Deadly Colorado Pileup: How High Winds and Dust Storms Create Catastrophic Trucking Accidents on El Paso Highways

When the Wind Steals Visibility, Trucks Become Deadly Weapons

The wind howled across the Southwestern plains on February 17, 2026, carrying more than just dust—it carried death. On Interstate 25 near Pueblo, Colorado, a “brownout” descended, turning the highway into a deathtrap. Visibility dropped to near-zero as dirt and debris swirled in the air. In those moments, more than 30 vehicles collided in a catastrophic pileup. Four people lost their lives. More than two dozen were injured. The Colorado State Patrol called it a “brownout”—a term that doesn’t begin to capture the horror of what happened.

But here’s what you need to know: this wasn’t just a Colorado tragedy. The same conditions that created this disaster exist right here in El Paso. The same winds that turned I-25 into a killing zone regularly sweep across West Texas. The same dust storms that blinded drivers in Colorado reduce visibility to a quarter-mile on El Paso’s highways. And the same trucking companies that failed to protect their drivers—and the public—from these known hazards operate on our roads every single day.

If you’ve ever driven on I-10 through El Paso when the wind kicks up, you’ve felt it. The sudden loss of visibility. The way your car seems to drift despite your best efforts. The way trucks become looming shadows that appear without warning. This isn’t hypothetical. It’s happening right now on our highways. And when it does, the consequences can be just as deadly as what happened in Colorado.

At Attorney911, we’ve spent 25+ years holding trucking companies accountable when their negligence turns our highways into danger zones. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has seen firsthand how these companies cut corners on safety—especially when it comes to weather-related hazards. We know the regulations they ignore. We know the training they skip. We know the pressure they put on drivers to keep moving, no matter the conditions. And we know how to make them pay when that negligence costs lives.

This article isn’t just about what happened in Colorado. It’s about what’s happening right now on El Paso’s roads. It’s about the dangers you face every time you drive in high winds. And it’s about your rights when a trucking company’s negligence turns a routine drive into a nightmare.

Why This Could Happen in El Paso Tomorrow

El Paso’s High-Risk Corridors: Where Wind Meets Traffic

El Paso isn’t just at risk for brownout accidents—we’re a hotspot. Here’s why:

1. Our Geography Makes Us Vulnerable
El Paso sits in a region where high winds are common. The same weather patterns that create brownouts in Colorado extend into West Texas. Our proximity to the Chihuahuan Desert means we have plenty of loose soil that can be picked up by strong winds. When those winds hit our highways, visibility drops fast.

2. Our Highways Are Trucking Superhighways
El Paso is a critical hub in the national freight network. Consider these corridors:

• I-10: The primary east-west route connecting California to Florida. One of the busiest trucking corridors in the country.
• I-20: Connects El Paso to Dallas and the Southeast, carrying massive freight volume.
• US-54: A major route for cross-border trucking from Mexico.
• Loop 375: The Border Highway, handling significant commercial traffic.

These aren’t just roads—they’re the arteries of American commerce. And when those arteries get clogged with dust, the results can be catastrophic.

3. Our Industries Create Unique Risks
El Paso’s economy depends on industries that generate significant truck traffic:

• Cross-Border Trade: El Paso is one of the busiest border crossings in the Western Hemisphere. Thousands of trucks cross daily, many carrying hazardous materials.
• Manufacturing: From automotive parts to electronics, El Paso’s factories rely on just-in-time delivery—putting pressure on drivers to meet tight schedules.
• Energy: The Permian Basin oil fields generate massive truck traffic, including oversize loads and hazardous materials.
• Retail Distribution: Companies like Amazon, Walmart, and Target operate massive distribution centers in the region, creating constant truck traffic.

When high winds hit, these industries don’t shut down. The trucks keep rolling. And the risks keep multiplying.

