A 39-year-old truck driver was struck and killed early Wednesday morning while changing a tire on the shoulder of Interstate 20 in Dallas County. According to the Dallas County Sheriff's Office, the crash occurred just after midnight when a passing vehicle struck the man as he worked on his truck along the roadway. The Dallas County Medical Examiner's Office identified the victim as Abel Zamudio Gamboa. Investigators initially sought a white or light-colored Chevy Express or GMC Savana van believed to have right-side damage from the collision. On Thursday afternoon, a business contacted the sheriff's office after noticing one of its company vans had damage matching the description released by investigators. The driver reportedly told her employer she believed she had hit a dog. Following an investigation by the Vehicle Crimes Unit, authorities obtained an arrest warrant for 28-year-old Elana Kaye Peronis. She was arrested without incident and booked into the Dallas County Jail on a charge of collision involving death. As of the latest update, no bond amount has been set, and it is unclear whether she has retained legal representation.

Location and Infrastructure

Interstate 20 is a major east-west freeway corridor running through Dallas County, carrying heavy volumes of both commuter and commercial truck traffic throughout the day and overnight hours. Shoulders along this stretch of highway are frequently used by drivers experiencing vehicle trouble, including tire changes and mechanical breakdowns, placing stranded motorists at risk from passing traffic, particularly in low-visibility, overnight conditions. High speeds, limited lighting in certain sections, and driver fatigue are recognized hazards on interstate shoulders statewide. Texas law requires motorists to move over or slow down when approaching stopped vehicles with hazard lights or emergency equipment activated, a rule commonly referred to as the "Move Over/Slow Down" law, designed specifically to protect individuals stopped on highway shoulders.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Texas law, leaving the scene of an accident involving death is a serious criminal offense, and a conviction can carry significant penalties. Beyond criminal proceedings, the victim's family may have grounds to pursue a civil wrongful death claim against the responsible party, which could involve the at-fault driver's personal insurance policy or, if applicable, an employer's commercial auto policy. Texas generally allows two years from the date of the incident to file a wrongful death lawsuit, though certain circumstances may affect this timeline. Potential compensation in such cases may include funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and other damages recognized under Texas wrongful death statutes. Families are encouraged to consult with a qualified legal professional to understand their specific rights and options.

Related Resources

• Dallas County Sheriff's Office – for updates on the investigation and case status
• Dallas County Medical Examiner's Office – for information regarding victim identification and records
• Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) – Move Over/Slow Down Law – overview of highway shoulder safety requirements
• Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) – state crash reporting and traffic safety information
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) – general roadway and pedestrian safety resources
• Crime Victims' Compensation Program (Texas Office of the Attorney General) – financial assistance resources for families affected by violent crime, including certain traffic-related offenses
• National Suicide Prevention & Crisis Support / Grief Counseling Resources – for families coping with sudden loss