A 13-year-old boy is recovering from critical injuries after being struck by a vehicle in a hit-and-run incident in southwest Dallas. The collision occurred Sunday evening, just before 9 p.m., in the 2200 block of Wheatland Road, east of South Hampton Road. Bradley Daniels Jr. was walking with two other juveniles in the center median when one of them stepped into the far-left lane of traffic, at which point the driver, later identified as 46-year-old Jerome Walker, struck the boy and fled the scene without stopping to render aid. Dallas Police Department responded to the emergency, and Bradley was rushed to a local hospital with severe injuries including a fractured skull and multiple bone fractures. Initially in critical condition and heavily sedated, Bradley has since made significant progress, according to his parents. By Thursday, Walker had been arrested and charged with collision involving serious bodily injury after police used Flock license plate reader cameras to identify and locate him.

Location and Infrastructure

The incident occurred in the 2200 block of Wheatland Road, a major east-west thoroughfare in southwest Dallas that experiences substantial traffic volume, particularly during evening hours. This section of Wheatland Road, located east of South Hampton Road, features a center median where pedestrians sometimes walk, despite limited pedestrian infrastructure in the area. The roadway typically has multiple lanes in each direction with higher speed limits than residential streets, creating potential hazards for pedestrians attempting to cross. This corridor connects several residential neighborhoods to commercial areas and serves as a key connector between Highway 67 and Interstate 35E. The area where the accident occurred is near several community facilities and retail establishments that attract foot traffic, yet pedestrian crossing points are limited, potentially encouraging unsafe crossing behaviors, especially among younger residents navigating the area.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Texas Transportation Code Section 550.021, drivers involved in accidents resulting in injury or death must immediately stop and remain at the scene to render reasonable assistance and exchange information. Failure to do so, as alleged in this case, can result in felony charges carrying significant penalties. The family of an injured minor may pursue compensation through various legal avenues, including claims against the at-fault driver's insurance for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and long-term care needs. Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning compensation may be reduced if the injured party is found partially responsible, though this applies differently to minors. Additionally, claims involving minors typically have extended statutes of limitations, generally allowing legal action until two years after the child turns 18. However, evidence preservation is critical, so families should consult with a personal injury attorney promptly to protect their rights.

Related Resources

• Emergency Services: Dallas Fire-Rescue Department, Parkland Hospital Trauma Center
• Traffic Safety Resources: North Texas Traffic Safety Coalition, Texas Department of Transportation's "Be Safe. Drive Smart." campaign
• Victim Support Services: Dallas County Victim Services, Children's Health Trauma Support Program, Brain Injury Association of Texas
• Legal Information: Texas Transportation Code (Chapter 550), Texas Department of Insurance Consumer Protection Division, Dallas County District Attorney's Victim-Witness Program