Can You Sue a Hit-and-Run Driver Who Killed a Pedestrian in Austin?

Can You Sue a Hit-and-Run Driver Who Killed a Pedestrian in Austin, Texas?

Losing a family member to a hit-and-run crash is devastating on every level. The grief is compounded by the fact that the person responsible fled the scene, leaving your loved one to die on an Austin street. If your family is dealing with the aftermath of a fatal pedestrian hit-and-run, the pedestrian accident lawyers at Shaw Cowart want you to know that you have legal options — whether the driver is identified or not.

Austin has a serious hit-and-run problem. Multiple pedestrians were killed in hit-and-run crashes in 2025 and the first weeks of 2026, and many of those cases remain unsolved. A hit-and-run involving serious injury or death is a felony in Texas, carrying 2 to 20 years in prison. But the criminal case is separate from the civil case, and your family’s right to seek compensation does not depend on whether the driver is ever arrested. The personal injury attorneys at Shaw Cowart have handled fatal pedestrian cases across Austin for over 34 years and understand how to pursue every available avenue of recovery for grieving families.

Pedestrian accident lawyers who handle hit-and-run cases know that time is the enemy. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses is typically overwritten within 48 to 72 hours. Physical evidence — vehicle debris, paint transfer, tire marks — is cleared from the roadway quickly. Witnesses move on with their lives and forget details. If your family has lost someone in a pedestrian hit-and-run in Austin, acting fast can mean the difference between justice and a case that goes cold.

Recent Fatal Pedestrian Hit-and-Runs in Austin

Koenig Lane — January 5, 2026

At approximately 2 a.m., 60-year-old Donna Michelle Hanson was struck and killed while walking in a marked crosswalk in the 900 block of East Koenig Lane. The driver did not stop. APD identified the vehicle as a dark-colored 1998-2000 BMW 323 with possible crash damage to the left side and a broken or taped left headlight. The vehicle was last seen traveling eastbound on Koenig Lane. As of this writing, the driver has not been found, according to KXAN.

Downtown Scooter Hit-and-Run — October 18, 2025

A scooter rider was struck at the intersection of East 11th Street and San Jacinto Boulevard at approximately 11:34 p.m. The driver fled. The victim, identified as Saadeddine, was transported to a hospital with life-threatening injuries and died the following day. APD released photos of the suspect vehicle and asked for the public’s help. This crash was Austin’s 78th fatal crash of 2025, according to CBS Austin.

South Lamar Hit-and-Run — July 1, 2025

A pedestrian was struck and killed by a vehicle in a parking lot on South Lamar Boulevard and Barton Skyway at approximately 10:15 p.m. Multiple 911 callers reported the crash. Officers found the victim with obvious trauma, and despite life-saving efforts, the individual was pronounced dead at 10:40 p.m. APD investigated this crash as a homicide — Austin’s 32nd of the year.

6th Street and I-35 Service Road — January 31, 2026

Aaron William Johnson, 38, was struck and killed at the intersection of 6th Street and the I-35 service road at 2:48 a.m. The driver fled the scene. This location sits at the boundary of Austin’s busiest nightlife district, where pedestrians cross service roads alongside highway traffic in the early morning hours.

Legal Options When the Driver Is Found

If law enforcement identifies the hit-and-run driver, your family can file a wrongful death lawsuit in civil court. This is completely separate from any criminal charges the driver faces. Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Chapter 71, the surviving spouse, children, and parents of the deceased can bring a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for loss of companionship, mental anguish, lost financial support, and funeral and burial expenses. A survival action can also be filed for the pain and suffering your loved one experienced before they died.

The criminal case does not need to result in a conviction for the civil case to succeed. The burden of proof in a civil case is lower — a preponderance of the evidence rather than beyond a reasonable doubt. Many families recover significant compensation even when criminal charges are dropped or reduced.

Legal Options When the Driver Is Never Found

Even if the driver is never identified, your family may still have a path to compensation through uninsured motorist (UM) or underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage on the victim’s own auto insurance policy. UM/UIM coverage is designed for exactly this situation — when the at-fault driver either has no insurance or cannot be found. Many people do not realize that their own auto policy can cover a pedestrian accident.

Be aware that your own insurance company is not on your side in a UM/UIM claim. They will use the same tactics any other insurer uses: delaying, undervaluing, and looking for reasons to deny. Having pedestrian accident attorneys handle the claim protects your family from being lowballed by your own carrier.

