UPDATE (June 12, 2024): Recent reports have been released which clarify some of the details as far as what happened leading up to and during this accident. According to these reports, 58-year-ld Daniel Earl Burns was on foot attempting to cross West Freeway, I.H. 30, from south to north in the vicinity east of Cherry Lane when the accident occurred. Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons Burns fell to the ground and was struck by a westbound Freightliner 18-wheeler with a trailer in tow. The Freightliner reportedly fled the scene, the 31-year-old man inside failing to stop and render aid of any sort to the victim.

After the initial collision, Burns was reportedly struck by two other vehicles—a Dodge Ram 3500 pickup truck and a Chevrolet Tahoe SUV. He incurred reportedly fatal injuries as a result of the accident and was declared deceased at the scene. No other injuries have been reported. The investigation is still ongoing.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When people hear about accidents like this one, it’s often tempting to quickly assign blame to one party. In my experience, though, these incidents are usually far more complex. There are several aspects of this incident that demand a thorough investigation to understand what really happened and why.

The role of the 18-wheeler driver who initially fled the scene must be scrutinized. Hit-and-run accidents are serious offenses, and failing to stop and render aid is both illegal and morally reprehensible. Investigators need to determine why the driver left the scene and whether any other factors, like distraction or fatigue, contributed to the initial collision.

Moreover, the role of the trucking company should not be overlooked. Trucking companies have a responsibility to ensure their drivers are well-trained and adhering to safety protocols. If the company cut corners on training, maintenance, or pushed the driver to meet unrealistic deadlines, they might share responsibility for the incident. A thorough review of the company’s safety records, driver logs, and maintenance schedules is crucial to determine if systemic issues contributed to the crash.

Investigating this incident must go beyond the immediate crash scene. It should include gathering data from any available traffic cameras, interviewing witnesses, and analyzing vehicle event recorders. By piecing together all the available evidence, we can better understand the factors that led to this outcome.

Ultimately, the goal is to uncover the truth and ensure that those responsible are held accountable. This means considering every detail and conducting a thorough investigation that addresses all aspects of the incident. Only then can we hope to provide answers to those affected.


UPDATE (May 28, 2024): The pedestrian who lost his life as a result of this accident has been identified as 58-year-old Daniel Earl Burns, of Shelby, Texas.

Fort Worth, TX — May 22, 2024, a man was killed in a pedestrian versus hit-and-run car accident at approximately 1:30 a.m. along West Freeway.

According to authorities, a man was running along the roadway in the vicinity of the West Freeway and Las Vegas Trail intersection when the accident occurred.

The cause of the accident remains unclear. Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, the man was struck by an eastbound vehicle of unknown make or model. The vehicle allegedly fled the scene, the person(s) inside failing to stop and render aid of any sort to the victim. The man suffered reportedly fatal injuries as a result of the accident; he was declared deceased at the scene.

Additional details pertaining to this incident—including the identity of the victim—are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.

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