A tragic pedestrian accident claimed the life of a 4-year-old child Thursday afternoon in the parking lot of an apartment complex located in the 700 block of Interstate 35 North in New Braunfels, Texas. The incident occurred around 4:00 p.m. when the child was struck by a vehicle while in the apartment complex parking area. New Braunfels Police Department and Fire Department officers responded to the scene immediately, where they found the young victim suffering from serious injuries. Emergency responders attempted life-saving measures at the scene before transporting the child to Resolute Hospital in New Braunfels. Despite advanced life support procedures provided by medical personnel, the child was pronounced dead at the hospital. The New Braunfels Police Department Traffic Unit is currently investigating the incident. Additional details about the circumstances surrounding the accident, including information about the driver involved, have not been released as the investigation remains ongoing.

Location and Infrastructure

The accident occurred in the 700 block of Interstate 35 North, a busy commercial corridor in New Braunfels that features numerous businesses, apartment complexes, and retail establishments. This section of I-35 North runs through the eastern area of New Braunfels and serves as a major thoroughfare connecting the city to San Antonio and Austin. Interstate 35 North in this area has historically experienced various traffic incidents and safety concerns, with multiple apartment complexes and commercial properties directly accessing the highway frontage road. The corridor is located near the intersection of Interstate 35 North and Meadow Avenue, with nearby landmarks including various retail establishments and residential developments. The area experiences significant vehicle and pedestrian traffic due to the density of residential complexes and commercial activities. Apartment complex parking lots in this vicinity often accommodate residents, visitors, and delivery vehicles, creating environments where heightened vigilance is essential for both drivers and pedestrians navigating these spaces.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Texas law, parking lots are considered private property, but drivers still maintain a legal responsibility to operate their vehicles safely and exercise reasonable care. In pedestrian accidents involving vehicles in parking lots, drivers are typically held liable when they fail to maintain proper vigilance and control of their vehicles, particularly when striking pedestrians who have the right-of-way. Texas drivers are required to carry liability insurance to cover damages they cause, and victims of pedestrian accidents may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages through personal injury claims. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Texas is two years from the date of the incident, requiring prompt legal action to preserve rights. Property owners may also bear responsibility if poor lighting, inadequate signage, or other dangerous conditions contributed to the accident. Families affected by fatal pedestrian accidents may be entitled to pursue wrongful death claims to recover damages for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and other losses. Given the complexity of parking lot accident cases and the need to preserve evidence, consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney promptly is essential to protect legal rights and ensure proper investigation of all potentially liable parties.

Related Resources

Emergency Services:

• New Braunfels Police Department: (830) 221-4100
• New Braunfels Fire Department: (830) 221-4050
• Comal County Sheriff's Office: (830) 620-3400
• Resolute Hospital New Braunfels: (830) 312-7000

Traffic Safety Resources:

• Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) - San Antonio District: (210) 615-5600
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: www.nhtsa.gov
• Texas Department of Public Safety: www.dps.texas.gov

Support Services:

• Comal County Victim Services: (830) 221-1300
• Texas Crime Victims' Compensation Program: (512) 936-1200
• Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) South Texas: (210) 226-6233
• Grief counseling services through local mental health providers

Legal and Regulatory Information:

• Texas Transportation Code: www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us
• Texas Department of Insurance: www.tdi.texas.gov
• State Bar of Texas Lawyer Referral Service: (800) 252-9690
• Texas Court System Self-Help Resources: www.txcourts.gov