Perez was pinned between two vehicles in school pickup line near Crockett Elementary School
January 13, 2026 | Wichita Falls, TX
A 70-year-old grandmother lost her life in a devastating pedestrian accident while heading to pick up her grandchild near Crockett Elementary School in Wichita Falls.
Mary Perez, 70, died after being pinned between two vehicles while walking near Crockett Elementary School at Arthur Street and Seymour Road in Wichita Falls.
What Happened in the Crash?
Police reports indicate that Mary Perez was walking in a pickup line between two vehicles near the intersection of Arthur Street and Seymour Road when the vehicles suddenly moved forward. The driver of one vehicle stated that she intended to brake but accidentally pressed the accelerator, resulting in Perez being pinned between the cars. Emergency responders rushed Perez to a local hospital, where she was later pronounced deceased.
Other individuals involved in the incident sustained minor injuries and received medical attention. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
- Date of Incident: Jan. 13
- Location: Arthur Street and Seymour Road, Wichita Falls, Texas
- Victim: Mary Perez, 70 years old
- Injuries: Fatal for Perez, minor for other drivers
- Investigation Status: Ongoing by local police
Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Like This Occur?
Pedestrian incidents in Texas have seen a significant increase, with fatalities rising 22 percent from 2019 to 2023, according to data from the Texas Department of Transportation. While these crashes represent only about one percent of all traffic collisions, they account for 19 percent of roadway fatalities during that period. In 2023, the state reported 5,924 pedestrian-involved accidents, leading to 808 deaths and 1,457 serious injuries.
Common contributing factors include:
- Speeding by drivers
- Driver inattention or error
- Distracted driving, such as phone use
- Impaired driving due to alcohol or drugs
Year Range |
Pedestrian Crashes |
Fatalities |
Serious Injuries |
Source |
|---|
2019-2023 |
About 30,000 total (est.) |
808 (2023 alone) |
1,457 (2023) |
Texas Department of Transportation |
National Trend |
22% increase in TX fatalities |
19% of all road deaths |
NHTSA data aligns |
Federal Highway Administration |
Legal Insights
In situations involving pedestrian accidents, thorough investigations are crucial to determine liability and support affected families. National legal analyst highlights the importance of detailed examinations.
“Having the proper resources is extremely important to investigate a pedestrian accident case and prove negligence,” said Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal. “Road conditions, signage visibility, and road lighting are all possible contributing factors that are considered and must thoroughly be examined. These procedures are necessary for helping those who have lost a loved one receive the justice and monetary compensation that they deserve.”
Key takeaways from such analyses include:
- Independent investigations can uncover hidden factors like poor visibility or vehicle malfunctions.
- Families may pursue claims for loss of companionship, emotional distress, and financial support.
- Prompt legal consultation ensures rights are protected during official inquiries.
Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal, emphasizes the emotional toll on relatives.
“We understand just what families are forced to go through, and having their rights protected is vital,” said Formica. “A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that their best interests are taken care of.”
The family of Mary Perez may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim, seeking compensation for grief, suffering, and other damages resulting from the loss.
How Can Families Seek Justice After a Pedestrian Crash?
Relatives of victims in catastrophic accidents often benefit from experienced guidance to navigate investigations and claims. Newsline recommends consulting professionals familiar with local laws to explore options promptly.
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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).