Bicycle & Pedestrian Accidents
Serious Injury in Garland Crosswalk Hit-and-Run

This commentary is based on local news reporting. For complete details about this incident, please read the original article linked below. The information provided here is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.
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This commentary is based on reporting from CBS Texas (DFW). Click below to read the complete original article.
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A 12-year-old boy riding an electric scooter was seriously injured in a hit-and-run crash at North Garland Avenue and Apollo Road in Garland on Saturday morning, August 22, 2026.
According to Garland Police, the child was in a crosswalk when he was struck at approximately 8:30 a.m. by a white utility-style work truck. Police said the boy suffered significant injuries but was in stable condition.
Investigators are now searching for the driver, who police say briefly stopped after the collision before leaving the scene.
Police Searching for White Utility Work Truck
Garland Police described the vehicle as a white, four-door utility-style work truck with storage compartments along the sides. The driver was described as a heavy-set man with a short buzz-cut hairstyle.
Police said the truck traveled east on Apollo Road before turning south onto North Garland Avenue after the crash.
Investigators are asking people who were driving in the area around 8:30 a.m. to check their dashcams for footage that may show the truck either before or after the collision.
Video Could Be Critical in Identifying the Hit-and-Run Driver
Video evidence may be especially important in this case.
Potential sources include dashcams, security cameras from nearby homes or businesses, traffic cameras, doorbell cameras, and footage from other motorists traveling near North Garland Avenue and Apollo Road.
Garland Police operates a voluntary Video Crime Watch program designed to help investigators identify nearby private cameras that may have captured evidence relevant to an investigation.
In a hit-and-run case, footage can help investigators identify a license plate, distinctive vehicle equipment, company markings, the driver’s route, or other information that leads to the vehicle.
The Child Was Reportedly in a Crosswalk
Police specifically reported that the 12-year-old was riding his electric scooter in a crosswalk when he was struck.
That fact will likely be important to the investigation, but it should not be used by itself to make a final determination about civil responsibility. Investigators may still need to examine traffic signals, right-of-way, vehicle movements, visibility, speed, and the exact position of the scooter and truck immediately before impact.
The Wooley Law Firm represents people injured in bicycle and pedestrian accidents, including serious crosswalk collisions involving cars, trucks, and other motor vehicles. The firm’s pedestrian-accident resource explains that surveillance footage, witness statements, and physical evidence are often important in determining how a crosswalk crash happened.
Serious Injuries to a Child Can Have Long-Term Consequences
Garland Police described the boy’s injuries as significant, although the specific injuries have not been publicly disclosed.
When a child is seriously injured in a traffic collision, the full extent of the harm may not be known immediately. Depending on the injuries, treatment could involve hospitalization, orthopedic care, rehabilitation, physical therapy, follow-up imaging, or future medical care.
Potential damages in a child-injury claim can also include pain and suffering, impairment, disfigurement, future medical expenses, and other losses supported by the evidence.
Because the child is a minor, any civil claim would involve additional legal considerations regarding who may pursue the claim and how any recovery is handled.
What Happens if the Garland Hit-and-Run Driver Is Not Found?
If the driver remains unidentified, the family should not necessarily assume that there is no potential insurance coverage.
Depending on the specific insurance policies and circumstances, uninsured motorist coverage may apply to some hit-and-run crashes. The Wooley Law Firm’s uninsured and underinsured motorist resource explains that UM coverage can potentially apply when the responsible driver cannot be identified.
Whether coverage exists in this particular case would depend on the policy language, the child’s household coverage, and other facts that have not been publicly reported.
Leaving the Scene Does Not Eliminate a Civil Claim
If police identify the truck and driver, a civil investigation may examine more than the driver alone.
Because police described the vehicle as a utility-style work truck, investigators may also need to determine who owned the truck, whether it was being used for work, whether a company employed or contracted with the driver, and what insurance coverage applied.
The description of the vehicle does not establish that it was commercially owned or that the driver was working at the time. Those are issues that would need to be investigated.
Garland Police Asking Witnesses for Help
Garland Police are asking anyone who witnessed the crash, saw the truck nearby, or has relevant dashcam footage to contact investigators at 972-485-4840.
Police spokesman Matt Pesta emphasized that even limited video or information may assist investigators in locating the vehicle.
The Garland Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division is responsible for collecting and examining evidence in criminal investigations.
