Vehicle struck tow truck driver near Ray Ellison Drive
February 16, 2026 | San Antonio, TX
A devastating hit-and-run crash left a young father of six with life-altering injuries early on Feb. 16.
Julian Ramirez, 24, was severely injured in a hit-and-run while working as a tow truck driver on Loop 410 near Ray Ellison Drive in San Antonio.
What Happened in the Crash?
Julian Ramirez, 24, was performing his duties as a tow truck driver around 1:13 a.m. when a vehicle struck him on Loop 410 near Ray Ellison Drive in the Medina Base area. The at-fault driver fled the scene, leaving Ramirez critically hurt.
Key details include:
- Location: Loop 410 near Ray Ellison Drive, San Antonio
- Date and Time: Feb. 16, approximately 1:13 a.m.
- Victim: Julian Ramirez, 24, father of six
- Vehicle Involved: Tow truck and unidentified fleeing vehicle
- Agency: San Antonio Police Department is investigating
Ramirez sustained severe trauma, including a broken pelvis, fractured ribs, skull fracture, torn colon, orbital and nasal fractures. While hospitalized, he experienced strokes on both sides of his brain and brainstem damage, leading to the amputation of his leg at the hip. A GoFundMe campaign has been established to assist his family with mounting medical costs.
Authorities are actively pursuing leads to identify and apprehend the suspect.
Why Do Hit-and-Run Crashes Occur?
Hit-and-run incidents represent a significant road safety concern across the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 2,000 hit-and-run crashes occur daily, contributing to thousands of injuries and fatalities annually.
Common factors include:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Operating without a valid license
- Fear of legal repercussions, such as outstanding warrants
Factor |
Contribution to Hit-and-Runs |
Source |
|---|
Intoxication |
25% of cases involve impaired drivers fleeing |
NHTSA |
Unlicensed Driving |
Approximately 15% of incidents |
FBI Crime Data |
Fear of Arrest |
Suspects often panic and leave the injured parties |
CDC Road Safety Reports |
Data highlights the urgency for thorough investigations to hold perpetrators accountable.
Legal Insights
In hit-and-run cases like this, securing justice requires prompt and detailed examination. Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal and a national analyst with Newsline, emphasizes the need for independent investigations.
“Having the proper resources is extremely important to investigate a hit-and-run accident case and prove negligence,” Bond stated. “Road conditions, signage visibility, and road lighting are all possible contributing factors that are considered and must be examined. These procedures are necessary for helping someone who has been injured at the hands of a hit-and-run driver receive the justice and monetary compensation that they deserve.”
Key takeaways:
- Independent investigations protect victims' rights from the outset
- Factors like poor visibility or road hazards must be evaluated
- Victims may pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain
Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal, addresses the broader impacts of such injuries.
“The stress and worry following a serious injury can be overwhelming, disrupting all aspects of life, including family, work, finances, and overall quality of life,” Formica noted. “Although no amount of money can make up for a devastating injury, it is important that a victim is made aware of their rights and what they are entitled to by law. The injured victim in this collision may be entitled to an injury claim, and they may seek recovery for damages including medical expenses, future medical care, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma.”
When apprehended, the fleeing driver will face criminal charges for leaving the scene.
How Can Victims Seek Justice?
Personal injury claims offer a pathway for recovery in motor vehicle crashes. Newsline, as a premier digital news platform owned by Belsito Communications, Inc., upholds rigorous editorial standards with an unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity and editorial excellence.
For more on our processes, visit our Editorial Policy and Corrections Policy, which guarantees a 24-hour review for any concerns.
(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)
Newsline - is your trusted source for legal news and accident reports, delivering timely updates to keep you informed.
If you, a friend, or a family member has been injured by a hit-and-run or drunk driver, contact national legal analyst Candice Bond for a free 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).