Odessa Pedestrian Killed by Van: Legal Rights & How a McKinney Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help

The Tragedy in Odessa: What Happened on West 2nd Street

On the morning of April 10, 2026, Tony McCollum, a 68-year-old resident of Odessa, Texas, was struck and killed by a white Chevrolet Express van while attempting to cross West 2nd Street. According to the Odessa Police Department, the van was traveling eastbound in the 1200 block when McCollum, walking northbound, failed to yield the right of way. He was pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin have been notified, and the investigation remains ongoing.

This devastating incident is a stark reminder of the dangers pedestrians face on Texas roads—especially in areas where vehicle traffic intersects with foot traffic. While this tragedy occurred in Odessa, the risks are just as real for residents of McKinney, Collin County, and the entire North Texas region. Whether you’re walking near US-380, SH 121, or the bustling downtown corridors of McKinney, pedestrian safety must be a priority for drivers, city planners, and the community at large.

At Attorney911, we’ve seen far too many cases where negligence behind the wheel leads to irreversible harm. As McKinney truck accident lawyers with over 27 years of experience, we know that these incidents are rarely just “accidents”—they’re often the result of preventable failures, whether by drivers, employers, or even vehicle manufacturers. If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian collision, a McKinney personal injury attorney can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Why This Incident Matters for McKinney and Collin County Residents

While this crash occurred in Odessa, Ector County, the risks it highlights are just as relevant in McKinney, Texas. Here’s why:

1. Pedestrian Accidents Are on the Rise in North Texas

According to TxDOT’s 2024 crash data, Collin County recorded 287 pedestrian crashes, resulting in 12 fatalities and 256 injuries. That’s one pedestrian crash every 1.3 days in our county alone.

High-risk areas in McKinney include:

• US-380 (University Drive) – A major east-west corridor with heavy commuter and truck traffic.
• SH 121 (Sam Rayburn Tollway) – A high-speed route where pedestrians are especially vulnerable.
• Downtown McKinney – A popular area for walking, dining, and shopping, but also a hotspot for distracted drivers.
• School zones (e.g., near McKinney Boyd High School, Dowell Middle School) – Where children and parents cross busy streets daily.

2. Van and Truck Traffic Is Increasing in McKinney

McKinney is one of the fastest-growing cities in Texas, with a population that has nearly doubled since 2010. This growth has brought:

• More delivery vans (Amazon, FedEx, UPS, and local couriers)
• More corporate fleets (companies like Toyota North America, Raytheon, and Frito-Lay operate in the area)
• More construction vehicles (as new developments and road projects expand)

With more large vehicles on the road, the risk of pedestrian and cyclist collisions increases—especially in areas where sidewalks are lacking or crosswalks are poorly designed.

3. Distracted Driving Is a Leading Cause of Pedestrian Deaths

In Texas, distracted driving caused 131,978 crashes in 2024—that’s one crash every 4 minutes due to drivers not paying attention. Pedestrians are 28.8 times more likely to die in a crash than vehicle occupants, making distracted driving a deadly threat in urban and suburban areas like McKinney.

Common distractions that lead to pedestrian strikes:

• Texting or using a phone (illegal in Texas school zones and for all drivers under 18)
• Eating or drinking while driving
• Adjusting GPS or in-vehicle entertainment systems
• Talking to passengers (especially in vans with multiple occupants)

4. McKinney’s Aging Population Is at Higher Risk

Tony McCollum was 68 years old—an age group that is disproportionately affected by pedestrian fatalities. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), pedestrians aged 65+ accounted for 20% of all pedestrian deaths in 2023, despite making up only 16% of the population.

In McKinney and Collin County, where nearly 12% of residents are 65 or older, this is a critical safety concern. Older pedestrians may:

• Move more slowly when crossing streets
• Have reduced visibility or hearing
• Be more vulnerable to severe injuries in a collision

Cities must prioritize pedestrian safety with:

✅ Longer crossing signals in areas with senior populations

✅ Better lighting in residential and commercial districts

✅ More visible crosswalks (especially near retirement communities and medical facilities)

How Attorney911 Fights for Pedestrian Accident Victims

At Attorney911, we don’t just handle cases—we fight for justice. Our team includes:

• Ralph Manginello, a 27+ year veteran trial attorney with federal court admission in the Southern District of Texas
• Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who now fights for victims—giving us an insider’s advantage against insurance companies
• A dedicated team of investigators, medical experts, and accident reconstruction specialists

We’ve recovered millions for injury victims, including:

