18-Wheeler Rollover Crash on 610 South Loop at Buffalo Speedway: What Buffalo Drivers Need to Know About Their Rights

The Crash That Shut Down Houston: What Happened on February 17, 2026

Just before 11 a.m. on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, a three-vehicle crash involving an overturned recycling truck brought all westbound lanes of Houston’s 610 South Loop to a complete standstill at the Buffalo Speedway interchange. According to the Houston Police Department, the crash involved an overturned recycling truck in the main lanes—though thankfully, no fatalities were reported.

TranStar cameras captured the immediate aftermath, showing emergency crews working to clear the multivehicle crash. SkyEye aerial footage revealed the full scope of the incident, including the overturned recycling truck and the chaotic scene that unfolded on one of Houston’s busiest highways.

While officials confirmed no one died in the crash, the incident raises serious questions about trucking safety, corporate accountability, and the rights of Houston drivers caught in the crossfire of commercial vehicle negligence.

Here’s what we know—and what every Buffalo driver needs to understand about their rights after an 18-wheeler accident.

Who Is Liable? The Web of Responsibility in Trucking Accidents

In car accidents, liability is usually straightforward—one driver is typically at fault. But in 18-wheeler crashes, multiple parties can share responsibility, and identifying all liable entities is critical to securing full compensation.

Potential Liable Parties in This Incident

Based on the details available, the following parties may bear responsibility for the 610 South Loop rollover:

1. The Truck Driver

The driver is often the first line of liability. Common driver-related factors in rollovers include:
– Fatigue: Violating hours-of-service regulations (49 CFR § 395) to meet tight deadlines.
– Distraction: Using a cell phone, GPS, or dispatch device while driving (49 CFR § 392.82 prohibits hand-held phone use).
– Inexperience: Poor training on handling rollover risks, especially with unstable loads like recycling materials.
– Impairment: Drug or alcohol use (49 CFR § 392.4 and § 392.5 prohibit driving under the influence).

Key Evidence:
– ELD (Electronic Logging Device) Data: Shows driving hours and rest breaks. If the driver exceeded legal limits, this is strong evidence of negligence.
– Cell Phone Records: Can prove distraction at the time of the crash.
– Toxicology Reports: If impairment is suspected.

2. The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

Trucking companies are often the deepest pockets in these cases and can be held liable under multiple legal doctrines:

• Respondeat Superior: The employer is responsible for the driver’s actions within the scope of employment.
• Negligent Hiring: If the company failed to properly vet the driver’s qualifications, safety record, or training.
• Negligent Training: If the driver wasn’t adequately trained on rollover prevention, cargo securement, or Houston-specific driving challenges.
• Negligent Supervision: If the company failed to monitor the driver’s compliance with safety regulations.
• Negligent Maintenance: If poor vehicle upkeep contributed to the crash (e.g., brake failure, tire blowouts).

Key Evidence:
– Driver Qualification File (DQF): Required by 49 CFR § 391.51, this file must include the driver’s employment application, driving record, medical certification, and training records. Missing or incomplete files are red flags.
– Maintenance Records: Required by 49 CFR § 396.3, these records show whether the truck was properly inspected and repaired.
– Dispatch Records: Can reveal whether the company pressured the driver to meet unrealistic deadlines, leading to fatigue or speeding.

3. The Cargo Loading Company

Recycling trucks often use third-party loading companies. If the cargo was improperly secured or unevenly distributed, the loading company may share liability.

FMCSA Cargo Securement Violations (49 CFR § 393.100-136):
– Inadequate Tiedowns: Recycling loads require specific securement methods to prevent shifting.
– Overloading: Exceeding weight limits destabilizes the vehicle.
– Improper Load Distribution: Uneven weight distribution increases rollover risk.

Key Evidence:
– Loading Manifests: Show how the cargo was secured and distributed.
– Loading Company Policies: Reveal whether loaders were trained on proper securement techniques.

4. The Truck or Trailer Manufacturer

If a mechanical defect contributed to the rollover, the manufacturer may be liable under product liability law. Common defects include:
– Brake System Failures: Poorly designed or manufactured brakes can fail under stress.
– Suspension Issues: Faulty suspension can reduce stability.
– Tire Defects: Manufacturing defects can cause sudden blowouts.

Key Evidence:
– Black Box Data: The truck’s Electronic Control Module (ECM) records speed, brake application, and throttle position—critical for identifying mechanical failures.
– Recall History: If the truck or components were subject to recalls, this strengthens a defect claim.

