Tyler Hit-and-Run Truck Accident Leaves Teen Dead: Why This Tragedy Could Have Been Prevented

A Life Cut Short on East 5th Street

The Tyler Police Department made an arrest this week in a December hit-and-run that killed a 19-year-old bicyclist. According to police, Andrea Tanner, 39, of Tyler was booked into the Smith County Jail on a $250,000 bond after being charged with a collision involving personal injury or death.

The incident occurred on December 7, 2025, in the 2600 block of East 5th Street in Tyler. Police claim Tanner struck Lofton Williams, 19, of Argyle, while he was riding his bicycle, then fled the scene. Williams was taken to a hospital where he later died from his injuries.

This case is now headed to the Smith County District Attorney’s Office—but for the Williams family, justice may feel painfully slow, and the questions may never stop.

• Why did the driver leave the scene?
• Was the driver impaired, distracted, or simply reckless?
• Could this tragedy have been prevented if the driver had stopped to render aid?

At Attorney911, we’ve handled too many cases like this one. Hit-and-run truck accidents are among the most devastating—and most preventable—tragedies on our roads. When a driver flees the scene, they don’t just leave behind a victim; they leave behind a family shattered by grief, a community outraged, and a legal system that must work harder to deliver justice.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a hit-and-run truck accident in Tyler or anywhere in Texas, you need an attorney who understands the urgency of these cases. Call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We’ll fight to hold the responsible parties accountable and secure the compensation you deserve.

Why Hit-and-Run Truck Accidents Are So Devastating

Hit-and-run accidents involving trucks are particularly tragic for several reasons:

1. The Size and Weight Disparity

• A fully loaded commercial truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds—20 to 25 times heavier than the average passenger vehicle.
• When a truck strikes a bicyclist or pedestrian, the force of impact is catastrophic. The human body is simply no match for the sheer mass of a commercial vehicle.

2. Delayed Medical Attention

• When a driver flees the scene, critical minutes—or even hours—can pass before help arrives. For victims like Lofton Williams, this delay can mean the difference between life and death.
• Even if the victim survives the initial impact, the lack of immediate medical attention can worsen injuries and reduce the chances of recovery.

3. The Psychological Impact on Families

• Hit-and-run accidents don’t just cause physical injuries—they leave lasting emotional scars on families. The knowledge that the driver chose to flee rather than help can compound the grief and trauma.
• Families are left with unanswered questions: Why did the driver leave? Were they impaired? Were they trying to avoid responsibility?

4. The Legal Challenges of Hit-and-Run Cases

• Hit-and-run cases are more difficult to investigate than typical accidents. Without the at-fault driver present, critical evidence—such as black box data, dashcam footage, or cell phone records—may be harder to obtain.
• However, experienced trucking accident attorneys know how to track down fleeing drivers and preserve evidence before it disappears. At Attorney911, we send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours of being retained to ensure that critical evidence is preserved.

The Legal Process for Hit-and-Run Truck Accident Victims

If you’ve lost a loved one in a hit-and-run truck accident, the legal process can feel overwhelming. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Criminal Charges vs. Civil Lawsuits

• Criminal Case: The state will prosecute Andrea Tanner for leaving the scene of an accident involving death. If convicted, she could face prison time, fines, and license revocation.
• Civil Lawsuit: The Williams family can file a wrongful death lawsuit against Tanner and any other liable parties (e.g., the trucking company, maintenance provider, etc.). The goal of a civil lawsuit is to compensate the family for their losses, not to punish the defendant.

2. Wrongful Death Claims in Texas

• In Texas, wrongful death claims can be brought by:
  • The surviving spouse
  • Children (minor or adult)
  • Parents (if there is no surviving spouse or children)
• Damages available in a wrongful death case include:
  • Lost future income (what the victim would have earned over their lifetime)
  • Loss of consortium (the loss of companionship, love, and guidance)
  • Mental anguish (the emotional pain and suffering of the survivors)
  • Funeral and burial expenses
  • Punitive damages (if the defendant’s conduct was grossly negligent or reckless)

3. The Role of Insurance in Hit-and-Run Cases

• Trucking companies are required to carry minimum liability insurance under federal law:
  • $750,000 for non-hazardous freight
  • $1,000,000 for oil, large equipment, or passengers
  • $5,000,000 for hazardous materials
• However, hit-and-run cases can be more complicated because:
  • The at-fault driver may not have insurance or may be uninsured.
  • The trucking company’s insurance may deny the claim if the driver was not acting within the scope of employment.
• In these cases, the victim’s family may need to rely on:
  • Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage from their own auto policy.
  • Personal injury protection (PIP) coverage.
  • MedPay coverage for medical expenses.

4. The Importance of Preserving Evidence

• In hit-and-run cases, evidence disappears quickly. Critical evidence includes:
  • Black box data (ECM/EDR): Records speed, braking, and other critical data. Can be overwritten in 30 days.
  • Dashcam footage: Often deleted within 7-14 days.
  • Cell phone records: Can prove distraction.
  • Witness statements: Memories fade over time.
  • Surveillance footage: Businesses typically overwrite footage within 7-30 days.
• At Attorney911, we send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours of being retained to ensure that all evidence is preserved.

