Seagoville, TX — January 16, 2025, Jamie Tinoco was killed following a car accident that occurred at around 7:00 P.M. on Highway 175.

An investigation is underway following a hit-and-run car accident that left one person dead during the evening hours of January 16th. According to official reports, Jamie Tinoco was pulled over on the side of the westbound service road of Highway 75 near Malloy Bridge Rd. and was checking on his equipment in the bed of his truck, when he was hit by a passing vehicle pinning him between the two before the vehicle fled the area.
When first responders arrived on the scene they found that Tinoco had sustained fatal injuries and he was pronounced deceased at the sight of the accident. At this time an investigation is underway to find the motorist that fatally struck Tinoco, and there are currently no further details that have been released by officials.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
When I read about a crash like this, my immediate thought is about the importance of ensuring that those affected receive clear and accurate answers about what happened. Reports indicate that a person lost their life after being struck by a passing vehicle while checking equipment in the bed of their truck. The fact that this was a hit-and-run incident adds complexity to the investigation, making it all the more crucial to address key aspects of the case. To fully understand what happened, three important questions must be answered.
First, did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? In hit-and-run cases, identifying the vehicle and driver responsible is a critical first step. Investigators need to closely examine the crash scene for evidence such as tire marks, vehicle debris, and surveillance footage from nearby traffic or security cameras. Witnesses may also have valuable information, such as descriptions of the vehicle or driver. The thoroughness of the investigation will determine whether authorities can piece together the events leading up to the crash and identify the responsible party.
Second, has anyone considered whether a vehicle defect contributed to the crash? While the responsibility for leaving the scene lies squarely with the fleeing driver, it is still essential to investigate whether mechanical issues in either vehicle could have played a role. A malfunctioning brake system, faulty headlights, or steering issues in the passing vehicle might explain how the crash occurred. Similarly, any mechanical problems with the parked truck that might have increased the risk to the person outside the vehicle should be examined. Preserving both vehicles for inspection is critical to ruling out or identifying potential defects that contributed to the crash.
Finally, has all the electronic data related to the crash been collected? Both vehicles, if available, may have electronic control modules (ECMs) that store valuable data, such as speed, braking activity, and steering inputs. If the passing vehicle is located, its ECM data could provide key insights into whether the driver took any actions to avoid the crash. Additionally, any surveillance footage or dash cam recordings from the area could help establish the sequence of events. Ensuring that this data is preserved quickly is essential, as it can degrade or be lost over time.
Answering these questions is crucial to uncovering the truth about what happened. Hit-and-run accidents often leave many unresolved issues, but with a comprehensive investigation and a focus on all potential contributing factors, clarity and accountability are achievable. The community and investigators have a responsibility to pursue every avenue of inquiry, ensuring that those impacted have the answers they need.