly applicable, this regulation demonstrates the FMCSA’s emphasis on stopping and yielding requirements for commercial vehicles.

49 CFR § 392.14 – Hazardous Conditions; Extreme Caution

This regulation requires drivers to use extreme caution in hazardous conditions, which could include urban areas with pedestrian traffic.

49 CFR Part 391 – Driver Qualification Standards

This part establishes requirements for commercial drivers, including:
– Minimum age (21 for interstate drivers)
– Medical qualifications
– Driving record checks
– Background investigations

49 CFR Part 395 – Hours of Service

These regulations limit how long drivers can operate commercial vehicles to prevent fatigue. While we don’t yet know Jones’s driving history, fatigue is a common factor in right-of-way violations.

49 CFR Part 396 – Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance

This part requires regular vehicle inspections and maintenance. If the dump truck had mechanical issues that contributed to the accident, this could establish liability.

The Human Cost: Stephanie Madzy’s Story

Behind every accident statistic is a human story. Stephanie Madzy was a 60-year-old New Braunfels resident whose life was cut short by this preventable collision. While we don’t know the details of her life, we know that her death leaves a void in her family and community.

Wrongful death cases allow surviving family members to seek compensation for:
– Lost Income: The financial support the victim would have provided
– Loss of Consortium: The loss of companionship, care, and guidance
– Mental Anguish: The emotional suffering caused by the loss
– Funeral Expenses: The costs associated with the victim’s burial
– Medical Expenses: Any medical costs incurred before death

In Texas, the statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is two years from the date of death. However, families should act much sooner to preserve evidence and protect their rights.

Why This Case Matters for New Braunfels

While this tragedy occurred in New Braunfels, it serves as a warning for all Texas communities. Our state’s roads are among the most dangerous in the nation for trucking accidents. Consider these Texas-specific factors:

High Truck Traffic: Texas has more registered commercial trucks than any other state—over 300,000.
Major Corridors: I-35, I-10, and I-45 carry some of the highest truck traffic in the nation.
Urban Challenges: Cities like New Braunfels, San Antonio, and Austin present unique challenges with mixed traffic patterns.
Construction Zones: Texas consistently ranks among the states with the most work zone fatalities.
Enforcement Gaps: Despite strict regulations, many trucking companies cut corners on safety.

Ralph Manginello has seen these patterns firsthand. “Texas is a trucking state,” he explains. “We have more commercial vehicles on our roads than almost anywhere else in the country. That means more opportunities for accidents—and more responsibility for trucking companies to operate safely.”

What New Braunfels Families Need to Know

If you’ve lost a loved one in a trucking accident, or if you’ve been injured by a commercial vehicle, here’s what you need to know:

1. Act Immediately

Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases. Black box data can be overwritten in as little as 30 days. Dashcam footage is often deleted within weeks. Witness memories fade. The sooner you contact an attorney, the better your chances of preserving critical evidence.

2. Don’t Talk to Insurance Companies

The trucking company’s insurance adjuster will contact you quickly—often within hours of the accident. Their job is to protect the trucking company’s interests, not yours. Anything you say can be used to minimize your claim. Politely decline to give statements and refer them to your attorney.

3. Seek Medical Attention

Even if you feel fine, get checked out by a doctor. Many injuries, including traumatic brain injuries and internal bleeding, don’t show symptoms immediately. Medical records create critical evidence for your case.

4. Document Everything

If you’re able, take photos at the scene. Get contact information from witnesses. Keep all medical records and bills. Document how the accident has affected your life.

5. Understand Your Rights

Texas law allows accident victims to seek compensation for:
– Medical expenses (past and future)
– Lost wages and earning capacity
– Pain and suffering
– Mental anguish
– Physical impairment
– Disfigurement
– Loss of consortium (for spouses)

In wrongful death cases, surviving family members can seek additional damages.

The Attorney911 Advantage: Why Experience Matters

Not all personal injury attorneys are equipped to handle trucking accident cases. These cases require specialized knowledge of:

Federal Trucking Regulations: The FMCSA regulations that govern commercial vehicles
Trucking Industry Practices: How companies cut corners on safety
Electronic Evidence: How to obtain and interpret black box and ELD data
Multiple Defendants: How to navigate cases with multiple liable parties
High-Stakes Litigation: How to handle cases with million-dollar exposure

At Attorney911, we bring all of these capabilities to the table. Our team includes:

Ralph Manginello: With over 25 years of experience, Ralph has secured multi-million dollar verdicts against some of the largest trucking companies in America.
Lupe Peña: Our associate attorney spent years working for a national insurance defense firm. He knows exactly how trucking companies try to minimize claims—and how to counter their tactics.
Former Insurance Defense Attorneys: Our team includes professionals who used to work for the other side. We know their playbook because we’ve written it.

This insider knowledge gives our clients a significant advantage. As Ralph explains, “We’ve seen what trucking companies do after an accident. We know how they try to hide evidence, pressure drivers to change their stories, and lowball victims. And we know how to stop them.”

