A significant traffic incident occurred on eastbound Interstate 20 at Mountain Creek Parkway in Dallas involving a Dallas County Sheriff's deputy squad car and a pedestrian who sustained a leg injury. According to the Dallas County Sheriff's Office, the collision involved a deputy who was evaluated by Dallas Fire-Rescue personnel. The pedestrian suffered a leg injury during the accident, though the Sheriff's Office did not disclose further details about the condition of those involved. Emergency responders worked to secure the scene, causing significant traffic impacts in the area. The incident forced authorities to advise motorists to use alternate routes while first responders handled the collision. The crash highlights ongoing safety concerns at major interstate interchanges in the Dallas metropolitan area, particularly where high-speed vehicular traffic intersects with pedestrian activity. The involvement of a law enforcement vehicle adds an additional layer of complexity to the investigation and potential liability determinations.

Location and Infrastructure

The intersection of Interstate 20 and Mountain Creek Parkway represents a critical transportation hub in southwest Dallas, with Mountain Creek Parkway carrying approximately 4,870 vehicles per day. This area has become home to major corporations including Cummins Engine, Kimberly Clark, Ulta, Chewy.com, Niagara Water, and Costco, making it a significant commercial and industrial zone. The interstate corridor features excellent access to I-20, I-30, Loop 12, and I-35E, creating a complex network of high-speed roadways that can present challenges for pedestrian safety. The Mountain Creek area attracts labor from Arlington, Grand Prairie, and southern Dallas and Tarrant counties, contributing to heavy commuter traffic patterns. The location's proximity to Mountain Creek Lake and the Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery means the area sees both commercial and recreational foot traffic. The I-20 corridor in this area features significant elevation changes, including what locals refer to as a prominent hill formation that has historically created visibility challenges for drivers.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Texas fault-based insurance law, the party responsible for causing a pedestrian-vehicle collision will be held liable for the victim's injuries, bills, and losses. Texas Transportation Code Section 552.008 requires all drivers to exercise due care to avoid colliding with pedestrians on the roadway, while Section 552.003 mandates that vehicle operators stop and yield right-of-way to pedestrians crossing in crosswalks. Texas operates under a modified comparative fault system, meaning injured pedestrians can still recover damages even if partially at fault, provided their fault does not exceed 50 percent. Compensation may be reduced by the pedestrian's percentage of fault in the incident. Pedestrian accident victims may be entitled to economic damages including medical expenses and lost wages, non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, and in cases of egregious conduct, punitive damages. Texas law requires pedestrian accident claims to be filed within two years from the accident date. Given the involvement of a law enforcement vehicle, additional considerations may apply regarding governmental immunity and specific procedures for claims against public entities.

Related Resources

Emergency Services:

• Dallas Fire-Rescue: (214) 670-4321
• Dallas County Sheriff's Office: (214) 589-2343
• Dallas Police Department: (214) 671-3001

Traffic Safety Resources:

• Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Dallas District: (214) 320-6100
• Dallas Department of Transportation: (214) 670-3222
• North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG): (817) 695-9240

Support Services:

• Dallas Area Agency on Aging (victim support): (214) 208-1000
• Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas: (214) 748-1234
• Texas Crime Victim Clearinghouse: (512) 936-1200

Legal and Regulatory Information:

• Texas Transportation Code (Pedestrian Laws): Texas Statutes
• Dallas County District Attorney's Office: (214) 653-3600
• State Bar of Texas Lawyer Referral Service: (800) 252-9690
• Texas Department of Insurance: (800) 252-3439