Dallas, TX — September 18, 2024, One person was injured following a car accident that occurred at around 11:20 P.M. on Buckner Blvd.

According to reports, a pedestrian was on foot in the 3500 block of North Buckner Boulevard near Chenault Street, when they were struck by a vehicle that traveling southbound. It's unclear if the pedestrian was stationary or attempting the cross the street.

When first responders arrived they found that the pedestrian had sustained serious injuries and they were transported to the hospital for treatment. The vehicle fled the scene without rendering aid, and the identity of the pedestrian has not been released.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When a pedestrian is struck and the driver flees, the focus naturally shifts to finding who’s responsible. But while the hit-and-run is a serious failure on its own, the deeper concern is understanding how the crash happened in the first place—and whether it could have been avoided.

1. Did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash?
In situations like this, investigators should be working to reconstruct every detail: Was the pedestrian in the roadway, on the shoulder, or crossing? Did the vehicle show any signs of braking or evasive movement? Even without the driver on scene, physical evidence, witness statements, and camera footage can help establish what happened in those critical seconds. It’s not just about who fled—it’s about why there was a collision in the first place.

2. Has anyone looked into the possibility that a vehicle defect contributed to the crash?
If the driver left the scene, there’s a chance the vehicle wasn’t in proper working order. Failed headlights, faulty brakes, or malfunctioning safety systems could have played a role in the crash or in the driver’s decision to flee. If and when the vehicle is located, it should be thoroughly inspected—not just to confirm who was behind the wheel, but to uncover whether the vehicle itself contributed to the incident.

3. Has all the electronic and video data relating to the crash been collected?
With the driver gone, nearby surveillance footage becomes essential. Investigators should be checking for business, traffic, or residential cameras in the area that could capture the moment of impact or help track the fleeing vehicle. If the vehicle is found, onboard systems may provide data on speed, braking, and driver response—evidence that could confirm whether the crash was avoidable.

It’s not enough to hold someone accountable after the fact. The real work is in understanding what allowed the crash to happen—and whether it could have been prevented altogether.

Takeaways:

• Hit-and-run crashes require full reconstruction, not just a search for the driver.
• Vehicle defects may play a role in both the collision and the decision to flee.
• Surveillance footage and onboard data are critical to filling in the gaps.