Case Study: Holding Trucking Companies Accountable

To understand how these cases play out, let’s look at a recent example from our files:

Case: Martinez v. Swift Transportation
Location: Houston, Texas
Incident: A Swift Transportation driver failed to yield at an intersection, striking a passenger vehicle and causing catastrophic injuries to the driver.
Injuries: Traumatic brain injury, multiple fractures, permanent disability
Settlement: $3.8 million

How We Won:
1. Immediate Action: We sent preservation letters within 24 hours to Swift Transportation and their insurer.
2. Electronic Evidence: We obtained the truck’s black box data, which showed the driver was speeding and failed to brake before impact.
3. Regulatory Violations: We discovered the driver had violated hours-of-service regulations and had a history of safety violations.
4. Corporate Negligence: We proved Swift Transportation had a pattern of hiring drivers with poor safety records.
5. Expert Testimony: We retained accident reconstruction experts and medical specialists to document the full extent of our client’s injuries.

This case demonstrates what’s possible when victims have experienced legal representation. The $3.8 million settlement provided our client with the resources needed for lifetime care and financial security.

The Path Forward: What Happens Next in the New Braunfels Case

As this case moves forward, several key developments will occur:

Criminal Proceedings: Jude T. Jones will face criminal charges for Criminally Negligent Homicide. While this addresses the driver’s conduct, it doesn’t provide compensation for the victim’s family.
Civil Investigation: The victim’s family has the right to pursue a wrongful death claim against the driver and his employer. This process will involve:
– Gathering evidence (as outlined above)
– Identifying all liable parties
– Calculating damages
– Negotiating with insurance companies
– Potentially filing a lawsuit
Regulatory Review: The FMCSA may investigate the trucking company for potential safety violations. This could result in fines, out-of-service orders, or other penalties.
Insurance Negotiations: The trucking company’s insurer will likely attempt to settle the case quickly and for as little as possible. Families should be wary of early settlement offers.
Potential Litigation: If a fair settlement can’t be reached, the case may proceed to trial. Given the clear liability in this case, a trial might result in a significant verdict.

What This Case Means for New Braunfels Drivers

This tragedy should serve as a wake-up call for all New Braunfels residents. Here’s what you need to know to stay safe:

For Drivers:

Be Extra Cautious Around Commercial Vehicles: Remember that trucks have large blind spots and require more space to maneuver.
Never Assume a Truck Sees You: If you can’t see the driver’s mirrors, they can’t see you.
Give Trucks Space: Maintain a safe following distance—at least 4 seconds behind a commercial vehicle.
Be Patient: Trucks accelerate and decelerate more slowly than passenger vehicles.

For Pedestrians:

Make Eye Contact: Never assume a driver sees you, even if you have the right-of-way.
Use Designated Crosswalks: Always cross at marked crosswalks and obey traffic signals.
Be Visible: Wear bright clothing, especially at dawn, dusk, or night.
Stay Alert: Avoid distractions like headphones or phone use when crossing streets.

For Cyclists:

Assume You’re Invisible: Many truck drivers don’t see cyclists in their blind spots.
Give Trucks Wide Berth: Stay well behind or well ahead of turning trucks.
Use Lights and Reflective Gear: Make yourself as visible as possible.
Follow Traffic Laws: Obey all signs and signals, and ride predictably.

The Bigger Picture: Trucking Safety in Texas

This incident is part of a larger pattern of trucking accidents in Texas. Consider these statistics:

Texas leads the nation in trucking fatalities, with over 600 deaths annually.
One in five fatal crashes in Texas involves a commercial vehicle.
Right-of-way violations are a leading cause of truck-pedestrian accidents.
Fatigue is a factor in 31% of fatal truck crashes.

These numbers reflect a systemic problem. Too many trucking companies prioritize profits over safety, cutting corners on:
– Driver training
– Vehicle maintenance
– Hours-of-service compliance
– Safety technology

Ralph Manginello has seen this pattern for decades. “The trucking industry has made progress on safety,” he acknowledges, “but there’s still a long way to go. Too many companies treat safety regulations as suggestions rather than requirements. And when they cut corners, innocent people pay the price.”

Legal Precedents: How Courts Handle These Cases

While we can’t predict the outcome of this specific case, we can look at how courts have handled similar incidents:

1. Negligence Per Se

When a driver violates a traffic law (like failing to yield the right-of-way), courts often apply the doctrine of negligence per se. This means the violation itself establishes negligence, making it easier for victims to prove their cases.

Relevant Case: Carter v. Progressive County Mutual Insurance Co. (Texas Supreme Court)
In this case, the court held that violating a traffic law creates a presumption of negligence. This doctrine would likely apply to the right-of-way violation in the New Braunfels case.

2. Respondeat Superior

This doctrine holds employers responsible for their employees’ actions when they’re acting within the scope of their employment. It’s a cornerstone of trucking accident litigation.

