Pedestrian Was Walking in Crosswalk When He Was Fatally Struck By Shuttle Bus
A pair of running shoes still on the road is a heart-breaking reminder of the dedicated medical professional killed in front of the hospital he had served for close to 33 years. 61 year-old Randal Dygert was crossing Harry Hines Boulevard near Medical District Drive on Friday just before 7 a.m. on Friday when he was struck by a shuttle bus dropping patients off at Parkland Memorial Hospital. The shuttle bus dragged the nurse 50 yards. He died instantly upon impact.
Another hospital employee who was also struck by the van was taken to Parkland Memorial Hospital in stable condition. Thankfully, she is expected to recover from her injuries.
The two employees were in or near the crosswalk when they were hit. However, they did not have the green light. But according to witnesses, around that time of the morning, the area is typically filled with pedestrians arriving to and leaving from work during the regular shift change.
Nurse “touched the lives of many employees and patients”
The death of the dedicated nurse is sure to impact not only his
family but also the thousands of patients he has helped over three decades. Hospital President and CEO Dr. Fred Cerise described Mr. Dygert
as “a long-time and much-beloved employee of Parkland Health &
Hospital System” in a statement to 5 NBC DFW. Mr. Cerise said that the nurse was, “well known throughout the system and touched the lives of many employees and patients.”
Investigation Begins; Lawsuit To Follow
Buses by Bill owns the bus and employs the driver involved in the horrific pedestrian accident.
The private Dallas-based company provides transportation on university
and corporate campuses and shuttle transportation consulting services,
according to its website. The company also boasts of satisfactory safety
ratings and below average accident statistics.
A civil lawsuit is certain to be filed against
the driver and the bus company over this needless death of this fine man. Considering the numbers of pedestrians
crossing back and forth at the time, that the driver failed to see them
seems nearly impossible — unless he was distracted by a phone call, text or Facebook.
Parkland Memorial Hospital has taken immediate action to ensure the
safety of pedestrians at the crash scene. A crossing guard is currently
directing traffic at the crosswalk area. Hospital officials indicate
plans to make the extra safety feature permanent during rush hours. Better late than never.
Get the Help You Need to Recover
Pedestrians have the right of way in designated crosswalks. Unfortunately, a
distracted, speeding or drunk driver may fail to stop and put your life
at risk. Berenson Law Firm
helps you recover from reckless drivers who ignore the rules of the
road. Call our office at 817.885.8000 or toll-free at 1-888-801-8585 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your pedestrian accident in the Dallas-Fort Worth community.