5. Government Entities (If Applicable)

If road design or maintenance contributed to the crash, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) or Harris County may share liability. Common issues include:
– Inadequate Signage: Missing or unclear warnings about sharp curves.
– Poor Road Design: Dangerous curve banking or lack of runaway truck ramps.
– Debris or Hazards: Uncleared debris or potholes that caused the driver to swerve.

Key Evidence:
– Prior Accident Reports: If similar crashes occurred at this location, it suggests a known hazard.
– Road Maintenance Records: Show whether TxDOT or Harris County failed to address known issues.

The Injuries You Don’t See: Why “No One Died” Doesn’t Mean “No One Was Hurt”

The Houston Police Department confirmed that no one died in this crash—a relief for all involved. But the absence of fatalities doesn’t mean the absence of serious injuries. In trucking accidents, many injuries aren’t immediately apparent, and some can have lifelong consequences.

Common Hidden Injuries in Rollover Crashes

Why This Matters:
Insurance companies often downplay injuries that aren’t immediately visible. They may pressure victims to accept quick settlements before the full extent of their injuries is known. Never accept a settlement without consulting an attorney first.

Why You Need an Attorney Who Knows Trucking Law

Trucking accident cases are not like car accident cases. They involve:
– Complex federal regulations (FMCSA, 49 CFR)
– Multiple liable parties (driver, trucking company, cargo loader, manufacturer)
– Massive insurance policies ($750,000 to $5 million or more)
– Aggressive defense tactics (rapid-response teams, spoliation, lowball settlements)

You need an attorney who:
✅ Has 25+ years of experience fighting trucking companies (Ralph Manginello has been doing this since 1998).
✅ Understands FMCSA regulations inside and out.
✅ Knows how to preserve critical evidence before it’s destroyed.
✅ Has federal court experience (Ralph is admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas).
✅ Includes a former insurance defense attorney on staff (Lupe Peña knows exactly how insurers try to minimize claims).
✅ Has a proven track record of multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements.

The Role of FMCSA Enforcement in Your Case

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates the trucking industry through a system of inspections, violations, and safety ratings. A trucking company’s history of violations can be powerful evidence in your case.

Common FMCSA Violations in Rollover Crashes

How We Use FMCSA Data in Your Case

1. Obtain the Carrier’s Safety Record:
   – We pull the trucking company’s Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) scores from the FMCSA’s Safety Measurement System (SMS).
   – We review their inspection history and out-of-service rates.

2. Identify Patterns of Negligence:
   – If the company has a history of cargo securement violations, this strengthens your case.
   – If the driver has prior violations, this can prove negligent hiring.

3. Use Violations to Prove Negligence:
   – Violating FMCSA regulations is evidence of negligence under the legal doctrine of negligence per se.
   – This means the trucking company is automatically considered negligent if they violated a safety regulation.

The Bottom Line: What You Should Do Right Now

If you or a loved one were involved in the 610 South Loop rollover crash—or any 18-wheeler accident in Buffalo—here’s what you need to do immediately:

1. Seek Medical Attention

Even if you feel fine, see a doctor. Many injuries don’t show symptoms right away.

2. Document Everything

• Take photos of your injuries, vehicle damage, and the accident scene.
• Get the names and contact information of witnesses.
• Obtain a copy of the police report.

3. Do NOT Talk to the Trucking Company’s Insurance

Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize your claim. Do not give a recorded statement or sign anything without consulting an attorney first.

4. Preserve Evidence

• If you have dashcam footage, save it.
• If you have photos or videos from the scene, back them up.
• Keep all medical records and bills.

5. Contact an 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney Immediately

The sooner you contact an attorney, the better. At Attorney911, we:
– Send spoliation letters to preserve critical evidence.
– Investigate the crash to identify all liable parties.
– Handle all communications with insurance companies.
– Calculate the full value of your damages.
– Fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions About Buffalo Trucking Accidents

1. How much is my Buffalo trucking accident case worth?

Every case is unique, but trucking accident cases typically settle for hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars, depending on:
– The severity of your injuries.
– Your medical expenses (past and future).
– Your lost wages and earning capacity.
– Your pain and suffering.
– The degree of the trucking company’s negligence.

