Vehicle struck a pedestrian in the 8600 block, leaving one dead
April 10, 2026 | Fort Worth, TX
Authorities have taken a 36-year-old man into custody after a hit-and-run incident claimed the life of 27-year-old pedestrian Matthew Hajar in Fort Worth.
Matthew Hajar, 27, died after being struck by a vehicle in a hit-and-run on Camp Bowie West Boulevard in Tarrant County.
What Happened in the Crash?
Fort Worth Police Department officers responded to reports of a collision in the 8600 block of Camp Bowie West Boulevard at approximately 6:25 a.m. on April 10. Upon arrival, they discovered Hajar with severe injuries, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
- Victim: Matthew Hajar, 27 years old
- Location: 8600 block of Camp Bowie West Boulevard, Fort Worth, TX
- Time: Around 6:25 a.m.
- Suspect: Roger Fernandez, 36 years old, arrested and charged with collision involving death
- Custody: Booked into Tarrant County jail
- Investigation Status: Ongoing, and no details have been released on factors like speed or impairment
The incident involved a vehicle striking the pedestrian before the driver fled the scene, prompting a hit-and-run investigation.
Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Like This Occur?
Pedestrian fatalities remain a pressing issue on U.S. roadways, often stemming from driver inattention, poor visibility, or infrastructure shortcomings. Staying vigilant and adhering to traffic laws can prevent many such tragedies.
According to a report from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), pedestrian deaths surged in recent years, with 3,304 fatalities recorded in the first half of 2024 alone—a 48% increase from a decade prior. Source.
Statistic |
Value |
Source |
|---|
Pedestrian Fatalities (First Half 2024) |
3,304 |
GHSA |
Increase from 2014 |
48% |
GHSA |
Annual U.S. Pedestrian Deaths (Average) |
About 7,500 |
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) |
Common Causes |
Driver distraction (25%), Speeding (20%), Impairment (15%) |
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) |
Legal Insights on Pedestrian Crash Investigations
In cases such as this involving motor vehicle crashes, thorough investigations are crucial to establishing accountability and supporting affected families.
“Having the proper resources is extremely important to investigate a pedestrian accident case and prove negligence,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal.
Bond emphasized the role of examining road conditions, signage, and lighting to identify contributing factors.
“Road conditions, signage visibility, and road lighting are all possible contributing factors that are considered and must be thoroughly examined. These procedures are necessary for helping those who have lost a loved one receive the justice that they deserve,” added Bond, a national legal analyst for Newsline.
She also highlighted the value of accident reconstruction teams in piecing together circumstances to aid in securing compensation for damages or losses.
Key takeaways from legal perspectives on such incidents:
- Negligence Proof: Requires detailed analysis of environmental and driver factors.
- Resource Needs: Professionals like reconstruction teams ensure accurate fault determination.
- Compensation Goals: Aims to cover medical, funeral, and emotional damages fairly.
Potential Wrongful Death Claims in Pedestrian Incidents
Families impacted by these tragedies may pursue wrongful death claims to seek redress.
“It is almost always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal.
Formica noted that such claims can address loss of income, companionship, pain and suffering, funeral costs, and emotional distress.
“Family members of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of income and companionship, pain and suffering, funeral expenses, and emotional distress following a tragic or catastrophic accident,” said Formica.
Attorneys play a vital role in navigating insurance pressures and advocating for equitable settlements during difficult times.
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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).