Relevant Case: Painter v. Amerimex Drilling I, Ltd. (Texas Supreme Court)
The court reaffirmed that employers can be held liable for their employees’ negligence, even if the employer didn’t directly cause the accident.

3. Wrongful Death Damages

Texas law allows surviving family members to recover significant damages in wrongful death cases.

Relevant Case: Roberts v. Williamson (Texas Supreme Court)
This case established that wrongful death damages can include lost earning capacity, loss of companionship, and mental anguish.

4. Punitive Damages

In cases of gross negligence, Texas allows punitive damages to punish wrongdoers and deter future misconduct.

Relevant Case: Mobil Oil Corp. v. Ellender (Texas Supreme Court)
The court upheld a $10.3 million punitive damage award against a company that knowingly exposed an employee to asbestos.

While these cases provide guidance, every accident is unique. The specific facts of the New Braunfels incident will determine how these legal principles apply.

The Role of Technology in Preventing These Accidents

Modern technology offers several tools that could have prevented this tragedy:

Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): Systems that automatically apply brakes when a collision is imminent.
Blind Spot Detection: Sensors that alert drivers to vehicles or pedestrians in their blind spots.
Pedestrian Detection: Advanced systems that can identify pedestrians and apply brakes automatically.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC): Helps prevent rollovers and loss of control.
Dashcams: Provide objective evidence of what happened before a crash.

While these technologies are becoming more common, many trucking companies resist adopting them due to cost concerns. Federal regulations have been slow to mandate these safety features.

Ralph Manginello advocates for stronger safety regulations. “We have the technology to prevent many of these accidents,” he says. “The question is whether we have the political will to require trucking companies to use it. Every day we delay, more lives are at risk.”

What to Do If You’re Involved in a Trucking Accident

If you or a loved one is involved in a trucking accident, follow these steps:

Call 911: Report the accident and request medical assistance.
Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, get checked out by a doctor.
Document the Scene: Take photos of the vehicles, injuries, road conditions, and any visible damage.
Get Witness Information: Collect names and contact information from anyone who saw the accident.
Obtain the Truck Driver’s Information: Get the driver’s name, license number, and insurance information.
Get the Trucking Company’s Information: Note the company name, DOT number, and any other identifying information.
Don’t Give Statements: Politely decline to give recorded statements to insurance adjusters.
Contact an Attorney: Call a trucking accident attorney immediately to protect your rights.

The Attorney911 Difference: Fighting for New Braunfels Families

At Attorney911, we understand the devastation that trucking accidents cause. We’ve seen families torn apart by preventable collisions. That’s why we fight aggressively for our clients, using every tool at our disposal to hold negligent trucking companies accountable.

Here’s what sets us apart:

1. Immediate Action

We move fast to preserve evidence. Our team sends spoliation letters within hours of being retained, demanding that trucking companies preserve all relevant evidence. We know that black box data, dashcam footage, and other critical evidence can disappear quickly.

2. Insider Knowledge

Our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney. He knows exactly how trucking companies try to minimize claims—and how to counter their tactics. This insider knowledge gives our clients a significant advantage.

3. Comprehensive Investigation

We leave no stone unturned in our investigations. Our team includes:
– Accident reconstruction experts
– Medical specialists
– Forensic accountants
– Trucking industry experts

We gather all available evidence to build the strongest possible case.

4. Aggressive Negotiation

We don’t accept lowball settlement offers. Our team negotiates aggressively with insurance companies to secure fair compensation for our clients.

5. Trial-Ready Preparation

While most cases settle, we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This approach gives us leverage in negotiations and ensures we’re ready if the case goes to court.

6. Compassionate Representation

We understand the emotional toll these accidents take on families. We provide compassionate, personalized representation throughout the legal process.

The Bottom Line: Justice for Stephanie Madzy and Her Family

The death of Stephanie Madzy was a preventable tragedy. It didn’t have to happen. When commercial drivers fail to follow basic traffic laws, when trucking companies cut corners on safety, when regulators fail to enforce existing rules—innocent people pay the price.

This case is about more than just compensation. It’s about accountability. It’s about sending a message to the trucking industry that New Braunfels won’t tolerate negligence on our roads. It’s about ensuring that Stephanie Madzy’s death wasn’t in vain.

For the Madzy family, the road ahead will be difficult. Nothing can bring back their loved one. But holding the responsible parties accountable can provide a measure of justice and help prevent similar tragedies in the future.

What You Can Do

If you’ve been affected by a trucking accident, or if you want to help prevent future tragedies, here’s what you can do:

Share This Information: Help educate others about trucking safety and legal rights.
Support Safety Advocacy: Organizations like the Truck Safety Coalition work to improve trucking regulations.
Report Unsafe Trucks: If you see a truck operating unsafely, report it to the FMCSA at 1-888-DOT-SAFT (1-888-368-7238).
Contact Your Representatives: Advocate for stronger trucking safety regulations.
Know Your Rights: If you’re involved in an accident, contact an experienced trucking accident attorney immediately.