San Antonio, TX — January 12, 2025, a man was killed in a pedestrian versus hit-and-run truck accident at approximately 3:30 a.m. along Interstate Highway 35.

According to authorities, the accident took place on I.H. 35 in the vicinity of Alamo Road.

Pedestrian Killed in Hit-and-Run Truck Accident on I.H. 35 in San Antonio, TX

The cause of the accident remains unclear. Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, a man who had been on foot in the area was struck by an 18-wheeler. The truck allegedly fled the scene, the person(s) inside failing to stop and render aid of any sort to the victim.

The man suffered fatal injuries due to the collision, reports state, and 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.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When a pedestrian is struck and killed by an 18-wheeler, the key question isn’t just what happened, but why it happened. In my experience handling truck accident cases, crashes like this often have multiple contributing factors that need to be examined.

Why was the pedestrian on the highway? Highways are designed for fast-moving traffic, not for pedestrians. Was the man stranded after a vehicle breakdown? Was he trying to cross the roadway? Investigators should determine why he was in the area and whether any external factors—such as road design or the availability of safe crossings—played a role.

Did the truck driver know they hit someone? In hit-and-run cases involving commercial trucks, it’s sometimes argued that the driver was unaware of the collision. While it’s possible in certain circumstances, large trucks have significant blind spots, and a driver may not always feel the impact of a pedestrian collision. Investigators should examine dashcam footage, physical evidence from the truck (if located), and any witness statements to determine whether the driver should have been aware of the crash.

How difficult will it be to track down the truck? People often assume hit-and-run trucks are nearly impossible to identify, but that’s rarely the case. Most commercial trucks are part of fleets with GPS tracking and electronic logging devices (ELDs) that record their movements. Surveillance cameras, witness accounts, and damage to the truck itself can also help narrow down potential suspects. Investigators should use these tools to determine which truck was involved.

Did broader issues contribute to the crash? Trucking companies are responsible for ensuring their drivers follow all regulations, including stopping to render aid when an accident occurs. If the company allowed a driver with a history of reckless behavior to stay on the road, ignored hours-of-service violations, or created an environment where drivers felt pressured to avoid delays at all costs, that could be relevant to understanding why this crash happened. Investigators should review company policies, driver history, and past safety violations to determine whether broader issues played a role.

At the end of the day, the most important thing is finding answers. Even if it takes an independent investigation to gather the right evidence, it’s critical to examine every factor to ensure those affected by the accident get the clarity and closure they deserve.

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