5. The Statute of Limitations in Texas

• In Texas, the statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is 2 years from the date of death.
• However, you should never wait to take legal action. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and the longer you wait, the harder it becomes to build a strong case.

Recent Trucking Verdicts Show What’s Possible

Hit-and-run truck accidents are among the most egregious cases we handle. Juries have shown they are willing to hold trucking companies and drivers fully accountable for their negligence. Here are some recent verdicts that demonstrate what’s possible when victims fight back:

1. $730 Million Verdict (Texas, 2021)

• Case: Ramsey v. Landstar Ranger
• Details: A Navy propeller being transported as an oversize load fell off a trailer and struck a vehicle, killing a 73-year-old woman.
• Verdict: $480 million in compensatory damages + $250 million in punitive damages.
• Why It Matters: This case involved gross negligence in securing an oversize load. The jury sent a clear message that trucking companies cannot cut corners when it comes to safety.

2. $150 Million Settlement (Texas, 2022)

• Case: Werner Enterprises Settlement
• Details: Two children were killed on I-30 when a truck driver lost control. This was the largest 18-wheeler settlement in U.S. history.
• Why It Matters: The case involved fatigue and hours of service violations, which are common in hit-and-run cases where drivers flee to avoid detection.

3. $462 Million Verdict (Missouri, 2024)

• Case: St. Louis Underride Crash
• Details: Two men were decapitated in an underride crash when their vehicle slid under a trailer.
• Verdict: $462 million against the trucking company and trailer manufacturer.
• Why It Matters: Underride crashes are among the most deadly trucking accidents. This verdict shows that juries will hold companies accountable for failing to install proper safety guards.

4. $160 Million Verdict (Alabama, 2024)

• Case: Street v. Daimler
• Details: A rollover accident left the driver quadriplegic.
• Verdict: $75 million in compensatory damages + $75 million in punitive damages.
• Why It Matters: The case involved defective truck design and negligent maintenance. Juries are increasingly willing to award punitive damages when companies prioritize profit over safety.

5. $141.5 Million Verdict (Florida, 2023)

• Case: Defunct Carrier Case
• Details: A nuclear verdict against a trucking company that was no longer in business.
• Why It Matters: Even when trucking companies go bankrupt, victims can still recover compensation through insurance policies and other liable parties.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Hit-and-Run Truck Accident Case?

When you’re up against a trucking company and their team of lawyers, you need an attorney who knows how to fight back. Here’s why families in Tyler and across Texas choose Attorney911:

1. 25+ Years of Experience

• Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has been fighting for trucking accident victims since 1998. He has secured multi-million dollar verdicts and knows how to hold negligent trucking companies accountable.

2. Insider Knowledge of Insurance Tactics

• Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working for a national insurance defense firm. He knows exactly how insurance companies evaluate, minimize, and deny claims—and now he uses that knowledge to fight for you.

3. Aggressive Evidence Preservation

• We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours to ensure that critical evidence—like black box data, ELD records, and dashcam footage—is preserved before it’s destroyed.

4. Federal Court Experience

• Ralph Manginello is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, which is critical for interstate trucking cases that may involve federal regulations.

5. A Track Record of Results

• We’ve recovered millions of dollars for trucking accident victims, including:
  • $5+ Million for a logging accident victim with traumatic brain injury
  • $3.8+ Million for a car accident victim who suffered amputation
  • $2.5+ Million for a truck crash victim
• Our clients consistently praise our personal attention, aggressive representation, and commitment to justice.

6. Compassionate, Personalized Service

• We treat every client like family. You’re not just a case number to us—you’re a person who deserves justice and compassion.
• We offer 24/7 availability and direct access to your attorney. When you call, you’ll speak to a real person, not a case manager.

7. No Fee Unless We Win

• We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win your case.
• We advance all investigation and litigation costs, so you don’t have to worry about upfront expenses.

Call Attorney911 Now: 1-888-ATTY-911

Every minute you wait, evidence disappears. Black box data can be overwritten. Dashcam footage can be deleted. Witnesses can forget what they saw.

Don’t let the trucking company or their insurance adjuster take advantage of you. Call Attorney911 now for a free, no-obligation consultation.

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

Hablamos Español. Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, is fluent in Spanish and can provide direct representation without the need for interpreters.

You Deserve Justice. We Fight for It.

The death of Lofton Williams is a reminder of how fragile life can be—and how quickly it can be taken by the negligence of others. But it’s also a reminder that justice is possible.

At Attorney911, we’ve spent over 25 years fighting for victims of trucking accidents. We know the tactics that trucking companies use to avoid responsibility. We know how to preserve evidence before it disappears. And we know how to hold negligent drivers and companies accountable.

If you’ve lost a loved one in a hit-and-run truck accident, you don’t have to face this alone. Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We’ll listen to your story, explain your rights, and fight for the justice your family deserves.

Don’t wait. Evidence disappears fast. Call now: 1-888-ATTY-911.

Attorney911: Fighting for Texas Families Since 1998.