4. Our Infrastructure Has Critical Weaknesses
El Paso’s highway system has several features that make brownout accidents more likely:

• Long, Straight Stretches: Highways like I-10 have long sections where drivers can build up speed—then suddenly encounter zero visibility.
• Elevation Changes: The transition from desert to mountain terrain creates wind tunnels and sudden gusts.
• Border Crossing Congestion: The Bridge of the Americas and other crossings create choke points where trucks are forced to slow down or stop—prime targets for pileups in low visibility.
• Limited Escape Routes: Unlike some states with runaway truck ramps, El Paso’s highways offer few options when visibility drops suddenly.

The Trucking Industry’s Dirty Secret: They Know the Risks—and Ignore Them

Here’s what the trucking companies won’t tell you: they know exactly how dangerous high winds are. They’ve studied it. They’ve quantified it. And then they’ve chosen to ignore it.

At Attorney911, we’ve seen the internal documents from trucking companies that prove this. We’ve deposed safety directors who admit they know the risks. We’ve uncovered training manuals that downplay the dangers. And we’ve represented clients who were told by their dispatchers to “just keep driving” when they called in to report dangerous conditions.

Here’s what the industry knows:

1. Wind Speed Matters—But They Don’t Always Act on It
The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) has studied wind-related truck crashes extensively. Their research shows:

• 20-30 mph winds: Increase crash risk by 50%
• 30-40 mph winds: Increase crash risk by 100%
• 40+ mph winds: Increase crash risk by 200% or more

Yet how many times have you seen trucks barreling down I-10 when the wind is howling at 40 mph? We see it every week. And every time, it’s a gamble with lives.

2. High-Profile Vehicles Are Particularly Vulnerable
The physics are simple: the taller the vehicle, the more surface area for wind to push against. An 18-wheeler has about 1,000 square feet of surface area exposed to wind. That’s like trying to control a moving billboard in a hurricane.

The ATRI found that:
– Empty trailers are most vulnerable to rollovers in high winds
– Lightly loaded trailers can become unstable at wind speeds as low as 30 mph
– Side winds are more dangerous than headwinds or tailwinds

Yet we regularly see empty or lightly loaded trucks on El Paso highways during wind advisories. Why? Because the trucking companies don’t want to pay for non-driving time. They’d rather risk a rollover than lose a few hours of productivity.

3. Driver Fatigue Makes Everything Worse
Fatigued drivers have slower reaction times. They’re more likely to overcorrect. They’re more likely to misjudge conditions. And they’re more likely to keep driving when they should pull over.

The FMCSA’s hours-of-service regulations (49 CFR Part 395) are supposed to prevent this. But we know from experience that these rules are routinely violated. Drivers are pressured to meet unrealistic schedules. They falsify their logs. They drive when they’re exhausted.

And when high winds hit? That fatigue becomes deadly.

4. Training Is Inadequate—or Nonexistent
Here’s a shocking truth: most truck drivers receive little to no training on how to handle high winds. The FMCSA doesn’t require specific wind-related training. Most companies provide only minimal guidance. And many drivers learn through trial and error—with deadly consequences.

We’ve reviewed training materials from major carriers that devote more space to fuel efficiency than to wind safety. We’ve seen manuals that tell drivers to “use caution” in high winds—but provide no specific guidance on when to pull over, how to adjust speed, or what to do if visibility drops suddenly.

This isn’t training. It’s negligence.

The Specific Violations That Could Apply to the Colorado Pileup

Based on what we know about the Colorado incident, here are the specific FMCSA regulations that may have been violated:

These aren’t just technicalities. They’re legal obligations that exist to protect the public. When trucking companies ignore them, people die. And when people die, those companies must be held accountable.

What El Paso Drivers Need to Know: Protecting Yourself and Your Rights

Before the Accident: How to Drive Safely in High Winds

The best way to protect yourself from a brownout accident is to avoid being in one. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Know the Warning Signs
– High Wind Warnings: Issued when sustained winds of 40 mph or gusts to 58 mph are expected.
– Dust Storm Warnings: Issued when visibility is expected to drop below 1/2 mile due to blowing dust.
– Blowing Dust Advisories: Issued when visibility may drop to 1/4 mile or less.

These warnings aren’t suggestions. They’re alerts that conditions are dangerous. When you see them, adjust your plans.

