Truck strikes man walking near James Acres Road early in the morning
December 31, 2025 | Hindsville, AR
A 57-year-old resident of Hindsville, Arkansas, lost his life in a pedestrian accident on Dec. 28 along U.S. Highway 412.
Authorities from the Arkansas Department of Public Safety confirmed the details of the incident.
David Thomas, 57, of Hindsville, died after stepping into eastbound traffic on U.S. Highway 412 and being hit by a 2019 Ford F-250 at James Acres Road.
What Happened in the Crash?
David Thomas was walking near James Acres Road at approximately 6:55 a.m. when he stepped into the eastbound lanes of U.S. 412. He was struck by a 2019 Ford F-250 pickup truck, resulting in fatal injuries. Thomas was pronounced dead at the scene.
The collision highlights the risks pedestrians encounter on busy highways, especially during early morning hours with limited visibility.
- Date and Time: Dec. 28, 2025, at 6:55 a.m.
- Location: U.S. Highway 412 at James Acres Road, Hindsville, AR
- Victim: David Thomas, 57, of Hindsville
- Vehicle Involved: 2019 Ford F-250 pickup truck
- Weather Conditions: Cloudy skies, dry roadway
- Driver Information: Not released by authorities
- Investigation Status: Ongoing by state troopers
Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Like This Occur?
Pedestrian crashes often stem from a mix of environmental factors, driver behavior, and infrastructure challenges. Common contributors include poor lighting, distracted driving, and failure to yield. In this case, investigators are examining road conditions, visibility, and other elements to determine the exact cause.
Pedestrian Safety Statistics
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), pedestrian fatalities have risen alarmingly in recent years. In 2022, 7,522 pedestrians died in traffic incidents nationwide—the highest since 1981—representing about 17% of all traffic deaths.
Year |
Pedestrian Fatalities |
Percentage of Total Traffic Deaths |
Source |
|---|
2022 |
7,522 |
17% |
NHTSA |
2021 |
7,388 |
16% |
NHTSA |
2020 |
6,694 |
15% |
NHTSA |
This data underscores the urgent need for enhanced safety measures on U.S. roadways, including better crosswalks and awareness campaigns.
Legal Insights
Newsline's national legal analysts provide perspective on incidents involving pedestrians and vehicles, emphasizing the importance of thorough investigations.
“Road conditions, visibility, and lighting are all possible contributing factors considered and examined,” said Candice Bond, managing partner with Bond Legal. “In cases such as this, an accident reconstruction team is sometimes needed to help piece together what happened. These resources are necessary for helping clients receive monetary compensation for damages or a loss following a collision.”
Key takeaways from analyst insights:
- Drivers must always yield to pedestrians, as it is their primary duty to ensure safety.
- Families may pursue claims for wrongful death, covering loss of income, companionship, pain and suffering, funeral costs, and emotional distress.
- Insurance companies may push for quick settlements below fair value, and legal representation ensures fair treatment and maximum compensation.
- Compassionate guidance from attorneys helps families navigate this challenging period while safeguarding their rights.
“It is almost always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal. “In cases such as this, family members may seek damages for the profound effects of such tragedies.”
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Candice Bond, national legal analyst for Newsline, has extensive experience with fatal pedestrian accidents. If you or a loved one needs help, she offers free consultations.
(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).