Injured in a Garland Pedestrian or Scooter Accident?
A child being seriously injured while crossing a roadway is a devastating event for a family. In a hit-and-run case, the uncertainty about who caused the crash can make the situation even more difficult.
If your child was injured in a Garland pedestrian accident, electric scooter crash, crosswalk collision, hit-and-run accident, or other serious Dallas County wreck, you may have the right to seek justice and pursue compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, impairment, future medical care, and other damages if the evidence establishes legal responsibility.
Call (214) 699-6524 for a free consultation. You don’t pay unless we win.
This article is based on developing information reported by CBS Texas and attributed to the Garland Police Department. Additional or different facts may become available as the investigation continues. Nothing in this article is intended to assign final civil or criminal responsibility before the evidence is fully developed. This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship.
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Pedestrian Fatality on I-30 in Grand Prairie
A pedestrian was killed Wednesday evening after being struck by an SUV on an eastbound Interstate 30 TEXpress entrance ramp near MacArthur Boulevard in Grand Prairie. According to Grand Prairie police, the collision happened at approximately 7:50 p.m. The pedestrian had been traveling in a vehicle that became disabled. After getting out and walking along the ramp, the person was struck by a Kia SUV. Grand Prairie Fire Department paramedics pronounced the pedestrian dead at the scene. The SUV driver was not injured and was cooperating with investigators. The pedestrian’s identity had not yet been released pending notification of family members. The crash remains under investigation. What Happened in the Fatal I-30 Pedestrian Crash? Police said the pedestrian had exited a disabled vehicle and was walking along the entrance ramp to the eastbound I-30 TEXpress lanes near MacArthur Boulevard when the collision occurred. Investigators have not yet announced what caused the Kia SUV to strike the pedestrian or whether any additional factors contributed to the crash. Because the investigation remains ongoing, no conclusions should be drawn about fault. Evidence That May Matter After a Fatal Pedestrian Collision A serious pedestrian crash on an interstate ramp may require investigators to examine: Dash-camera or surveillance footage Vehicle speed and electronic data Roadway lighting and visibility The location of the disabled vehicle The pedestrian’s position before impact Witness statements Cellphone records when relevant Crash-scene photographs and measurements Evidence showing when the disabled vehicle stopped and how long the pedestrian had been outside the vehicle may also help investigators reconstruct what happened. Disabled Vehicles Can Create Serious Highway Dangers A breakdown on an interstate or TEXpress ramp can place motorists in a dangerous position, particularly at night or in areas with limited shoulder space. When a crash follows a disabled vehicle, investigators may need to determine whether warning lights were activated, where the vehicle was stopped, what visibility conditions existed, and whether approaching motorists had an opportunity to see and avoid a person outside the vehicle. Those questions are fact-specific and do not establish fault by themselves. Wrongful Death Claims After a Fatal Grand Prairie Crash When a pedestrian is killed in a traffic collision, certain surviving family members may have potential rights under Texas wrongful-death law if another person’s negligence caused the death. A civil investigation can be separate from the police investigation and may examine vehicle data, available video, witness testimony, insurance coverage, and other evidence bearing on how the collision occurred. The Wooley Law Firm represents families affected by serious and fatal crashes throughout Dallas-Fort Worth. Call (214) 699-6524 for a free consultation. You don’t pay unless we win. This article is based on preliminary information released by the Grand Prairie Police Department concerning an ongoing investigation. Additional information about the pedestrian, vehicle, and cause of the collision may become available. Nothing in this article assigns fault before the investigation is complete. This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Read CommentaryPedestrian Dies in Hit-and-Run Accident in Dallas