2. Reduce Your Risk as a Passenger Vehicle Driver
– Slow Down: Speed limits are for ideal conditions. In high winds, reduce your speed significantly.
– Increase Following Distance: In low visibility, you need more time to react. Increase your following distance to at least 5-6 seconds.
– Use Low Beams: High beams reflect off dust particles, reducing visibility even more.
– Pull Over if Necessary: If visibility drops below 100 feet, pull over and wait it out. Turn on your hazard lights to make yourself visible.
– Avoid Sudden Moves: Don’t brake suddenly or swerve. These actions can cause you to lose control.
– Watch for Trucks: Remember that trucks are particularly vulnerable in high winds. Give them extra space.

3. What Truck Drivers Should Do (But Often Don’t)
If you’re a truck driver—or if you know one—here’s what should happen when high winds hit:

• Check Weather Before Driving: The FMCSA requires drivers to be aware of conditions (49 CFR § 392.14).
• Reduce Speed: The same regulation requires speed reduction in hazardous conditions.
• Pull Over When Necessary: If visibility drops below 100 feet, pull over and wait it out.
• Secure the Load: Ensure cargo is properly secured to prevent shifting in high winds.
• Use Hazard Lights: Make your vehicle visible to others.
• Report Conditions: Notify dispatch of dangerous conditions and request guidance.

The problem? Many drivers don’t follow these steps. Why? Because their companies pressure them to keep moving. Because they’re afraid of being penalized for delays. Because they haven’t been properly trained.

That’s why it’s so important for passenger vehicle drivers to protect themselves.

The Attorney911 Difference: Why We’re the Right Firm for Your Case

25+ Years of Holding Trucking Companies Accountable

Ralph Manginello didn’t just wake up one day and decide to fight trucking companies. He’s been doing it for more than 25 years. Since 1998, he’s been in the trenches, taking on the biggest names in the industry and winning.

Here’s what that experience means for you:

• We Know the Tactics: Trucking companies use the same playbook in every case. We know every trick, every delay tactic, every lowball offer. And we know how to counter them.
• We Know the Regulations: The FMCSA regulations aren’t just words on paper to us. We know how to use them to prove negligence. We know which violations matter most to juries. And we know how to present them in a way that makes an impact.
• We Know the Industry: We’ve deposed safety directors from Werner, Swift, J.B. Hunt, and other major carriers. We know how they operate. We know where they cut corners. And we know how to expose it.
• We Know the Judges and Juries: Ralph Manginello has tried cases in courtrooms across Texas. He knows what judges expect. He knows what juries respond to. And he knows how to present your case in a way that maximizes your recovery.

This isn’t just experience—it’s an unfair advantage. And when you’re up against billion-dollar trucking companies, you need every advantage you can get.

Our Insider Knowledge: Fighting the Insurance Companies from the Inside Out

Here’s something most law firms won’t tell you: we have a former insurance defense attorney on our team. Lupe Peña spent years working for a national insurance defense firm. He knows exactly how the other side operates.

Here’s what that means for your case:

• He Knows Their Tactics: Insurance companies train their adjusters to minimize claims. Lupe knows every trick they use. He knows how they evaluate cases. He knows what makes them settle.
• He Knows Their Weaknesses: Insurance companies aren’t invincible. They have deadlines. They have internal guidelines. They have pressure points. Lupe knows where to push.
• He Knows How to Counter Their Arguments: When the insurance company says you’re partially at fault, Lupe knows how to fight back. When they say your injuries aren’t serious, he knows how to prove them wrong. When they lowball your claim, he knows how to negotiate for more.

This isn’t just knowledge—it’s power. And it’s power that most law firms simply don’t have.

Our Track Record: Multi-Million Dollar Results for Trucking Accident Victims

At Attorney911, we don’t just talk about holding trucking companies accountable—we do it. Here are some of our results:

• $5+ Million Settlement: Logging accident resulting in traumatic brain injury and vision loss.
• $3.8+ Million Settlement: Car accident leading to partial leg amputation due to medical complications.
• $2.5+ Million Settlement: Truck crash recovery for catastrophic injuries.
• $2+ Million Settlement: Maritime back injury under the Jones Act.
• Millions Recovered: For families in wrongful death cases involving 18-wheelers.

