SAN MARCOS, Texas — Authorities are searching for the suspect in a fatal hit-and-run accident involving a pedestrian on May 3.
‘The San Marcos Police Department responded to the scene in the 4200 block of Texas 123 near Skylark Lane at 10:46 p.m.
A white pickup truck, believed to be an early 2000s Ford, struck a pedestrian and fled the scene before officers arrived. A second vehicle then hit the pedestrian but remained at the scene.
Michael Rucker, 33, suffered fatal injuries. Emergency responders pronounced him dead in the roadway. Officials recovered a right-side mirror part from the first vehicle, which featured a custom-painted rose design.
Investigators are working to identify the driver of the pickup truck. Authorities urge anyone with video footage or information to contact law enforcement.
Michael Rucker tragically killed in San Marcos pedestrian accident
CRASH INVESTIGATION
More than 2,850 people were killed by hit-and-run crashes in 2022 — a significant increase compared to earlier years. AAA reported that 2022 marked one of the deadliest years for hit-and-run incidents since the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration began compiling statistics on fatal motor vehicle crashes in 1975.
Candice Bond, an experienced hit-and-run accident attorney, said in cases such as this it is imperative to have an independent investigation conducted by a seasoned attorney in a timely manner to protect a victim’s rights.
“Having the proper resources is extremely important in order to investigate a hit-and-run accident case and prove negligence,” said Bond, a Managing Partner of Bond Legal. “Road conditions, signage visibility, and road lighting are all possible contributing factors that are considered and must thoroughly be examined. These procedures are necessary for helping someone who has lost a loved one at the hands of a hit-and-run driver receive the justice and monetary compensation that they deserve.”
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the results of the investigation, the family of Michael Rucker may be entitled to a wrongful death claim for funeral expenses, the loss of love and companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma.
“An incident is considered a wrongful death when either a person or entity commits a wrongful or negligent act resulting in a person’s death,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “When vehicle accident fatalities result from unsafe driving, aggressive or distracted driving, speeding, or driving under the influence, family members are usually left with the option to pursue a civil action against the responsible motorist.”
If you or a family member have been involved in a situation similar to this article and would like to speak to our national legal analyst Candice Bond free of charge, please use the contact information found on this page
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Accident Injury News can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-986-7738 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).