How a Lawyer Preserves Evidence in Hit-and-Run Cases

A pedestrian accident lawyer can take immediate steps that families cannot. First, a spoliation letter is sent to nearby businesses, TxDOT, and any other entity that may have surveillance footage, demanding they preserve all recordings from the time and location of the crash. Second, the lawyer can hire a private investigator to canvass the area, interview witnesses, and search for the vehicle. Third, a formal request can be made to APD for all evidence collected during their investigation, and freedom of information requests can be filed for traffic camera footage and 911 call recordings.

The two-year statute of limitations applies to both wrongful death lawsuits and personal injury claims for surviving victims. But waiting weakens your case every day. The lawyers at Shaw Cowart offer free consultations for families affected by pedestrian hit-and-runs anywhere in Austin or Travis County. If you have a legal question — call us at 512-842-7085.

Truck Mechanical Failures in Texas | Brake & Tire Blowout Warning Signs

Published by J.A. Davis & Associates – San Antonio Personal Injury Lawyers – Truck Accident Lawyers

Texas Highways: Recognizing Mechanical Failures in Commercial Trucks Before They Cause Catastrophic Accidents

Mechanical failures in commercial trucks represent one of the most dangerous hazards on Texas highways. Brake malfunctions, tire blowouts, and equipment failures transform routine commutes into life-threatening situations without warning. Mechanical failures in commercial trucks contributed to hundreds of fatal accidents across Texas in 2024, and understanding how to recognize the warning signs can provide critical seconds to react. Mechanical failures in commercial trucks are often the result of negligent maintenance practices, and Texas law holds trucking companies accountable for preventable accidents. If you or a family member has been injured due to a trucking company’s failure to maintain their vehicles, legal remedies are available.

The Scope of Mechanical Failure Accidents in Texas

Texas serves as a major freight corridor, with commercial trucks logging millions of miles across the state’s extensive highway system. This volume of traffic, combined with inadequate inspection practices at some trucking companies, creates dangerous conditions for all motorists. In 2024, Texas recorded 38,909 commercial motor vehicle crashes, with 549 proving fatal and claiming 620 lives.

Mechanical defects rank among the leading causes of these accidents. Brake failures and tire blowouts frequently appear in crash investigations, often linked to deferred maintenance schedules designed to maximize fleet utilization at the expense of safety. In 2023, Texas documented 26,298 truck accidents resulting in 443 fatalities. Harris County alone recorded over 6,000 commercial vehicle crashes, reflecting the concentrated risk in high-traffic corridors.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations require pre-trip inspections and regular maintenance documentation. However, violations persist throughout the industry. Identifying warning signs of mechanical distress before a failure occurs provides motorists their best opportunity to avoid becoming another statistic.

Warning Signs of Mechanical Problems in Commercial Trucks

Commercial trucks exhibit observable indicators of mechanical distress before catastrophic failures occur. Recognizing these warning signs from nearby vehicles can provide valuable reaction time.

Brake system problems often manifest as visible smoke emanating from wheel assemblies, particularly during descents or when approaching stops. A truck that pulls noticeably to one side during braking or exhibits delayed stopping response may have failing brake components. Overloaded trucks place additional stress on braking systems, compounding risks on steep grades like those found on Interstate 35.

Tire failures present distinct warning signs before blowouts occur. Bulging sidewalls, exposed steel cords, or uneven tread wear indicate tires operating beyond safe limits. Debris trailing from trailers or audible thumping sounds suggest tire damage in progress. At highway speeds, a blowout can cause immediate loss of vehicle control.

Fluid leaks, grinding mechanical sounds, and visibly unstable cargo loads indicate other forms of mechanical compromise. Oil slicks beneath parked trucks or trailing behind moving vehicles suggest engine or transmission failures. Loads that shift visibly during lane changes or turns indicate inadequate securement that may lead to rollover accidents. These indicators appear in approximately 10% of investigated commercial vehicle accidents according to TxDOT records.

Protective Measures for Texas Motorists

traffic ticket law

Top 5 Red Light Ticket Lawyers in Florida [2025]

Red light violations have become increasingly common in Florida as cities expand their automated enforcement programs and implement stricter intersection monitoring. These violations carry significant penalties, including points on your license, substantial fines, and potential insurance rate increases that can persist for years.

Florida’s red light camera systems and aggressive intersection enforcement create numerous opportunities for citations that drivers often believe are unfair or inaccurate. Professional legal representation has become essential for challenging these violations and protecting your driving record from their long-term consequences.

