A tragic Christmas night accident claimed the lives of a 63-year-old man and his dog after they were struck by multiple vehicles on East University Drive in Denton. The incident occurred around 7:00 PM on December 25, 2023, near the intersection of East University Drive and Ruddell Street. According to Denton Police Department reports, three vehicles were involved in the collision, with all drivers remaining at the scene and cooperating with authorities. The pedestrian, who was not using a designated crosswalk or sidewalk at the time of the incident, was transported to a local hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries. His companion dog was pronounced deceased at the scene. The westbound lanes of University Drive were closed for several hours as the Denton Police Department conducted a thorough investigation of the accident.

Location and Infrastructure

East University Drive is a major east-west arterial thoroughfare in Denton, serving as a primary connection between downtown Denton and residential areas to the east. The intersection with Ruddell Street is situated in a mixed commercial and residential area, approximately one mile east of the University of North Texas campus. This section of University Drive typically experiences moderate to heavy traffic volumes, particularly during evening hours. The corridor features multiple lanes in each direction with intermittent crosswalks and traffic signals. While designated pedestrian crossings exist along the route, some stretches have significant distances between protected crossing points.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Texas Transportation Code § 552.005, pedestrians are required to yield the right-of-way to vehicles when crossing at any point other than a marked crosswalk or unmarked crosswalk at an intersection. However, this does not absolve drivers of their duty to exercise due care for pedestrian safety. Texas maintains a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims arising from auto accidents. Potential compensation in such cases may include medical expenses, funeral costs, pain and suffering, and loss of companionship. Multiple-vehicle accidents can involve complex insurance considerations, including comparative negligence determinations under Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 33.001.

Related Resources

• Denton Police Department: Emergency (911), Non-emergency (940) 349-8181
• Texas Department of Transportation - Denton District: (940) 720-7700
• Denton County Medical Examiner's Office: (972) 434-8700
• Texas Department of Public Safety - Crash Reports: (512) 424-2000
• Denton County Victim Services: (940) 349-2970
• Texas State Law Library - Traffic Safety Resources
• Vision Zero Denton - Pedestrian Safety Initiative
• Texas Department of Transportation - Pedestrian Safety Campaign