Vehicle flees after striking motorcyclist on Grimes Crossing near Copperas Cove
December 26, 2025 | Copperas Cove, TX
Benny Ray Manning, a 63-year-old resident of Copperas Cove, lost his life in a hit-and-run incident involving his motorcycle on Dec. 26 in Coryell County.
What Happened in the Crash?
Benny Ray Manning, 63, of Copperas Cove, was killed in a hit-and-run motorcycle crash at Bea Powell Road and Grimes Crossing near Copperas Cove.
A vehicle struck Manning around 5 p.m. at the intersection of Bea Powell Road and Grimes Crossing, near Copperas Cove. The driver fled the scene, leaving Manning off the roadway beside his severely damaged motorcycle. A passerby discovered him, but he was pronounced dead at the location.
- Victim Details: Benny Ray Manning, 63, Copperas Cove motorcyclist
- Date and Time: Dec. 26, 2025, approximately 5 p.m.
- Location: Bea Powell Road and Grimes Crossing, Coryell County, Texas
- Vehicles Involved: Motorcycle and unidentified vehicle
- Outcome: Fatal hit-and-run, and victim deceased at scene
- Reporting Agency: Texas Department of Public Safety
Why Do Hit-and-Run Accidents Happen in Texas?
Hit-and-run incidents have surged in Texas, with crashes up 60% from 2009 to 2016, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Fatalities from these crashes rose more than 7% annually during that period, reaching 2,564 nationwide in 2020—a 26% jump from the year before. Factors include driver panic, lack of insurance, and distracted operation.
Year Range |
Hit-and-Run Crashes Increase |
Fatalities Trend |
Source |
|---|
2009-2016 |
60% in Texas |
+7% annually |
NHTSA |
2019-2020 |
Not available |
+26% nationwide |
NHTSA |
Ongoing Investigation Details
The Texas Department of Public Safety continues to investigate the circumstances leading to Manning's death. Authorities are seeking public tips to identify the fleeing vehicle and driver. Such cases highlight the need for thorough investigations into roadway safety violations.
Legal Insights
In cases such as this, families may pursue civil remedies alongside any criminal proceedings. Insights from national legal analysts underscore the importance of professional guidance.
“Separate from criminal charges, a victim’s family may be entitled to compensation through a civil lawsuit against the responsible party,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal. “In addition to the diligent work of law enforcement, an attorney can re-interview important witnesses, analyze any surveillance video from the scene of the crash and obtain phone and texting records of the liable party.”
Added Bond, national analyst for Newsline: “Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help compassionately guide families during this difficult time, protecting their rights while ensuring that drivers who don't obey traffic laws are held accountable.”
- Key Takeaways:
- Attorneys can secure evidence like witness statements and video footage to build strong cases.
- Civil suits may cover funeral costs, emotional distress, and loss of companionship.
- Hiring legal help prevents lowball insurance settlements and ensures fair compensation.
Pending investigation outcomes, Manning's family could file a wrongful death claim.
“It is vital for families of victims to hire an attorney when filing a wrongful death injury claim, which allows the attorney to negotiate with an insurance company on the behalf of a client,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “Insurance companies often try to pressure families of victims to settle for a quick payout for far less than the case is worth. However, an attorney will vigorously advocate for their clients to ensure that they are treated with respect and compensated fairly.”
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If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one in a hit-and-run, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free, no-obligation consultation.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline 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 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).