1. Ryan Sulte – Sulte Law Firm

Leading Florida’s red light ticket defense, Ryan Sulte has established Sulte Law Firm as the premier choice for red light violation representation throughout the Tampa Bay area. With over 20 years of specialized traffic law experience and more than 10,000 cases handled, Sulte brings unmatched expertise to red light ticket defense.

Sulte’s comprehensive understanding of red light camera technology, intersection timing, and enforcement procedures provides clients with strategic advantages in challenging these violations. His experience includes successful challenges to camera calibration, signal timing, and photographic evidence that has resulted in numerous case dismissals.

The firm’s proven track record with red light violations includes detailed analysis of camera footage, intersection engineering, and enforcement compliance to identify weaknesses in prosecution cases. Sulte’s personalized approach ensures that each red light ticket receives thorough investigation and aggressive defense.

Clients consistently praise Sulte’s ability to explain complex technical aspects of red light enforcement while achieving favorable outcomes that protect their driving records and insurance rates. His reputation for meticulous case preparation has made him Tampa’s most trusted red light ticket attorney.

2. The Ticket Clinic – Statewide Red Light Defense

As Florida’s largest traffic ticket law firm, The Ticket Clinic brings extensive experience to red light violation defense throughout the state. With offices in major cities and thousands of red light cases handled, the firm has developed comprehensive expertise in challenging these automated violations.

The Ticket Clinic’s attorneys understand the technical complexities of red light camera systems and have extensive experience challenging photographic evidence, camera calibration, and intersection timing. Their statewide presence ensures consistent quality representation regardless of where red light violations occur.

The firm’s comprehensive approach includes detailed analysis of camera footage, intersection engineering reports, and enforcement compliance to identify potential defenses. Their track record includes numerous red light ticket dismissals and reduced charges throughout Florida.

3. Golden Traffic Ticket Law – Technical Expertise

Golden Traffic Ticket Law’s specialized focus on traffic violations includes extensive experience with red light ticket defense throughout South Florida. Attorney Golden’s technical understanding of camera systems and intersection enforcement provides clients with expert representation for these complex violations.

The firm’s approach emphasizes detailed technical analysis of red light camera evidence, including frame-by-frame review of violation footage and examination of camera calibration records. This technical expertise has resulted in successful challenges to red light violations throughout the region.

Golden Traffic Ticket Law’s commitment to staying current with red light technology and enforcement procedures ensures clients receive representation based on the latest technical knowledge and defense strategies.

4. Traffic Ticket Team – Hollywood Red Light Defense

The Traffic Ticket Team brings specialized experience to red light violation defense throughout Broward County and South Florida. The firm’s attorneys understand the specific challenges of red light camera enforcement and have developed effective strategies for challenging these violations.

The practice’s comprehensive approach includes detailed investigation of intersection conditions, camera positioning, and signal timing to identify potential defenses for red light violations. Their experience with local court procedures and enforcement practices provides strategic advantages for clients.

Traffic Ticket Team’s track record includes numerous successful red light ticket defenses and case dismissals, protecting clients from points, fines, and insurance consequences throughout South Florida.

5. TicketFit – Miami Red Light Specialists

TicketFit specializes in traffic ticket defense with particular expertise in red light violations throughout Miami-Dade County. The firm’s “No Points Guaranteed” approach demonstrates their confidence in achieving favorable outcomes for red light ticket clients.

The practice’s comprehensive understanding of Miami’s red light camera systems and enforcement procedures provides clients with local expertise and strategic advantages. Their experience includes successful challenges to camera evidence and intersection timing throughout the region.

TicketFit’s commitment to client service includes detailed case analysis and clear communication about defense options, ensuring clients understand their choices and potential outcomes for red light violations.

Understanding Red Light Violations in Florida

Red light violations in Florida typically carry three points on your driving record and fines that can exceed $200 when including court costs and fees. The automated nature of these violations creates unique defense opportunities related to camera accuracy, intersection timing, and photographic evidence.

Many red light violations can be successfully challenged through technical analysis of camera systems, intersection engineering, and enforcement compliance. Understanding these technical aspects requires specialized knowledge and experience that general traffic attorneys may lack.

Challenging Red Light Camera Evidence

Successful red light ticket defense often involves detailed technical analysis of camera footage, intersection timing, and equipment calibration. Common defense strategies include challenging yellow light duration, camera positioning, and photographic accuracy.

The attorneys listed above represent Florida’s most experienced red light ticket defense practitioners, each bringing specialized technical knowledge and proven track records to their clients’ cases. When facing red light violations, choosing experienced representation like Sulte Law Firm ensures you receive the technical expertise necessary to challenge these complex violations effectively.

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