Man Killed in Hit-and-Run Crash on Skillman Street in Dallas Friday, September 25, 2026 | Dallas, Texas Wooley Law Takeaway A pedestrian was killed in a hit-and-run crash on Skillman Street in Dallas late Friday night, September 25, 2026. Dallas Police said officers responded at approximately 11:00 p.m. to the 8600 block of Skillman Street. A preliminary investigation determined that a vehicle struck a man and the driver left the scene without stopping. The pedestrian died at the scene. Police had not released the victim’s identity, a description of the vehicle involved, or information identifying the driver. No arrest had been announced, and the investigation remains ongoing. NBC Dallas-Fort Worth Driver Left After Striking Pedestrian According to Dallas Police, the vehicle that struck the pedestrian did not remain at the crash scene. Authorities had not released information explaining: what type of vehicle was involved; which direction the pedestrian or vehicle was traveling; whether the pedestrian was in a crosswalk; how fast the vehicle was traveling; whether surveillance cameras captured the crash; or why the driver left the scene. Those questions may become important as investigators attempt to identify the vehicle and reconstruct what happened. How Police May Identify a Hit-and-Run Vehicle Even when a driver leaves before officers arrive, investigators may have several ways to identify the vehicle. Potential evidence can include: surveillance video from nearby businesses or residences; traffic-camera footage; dashcam video from passing motorists; automatic license-plate-reader information; witness statements; 911 recordings; debris or broken vehicle components left at the scene; paint transfer or other physical evidence; and repair records if the vehicle was damaged. Dallas hit-and-run investigations have previously relied on nearby cameras and physical evidence to identify vehicles and drivers. The Wooley Law Firm recently reported on a separate Dallas hit-and-run case in which investigators used surveillance evidence to identify a vehicle. That case involved different circumstances and is unrelated to the Skillman Street crash. Why Physical Evidence From the Scene Matters A pedestrian crash scene may contain evidence that helps investigators determine where the impact occurred and how the vehicle was moving. That evidence may include vehicle fragments, tire marks, roadway debris, damage to surrounding property, and the pedestrian's final location. If the vehicle is later found, investigators may compare damage to the vehicle with evidence recovered from Skillman Street. Electronic data from the vehicle may also become relevant depending on its make, model, and available systems. What Happens If the Hit-and-Run Driver Is Not Immediately Found? A driver's identity is not always established in the first hours or days after a fatal hit-and-run. Investigators may continue reviewing surveillance recordings, checking license-plate databases, interviewing witnesses, and comparing damaged vehicles with evidence collected from the scene. The Wooley Law Firm has previously reported on a fatal I-35E hit-and-run in Dallas where police were also searching for the driver who left after striking a pedestrian. Each investigation is different, but these cases illustrate why video and physical evidence can be especially important when the responsible vehicle is initially unknown. Wrongful Death Issues After a Fatal Hit-and-Run A criminal investigation into a driver's decision to leave the scene is separate from any potential civil wrongful-death claim. If the driver is ultimately identified, a civil investigation may examine the driver's conduct before the collision, vehicle ownership, insurance coverage, electronic data, and any other evidence bearing on responsibility. If the driver cannot immediately be identified, available insurance coverage may also become an important issue depending on the circumstances and the policies involved. Families can learn more through our Texas wrongful death attorney page and our information regarding Dallas pedestrian accident claims. Lost a Loved One in a Dallas Hit-and-Run? The Wooley Law Firm represents families affected by serious and fatal pedestrian and motor-vehicle crashes throughout Dallas-Fort Worth and Texas. A fatal hit-and-run investigation may require prompt efforts to preserve surveillance footage, identify witnesses, locate the vehicle involved, obtain electronic records, and determine what insurance coverage may apply. Call The Wooley Law Firm at (214) 699-6524 for a free consultation. You don't pay unless we win. Disclaimer This article is based on preliminary information concerning a September 25, 2026 fatal hit-and-run crash in Dallas. Additional or different facts may become available as police continue their investigation. The driver and vehicle involved had not been publicly identified when the initial report was released. Nothing in this article is intended to accuse any particular person of wrongdoing before the evidence is established. This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship.
