A man was fatally struck by two vehicles, including a large box truck, in a hit-and-run crash on Cullen Boulevard Tuesday evening. According to police, the pedestrian was crossing the southbound lanes when he was hit first by a red Dodge sedan and then by a box truck. Both drivers fled the scene, and authorities are currently searching for the vehicles involved.
Whenever I hear about pedestrian crashes involving commercial vehicles, I think about the unique challenges the investigation poses. In this case, when authorities find the drivers, they should determine whether they were paying attention and whether the box truck’s safety equipment was functioning properly.
Was the Truck Driver Distracted or Fatigued?
Distraction and fatigue are common factors in commercial vehicle crashes, particularly in hit-and-run incidents where drivers may not realize—or may claim not to realize—that they struck someone. Investigators should review any available surveillance footage, driver logs, and phone records to determine whether distraction or driver fatigue contributed to the crash.
Was the Box Truck’s Visibility Equipment Functioning?
Many commercial trucks are equipped with reflective markers and side-view cameras to help drivers detect pedestrians, particularly in low-light conditions. Investigators should determine whether the truck had proper lighting, functional mirrors, and visibility aids that could have helped the driver see the pedestrian before the impact.
Why Ask These Questions?
Hit-and-run crashes leave families searching for answers. While authorities work to locate the vehicles involved, it's also important to understand how and why the crash happened. In my experience, these types of investigations often reveal factors beyond driver actions—such as poor vehicle maintenance or lack of safety measures—that may have contributed.