Example Settlements:
– Soft Tissue Injuries: $15,000 – $60,000
– Herniated Disc (Surgery Required): $346,000 – $1,205,000
– Traumatic Brain Injury: $1,548,000 – $9,838,000+
– Spinal Cord Injury (Paraplegia): $4,770,000 – $25,880,000+
– Wrongful Death: $1,910,000 – $9,520,000+

2. How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Buffalo?

In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is 2 years from the date of the accident. However, you should never wait. Evidence disappears quickly, and the sooner you contact an attorney, the stronger your case will be.

3. What if the truck driver says I was at fault?

Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means:
– If you were less than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
– If you were 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover anything.

Example: If you were 20% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you would recover $80,000.

4. What if the trucking company offers me a quick settlement?

Never accept a quick settlement without consulting an attorney first. Insurance companies offer quick settlements because they know the full extent of your injuries isn’t yet apparent. Once you accept a settlement, you waive your right to additional compensation, even if your injuries worsen.

5. Can I sue the trucking company even if the driver was an independent contractor?

Yes. Even if the driver was an independent contractor, the trucking company may still be liable under:
– Negligent Hiring: If they failed to properly vet the driver.
– Negligent Training: If they failed to train the driver on safety regulations.
– Negligent Supervision: If they failed to monitor the driver’s compliance with safety rules.

6. What if the trucking company goes bankrupt?

Many trucking companies carry excess insurance policies that provide additional coverage beyond their primary policy. Additionally, other liable parties (like the cargo loader or manufacturer) may have their own insurance.

7. How long will my case take to resolve?

Most cases settle within 6-18 months, but complex cases can take 2-3 years or longer. Factors that affect the timeline include:
– The severity of your injuries.
– The complexity of the case.
– Whether the trucking company is willing to settle.
– Court backlogs.

8. Will my case go to trial?

Most cases settle out of court, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This gives us leverage in settlement negotiations. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we’re prepared to take your case to trial.

9. What if I don’t have health insurance?

We can connect you with attorney-approved doctors who will treat you under a Letter of Protection (LOP). This means they’ll get paid from your settlement, not out of your pocket.

10. How much will hiring an attorney cost me?

At Attorney911, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means:
– You pay nothing upfront.
– We advance all costs of investigation and litigation.
– You pay nothing unless we win your case.
– Our fee comes from the settlement, not your pocket.

What Buffalo Drivers Need to Know About Trucking Safety

1. Buffalo’s Most Dangerous Trucking Corridors

Buffalo’s highways are some of the busiest in Texas, with heavy truck traffic on:
– I-10: A major east-west freight corridor connecting Buffalo to Houston, San Antonio, and beyond.
– I-45: A critical north-south route serving Buffalo’s industrial and port areas.
– US-59/I-69: A busy route connecting Buffalo to the Gulf Coast.
– Buffalo Speedway and other local highways: Where trucks and passenger vehicles mix in tight spaces.

These corridors are high-risk zones for trucking accidents.

2. The Most Common Trucking Violations in Buffalo

Based on our experience, these are the most common FMCSA violations we see in Buffalo trucking accidents:
– Hours of Service Violations: Drivers exceeding legal driving limits due to pressure from trucking companies.
– Cargo Securement Violations: Improperly secured loads shifting during transit.
– Brake System Violations: Poorly maintained brakes failing under stress.
– Tire Violations: Worn or underinflated tires blowing out.
– Driver Qualification Violations: Companies hiring unqualified or inexperienced drivers.

3. How to Protect Yourself on Buffalo’s Highways

• Avoid Blind Spots: If you can’t see the truck’s mirrors, the driver can’t see you.
• Don’t Cut Off Trucks: Trucks need much more distance to stop than cars.
• Be Cautious at Intersections: Trucks make wide turns and may swing into your lane.
• Give Trucks Space: Maintain a safe following distance—at least 4 seconds behind a truck.
• Watch for Rollover Risks: Be extra cautious near curves, ramps, and construction zones.

Additional Resources

Learn More About Trucking Accidents

• The Victim’s Guide to 18-Wheeler Accident Injuries
• Can I Sue for Being Hit by a Semi Truck?
• The Definitive Guide To Commercial Truck Accidents

Understanding Your Rights After an Accident

• I’ve Had an Accident — What Should I Do First?
• What to Do After a Car Accident?
• What Should You Not Say to an Insurance Adjuster?

The Legal Process Explained

• What Is the Process for a Personal Injury Claim?
• How Long Does It Take to Get a Personal Injury Settlement?
• Will Your Personal Injury Case Go to Trial?

This is Attorney911’s original expert analysis of the 610 South Loop rollover crash. We are Buffalo’s trucking accident attorneys, and we’re here to fight for you.