These aren’t just numbers. They’re lives changed. They’re families protected. They’re futures secured.

And here’s the most important part: we don’t get paid unless you do. We work on contingency, which means you pay nothing upfront. We advance all the costs of your case. And we only get paid when we win for you.

Our Approach: Aggressive Representation with a Personal Touch

At Attorney911, we believe in aggressive representation. We believe in holding negligent companies fully accountable. And we believe in fighting for every dollar you deserve.

But we also believe in something else: treating our clients like family. Here’s what that means:

• Direct Access to Your Attorney: When you call Attorney911, you’re not just getting a case manager or a paralegal. You’re getting direct access to Ralph Manginello and our team of experienced attorneys.
• Regular Updates: We keep you informed every step of the way. You’ll never be left wondering what’s happening with your case.
• Compassionate Support: We understand what you’re going through. We’ve helped hundreds of families just like yours. And we’ll be there to support you through every challenge.
• Fighting for Your Future: We don’t just focus on your immediate needs. We fight for compensation that will protect your future—medical care, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

This isn’t just a job for us. It’s a mission. And we treat every client like they’re part of our family.

What to Do Next: Your Action Plan

If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident—whether it was caused by high winds, driver fatigue, mechanical failure, or any other form of negligence—here’s what you need to do right now:

1. Protect Your Health

• Seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine.
• Follow your doctor’s orders completely.
• Keep all medical records and bills.

2. Preserve the Evidence

• If you haven’t already, take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and the vehicles involved.
• Keep any physical evidence (clothing, vehicle parts, etc.).
• Write down everything you remember about the accident while it’s fresh in your mind.

3. Don’t Talk to the Insurance Company

• The trucking company’s insurance adjuster will call you. They will ask for a recorded statement.
• Do not give one. Anything you say can be used against you.
• Refer all communications to your attorney.

4. Contact Attorney911 Immediately

• Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) for a free consultation.
• We’ll evaluate your case and explain your rights.
• If we take your case, we’ll send a spoliation letter within 24 hours to preserve critical evidence.

5. Know Your Rights

• You have the right to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
• You have the right to hold the negligent parties accountable.
• You have the right to fight for your future.

Final Thoughts: When the Wind Howls, Who Will Protect You?

The wind doesn’t care about delivery schedules. It doesn’t care about profits. It doesn’t care about deadlines. It just is.

But the trucking companies do care about those things. And when the wind howls, they make a choice. They choose whether to pull over and wait it out. They choose whether to slow down and drive carefully. They choose whether to prioritize safety over schedules.

Too often, they make the wrong choice. And when they do, people pay the price.

If you’re reading this after being injured in a trucking accident, you’re already paying that price. You’re dealing with pain. You’re facing medical bills. You’re worried about your future.

But here’s the good news: you don’t have to pay it alone. The law is on your side. The evidence is on your side. And at Attorney911, we’re on your side.

Ralph Manginello has been fighting for trucking accident victims for more than 25 years. He’s seen what these companies do. He’s seen the lives they destroy. And he’s made them pay—again and again.

Now it’s your turn.

The trucking companies have teams of lawyers working to protect them. It’s time you had a team working to protect you.

Call Attorney911 today at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911). Let’s talk about your case. Let’s talk about your rights. And let’s talk about how we can fight for the compensation you deserve.

The wind may howl. The dust may swirl. But you don’t have to face this alone. We’re here to help. And we’re ready to fight.

Learn More About Your Rights:

• The Victim’s Guide to 18-Wheeler Accident Injuries – What you need to know after a catastrophic truck crash
• Can I Sue for Being Hit by a Semi Truck? – Your legal rights after a trucking accident
• The Definitive Guide To Commercial Truck Accidents – Understanding the unique dangers of 18-wheelers
• What Should You Not Say to an Insurance Adjuster? – Protecting your claim from insurance company tactics
• The Ultimate Guide to Brain Injury Lawsuits – If you or a loved one suffered a TBI in a trucking accident

Your fight starts with one call: 1-888-ATTY-911. We answer. We fight. We win.