Student stopped at red light when a truck hit her vehicle from behind near Indiana Avenue
April 04, 2026 | Lubbock, TX
A 22-year-old Texas Tech University nursing student lost her life following a severe rear-end collision on campus involving a three-quarter-ton truck, as reported by the Texas Tech Police Department.
Jordyn Dabelstein, 22, died after a pickup truck struck her vehicle from behind at an intersection on the Texas Tech campus in Lubbock.
What Happened in the Crash?
The incident occurred when Jordyn Dabelstein was stopped at a red light at the intersection of Texas Tech Parkway and Indiana Avenue around 9:10 p.m. on a Saturday in April. A three-quarter-ton truck rear-ended her vehicle, resulting in catastrophic injuries, including a broken back in three places and a severed spinal cord.
- Date and Time: Saturday, April 4, at approximately 9:10 p.m.
- Location: Texas Tech Parkway and Indiana Avenue, Lubbock campus
- Vehicles Involved: Victim's car and a three-quarter-ton truck
- Immediate Aftermath: Dabelstein was rushed to a local hospital and placed on life support
- Outcome: She was pronounced dead on the following Tuesday
Family members shared in a GoFundMe fundraiser that Dabelstein was pursuing a degree to become a registered nurse. No details have been released about the truck driver or any potential charges, and the Texas Tech Police Department continues to investigate the crash.
Why Do Rear-End Collisions Like This Occur?
Rear-end crashes often stem from factors such as distracted driving, following too closely, or speeding, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). These incidents account for a significant portion of traffic fatalities nationwide.
Common Causes of Rear-End Collisions |
Percentage of Incidents (NHTSA Data) |
Source |
|---|
Distracted Driving |
25% |
NHTSA |
Tailgating (Following Too Closely) |
30% |
NHTSA |
Speeding |
15% |
NHTSA |
Impaired Driving |
10% |
NHTSA |
Other Factors (e.g., Weather) |
20% |
NHTSA |
This table highlights key contributors to such accidents, underscoring the need for vigilant driving practices. For more statistics, visit the NHTSA website.
Legal Insights on Motor Vehicle Crashes
In cases such as this, determining the precise cause of motor vehicle crashes is essential. National legal analysts emphasize the role of thorough investigations to support affected families.
“It is imperative to come to a determination of the exact cause of these types of accidents. An attorney has the resources to review applicable insurance coverage, hire witnesses, run background checks, and locate witnesses. We carefully guide the family of the victim through the process,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal.
Bond further noted that independent investigations help preserve vital evidence.
“In addition to a police report, an attorney will carefully review what may have contributed to the crash. A lawyer has the resources to hire witnesses, conduct drivers’ background checks, locate witnesses to the crash and review applicable insurance coverage. Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help guide an injury victim through what can be a complicated process.”
Pending results from the ongoing investigation, the family may pursue a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
"The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident," said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal.
- Key Takeaways:
- Independent investigations preserve evidence and clarify crash causes.
- Families may be eligible for wrongful death claims to address losses.
- Legal guidance ensures rights are protected throughout the process.
- Resources like background checks and witness location aid in building strong cases.
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If you or a family member has been affected by a similar incident, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation. Use the contact information provided on this page.
(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).