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Dallas Officer Disciplined Over Fatal Crash Response
Six Dallas Police Department officers have been disciplined over their handling of the investigation into the March 15, 2025 crash that killed 25-year-old pedestrian Atianna Washington on West Northwest Highway in Dallas. The case involved Jaime Castro, who was then a Dallas senior corporal and president of the Dallas Police Association. Castro was listed in the original police report as a passenger in the Cadillac that struck Washington. An internal investigation ultimately identified 14 policy violations involving six responding officers. One sergeant received an eight-day suspension, two officers received shorter suspensions, and another sergeant and two officers received written reprimands. The disciplinary findings add another significant development to a case in which questions have persisted about how the original fatal-crash investigation was handled. Atianna Washington Was Killed on West Northwest Highway Washington was attempting to cross the 2500 block of West Northwest Highway on March 15, 2025, when she was struck by a black Cadillac. The roadway was described as dimly lit. Washington was unresponsive when the first Dallas officer arrived and was pronounced dead approximately 40 minutes later. Castro, who was serving as president of the Dallas Police Association at the time, was at the scene. Body-camera footage showed one responding officer recognizing Castro, greeting him personally, and briefly embracing him near the crash scene. Internal Records Found Problems With the Police Response According to internal records reported by The Dallas Morning News and NBC 5, investigators concluded that officers gave Castro preferential treatment and failed to promptly complete important investigative steps. The reported concerns included delays in conducting interviews and determining whether alcohol may have been involved. Those shortcomings became particularly significant because investigators later questioned information provided about who had actually been driving the Cadillac. The six officers disciplined in 2026 have the ability to appeal their discipline. Jaime Castro Pleaded Guilty to Making a False Statement Castro later retired from the Dallas Police Department and stepped down from his leadership position with the police association. In March 2026, he pleaded guilty to one count of making a false statement to a police officer, a Class B misdemeanor. According to the Dallas County District Attorney's Office, the charge arose from a false statement connected to the fatal crash. Court records reported by local media indicate Castro had claimed that his girlfriend was driving the vehicle and that she had not consumed alcohol before the collision. As part of the plea agreement, Castro agreed to surrender his Texas peace-officer license, complete DWI classes, pay a fine, and serve one year of deferred probation. Importantly, Dallas police have not publicly identified who was actually driving the Cadillac when Washington was struck. Dallas County DA Said the Initial Investigation Was Incomplete The Dallas County District Attorney's Office later conducted its own Public Integrity Unit investigation. When announcing Castro's guilty plea, District Attorney John Creuzot said that, based on Dallas Police Department policy, the investigation conducted at the crash scene appeared to have been incomplete. Creuzot also said the shortcomings in the original investigation may have made it impossible to determine whether other criminal conduct occurred. That distinction matters: the later disciplinary findings concern how responding officers handled the investigation. They do not themselves establish who caused Washington's death or resolve every disputed fact surrounding the collision. Why the Original Crash Investigation Matters Fatal pedestrian cases often depend heavily on evidence collected within the first hours after a collision. That evidence may include: statements from the driver and passengers; witness interviews; alcohol or drug testing when legally appropriate; body-camera footage; dashcam video; nearby surveillance recordings; vehicle event-data recorder information; photographs and measurements of the scene; cell phone information when legally relevant; damage to the vehicle; and physical evidence showing where the pedestrian was struck. If those investigative steps are delayed or omitted, evidence may disappear and witnesses' memories may become less reliable. This case illustrates why an initial police report is not necessarily the final word about how a serious or fatal crash occurred. Families Can Conduct an Independent Civil Investigation A family affected by a fatal collision does not have to rely exclusively on the conclusions contained in the original police report. A civil wrongful-death investigation can separately examine physical evidence, witness testimony, video, electronic vehicle data, medical records, police body-camera footage, and other information. It can also compare later-discovered evidence with statements contained in the original crash report. The Wooley Law Firm represents families in Texas wrongful death cases and serious Dallas pedestrian accidents. Lost a Loved One in a Dallas Pedestrian Crash? The Wooley Law Firm represents families affected by fatal car and pedestrian collisions throughout Dallas-Fort Worth and Texas. When questions exist about the initial crash investigation, a separate review may be necessary to preserve video, obtain electronic vehicle data, identify witnesses, review police records, and determine whether the available evidence supports a wrongful-death claim. Call The Wooley Law Firm at (214) 699-6524 for a free consultation. You don't pay unless we win. Disclaimer This article discusses a fatal March 2025 collision, subsequent Dallas Police Department disciplinary proceedings, and a criminal case that resulted in Jaime Castro pleading guilty to making a false statement to police. The disciplinary findings do not themselves establish civil liability for Washington's death, and Dallas police have not publicly identified who was driving the vehicle when the collision occurred. This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Read CommentaryDisclaimer: The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Wooley Law monitors publicly available news sources and provides independent commentary on accident law and safety topics relevant to the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Any summaries or references to news stories are based on publicly reported information and may not reflect the full facts of any case. Wooley Law is not affiliated with the individuals or parties mentioned unless explicitly stated. If you have been injured in an accident, please consult with a qualified attorney regarding your specific legal situation.
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The sooner you contact The Wooley Law Firm, PLLC, the sooner the firm can help you take legal action and seek compensation for your injuries. To schedule an initial consultation, call 214-699-6524 or contact the office via email.
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