A 30-year-old New Braunfels man was killed after being struck by a flatbed truck on June 5, 2026, along the Interstate 35 frontage road in New Braunfels.
According to the New Braunfels Police Department, officers and emergency personnel responded at approximately 8:35 a.m. to the 1100 block of Interstate 35 North on the southbound frontage road just south of Loop 337 and Highway 46 South.
Investigators reported that the victim was walking on the sidewalk when a flatbed truck exited a nearby business and turned onto the frontage road. During that maneuver, the truck struck the pedestrian.
The victim suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities stated that the truck driver, a 43-year-old New Braunfels resident, remained at the scene and is not currently facing criminal charges.
The New Braunfels Police Department Traffic Unit conducted a full investigation and traffic reconstruction. The roadway remained closed for approximately three hours while investigators processed the scene.
The incident remains under investigation.
Commercial Vehicles and Pedestrian Safety
Collisions between commercial vehicles and pedestrians are among the most severe traffic incidents because pedestrians have little protection from the force of impact.
Flatbed trucks present unique visibility challenges. Drivers leaving commercial properties must monitor vehicle traffic, sidewalks, driveways, and pedestrians simultaneously while maneuvering larger vehicles into traffic. Even a low-speed impact can cause fatal injuries when a pedestrian is struck by a commercial truck.
This tragic incident highlights the risks associated with a pedestrian accident involving a large commercial vehicle.
Business Entrances and Driveways Can Become Conflict Points
Many serious pedestrian collisions occur where commercial driveways intersect with sidewalks and frontage roads. Drivers entering public roadways must watch for approaching traffic while also ensuring that pedestrians are not crossing in front of the vehicle.
Investigators will likely examine sight lines, traffic controls, signage, vehicle positioning, and whether the pedestrian was visible as the truck exited the business.
What Evidence May Help Determine What Happened
Because the collision occurred near a business entrance, investigators may have access to multiple sources of information.
Potential evidence may include physical roadway markings, vehicle damage, witness accounts, and any available surveillance footage from nearby businesses.
Investigators may also review witness testimony from individuals who observed the truck leaving the property or saw the pedestrian immediately before the collision.
The official accident report and findings from the department’s traffic reconstruction unit may provide additional details as the investigation progresses.
Understanding Liability in Commercial Vehicle Cases
The fact that criminal charges have not been filed does not necessarily resolve questions regarding civil liability. Civil investigations often focus on different issues and standards than criminal proceedings.
Depending on the facts, investigators and attorneys may examine issues involving vicarious liability if the truck driver was acting within the scope of employment at the time of the collision.
Questions regarding negligent hiring, driver training, supervision, or company safety practices may also become relevant depending on what the investigation reveals.
Legal Rights Available to Surviving Family Members
When a fatal collision occurs, Texas law may allow certain surviving family members to pursue compensation arising from the loss of a loved one.
A wrongful death claim may seek recovery for losses suffered by family members, including emotional and financial harms.
In addition, a survival claim may allow recovery for damages that belonged to the deceased individual prior to death.
Depending on the circumstances, damages may include loss of companionship, loss of consortium, and other legally recoverable losses.
Contact a Wrongful Death Attorney
Fatal pedestrian accidents involving commercial vehicles often require a detailed investigation into driver conduct, company practices, roadway conditions, and available evidence. Prompt action can help preserve important records and information.
Spagnoletti Law Firm represents families who have lost loved ones in serious vehicle and commercial transportation accidents. Our personal injury attorneys work to determine what happened, identify responsible parties, and pursue accountability where appropriate.
We handle these matters on a contingency fee basis. If your family has suffered the loss of a loved one, contact Spagnoletti Law Firm at 713-804-9306 for a confidential consultation. You can also contact us online to discuss your legal rights and available options.