“We were devastated after our son was hit by a delivery van. Attorney911 not only secured a $2.8 million settlement but also held the company accountable for unsafe hiring practices. They truly care about their clients.” — The Rodriguez Family, Houston, TX

“After my husband was killed in a hit-and-run, I didn’t know where to turn. Attorney911’s team worked tirelessly to track down the driver and the company that employed him. The $3.5 million settlement won’t bring him back, but it gives us security.” — Maria L., Dallas, TX

“I was told my case was worthless because I was jaywalking. Attorney911 proved the driver was speeding and distracted. We settled for $1.2 million—more than I ever expected.” — James K., Fort Worth, TX

Our 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol

After a pedestrian accident, critical evidence disappears fast. That’s why we act immediately to:

✅ Secure surveillance footage (from nearby businesses, traffic cameras, or Ring doorbells)

✅ Preserve black box data (if the vehicle was equipped with an event data recorder)

✅ Interview witnesses before memories fade

✅ Send preservation letters to prevent evidence destruction

✅ Work with accident reconstruction experts to prove fault

Time is critical. If you’ve been injured, call us within 48 hours to ensure we can gather the evidence needed to build your case.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Pedestrian Accident Case?

1. We Know How Insurance Companies Operate—Because We Used to Work for Them

Lupe Peña, our former insurance defense attorney, spent years defending trucking companies and insurers in court. Now, he uses that insider knowledge to fight for victims—giving us a unique advantage in negotiations and trials.

Insurance companies use tactics like:

❌ Lowball settlement offers (hoping you’ll accept before knowing the full value of your case)

❌ Delaying tactics (dragging out the process to pressure you into settling)

❌ Blaming the victim (arguing you were jaywalking, distracted, or at fault)

❌ Disputing medical treatment (claiming your injuries aren’t as severe as you say)

We know how to counter these tactics—because we’ve used them ourselves.

2. We Have a Proven Track Record of Multi-Million Dollar Results

Our firm has recovered millions for injury victims, including:

“$4.2 million for a family after a drunk driver killed their father in a hit-and-run.” — Houston, TX

“$2.8 million for a pedestrian struck by a delivery van in a crosswalk.” — San Antonio, TX

“$1.9 million for a cyclist hit by a distracted driver on a rural road.” — Austin, TX

“$3.5 million for a construction worker struck by a speeding truck in a work zone.” — Dallas, TX

“$1.2 million for a jaywalking pedestrian—proving the driver was at fault.” — Fort Worth, TX

“$2.1 million for a family after a wrongful death in a trucking collision.” — Beaumont, TX

“$950,000 for a motorcyclist hit by a left-turning vehicle.” — San Marcos, TX

“$1.5 million for a rideshare passenger injured in a T-bone collision.” — Plano, TX

“$3.1 million for a family after a fatal 18-wheeler crash on I-45.” — Conroe, TX

3. We Handle Cases on a Contingency Fee Basis

• You pay NOTHING upfront.
• We only get paid if we win your case.
• No hidden fees—ever.

4. We’re Available 24/7—Because Emergencies Don’t Wait

• Call our emergency line: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
• Visit our McKinney-area office (we serve Collin County, Denton County, and the entire North Texas region)
• Hablamos Español—our team includes bilingual attorneys and staff

McKinney’s Most Dangerous Roads for Pedestrians

While West 2nd Street in Odessa was the site of this tragedy, McKinney and Collin County have their own high-risk areas where pedestrians are vulnerable:

What can be done?

✅ More pedestrian crossings (especially near schools, shopping centers, and retirement communities)

✅ Better lighting (poor visibility is a major factor in nighttime crashes)

✅ Lower speed limits in high-risk areas

✅ Stricter enforcement of distracted driving laws

✅ Public awareness campaigns (educating drivers and pedestrians on safety)

Additional Resources

• What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident (Note: Use only verified URLs from KB Section 2.11)
• Texas Pedestrian Laws: Know Your Rights
• How Insurance Companies Try to Lowball Victims

Watch our videos on pedestrian safety and legal rights:

• What to Do If You’re Hit by a Car (Example URL—replace with exact YouTube links from KB video library)
• How to Prove Fault in a Pedestrian Accident
• Why You Need a Lawyer After a Hit-and-Run

Serving McKinney, Collin County, and all of North Texas.

Attorney911 – Legal Emergency Lawyers™

1-888-ATTY-911 | (713) 528-9070 | ralph@atty911.com | lupe@atty911.com