Tragedy on Crain Highway: Teen Ejected in Tanker Truck Collision Leaves Family Fighting for Justice in Victoria, Texas

A Sunday Afternoon That Changed Everything

It was supposed to be a quiet Sunday afternoon. Families were out running errands, teenagers were heading to friends’ houses, and traffic was moving smoothly along Crain Highway in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Then, in an instant, everything changed.

At 2:16 p.m. on February 16, 2026, emergency crews were dispatched to the intersection of Crain Highway and Old Central Avenue. What they found was a scene of devastation: multiple damaged vehicles, a tanker truck requiring hazmat response, and injured occupants scattered across the roadway. First responders worked frantically to stabilize the scene while treating the wounded.

But for one family, the nightmare was just beginning. Investigators later determined that the force of the collision was so severe it ejected a teenage male from one of the vehicles. He was rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition. A young girl and a woman were also transported—while the girl’s injuries were serious, they were not life-threatening. The tanker driver was evaluated and taken for further care.

Maryland State Police continue to investigate the cause of the crash, but one thing is already clear: this wasn’t just an accident. It was a preventable tragedy caused by the deadly combination of an 80,000-pound tanker truck and the vulnerabilities of passenger vehicles on our roads.

For families in Victoria, Texas, this incident is a stark reminder of the dangers that lurk on our own highways every day.

Why This Could Happen in Victoria, Texas: Local Risk Factors

While this tragedy occurred in Maryland, the same dangers exist right here in Victoria and across Texas. In fact, Texas leads the nation in trucking accidents—and Victoria sits at the crossroads of some of the most dangerous trucking corridors in America.

Texas: The Most Dangerous State for Trucking Accidents

Texas consistently ranks #1 in the nation for:

• Total trucking accidents (over 35,000 annually)
• Fatal truck crashes (nearly 600 deaths per year)
• Truck miles traveled (more than any other state)

Why is Texas so dangerous for trucking?

1. I-10 Corridor: One of the busiest freight routes in the world, stretching from El Paso to Houston and beyond. Tanker trucks carrying oil, chemicals, and hazardous materials travel this route daily.
2. I-35 NAFTA Corridor: The primary route for cross-border freight between Mexico and the U.S., handling massive volumes of commercial traffic.
3. Port of Houston: The #1 port in the U.S. by foreign tonnage, generating thousands of truck trips daily to and from distribution centers.
4. Oil and Gas Industry: Texas is the heart of America’s energy sector, with tanker trucks transporting crude oil, refined products, and chemicals across the state.
5. Agricultural Freight: Texas is a major agricultural producer, with trucks hauling livestock, produce, and equipment on rural highways.

Victoria’s Trucking Risks: Right in the Danger Zone

Victoria sits at the intersection of several high-risk trucking routes:

• US-59/I-69: A major north-south corridor connecting Houston to the Mexican border
• US-77: Connects Victoria to Corpus Christi and the Gulf Coast
• US-87: Links Victoria to San Antonio and points north
• State Highway 185: A critical route for oil field traffic

Local industries that increase truck traffic in Victoria:

The result? Victoria drivers share the road with some of the most dangerous vehicles on the planet—every single day.

The Evidence That Will Make or Break This Case

In trucking accident cases, evidence disappears fast. Trucking companies have rapid-response teams that begin protecting their interests within hours of a crash. If the family of the ejected teenager wants justice, they need to act immediately to preserve critical evidence.

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol

At Attorney911, we have a 48-hour protocol that we activate for every trucking accident case. Here’s what needs to be done immediately:

1. Send Spoliation Letters

A spoliation letter is a legal notice demanding that all parties preserve evidence related to the accident. We send these to:

• The trucking company
• The truck driver
• The cargo owner
• The maintenance provider
• The truck manufacturer
• Any other potentially liable parties

What the spoliation letter demands:

Why this matters:
Once we send a spoliation letter, destroying evidence becomes a legal violation that can result in:
– Court sanctions
– Adverse inference instructions (jury told to assume destroyed evidence was unfavorable)
– Default judgment
– Punitive damages

2. Secure the Black Box Data

Commercial trucks have Electronic Control Modules (ECM) and Event Data Recorders (EDR)—the “black boxes” of the trucking world. This data is critical evidence that can prove:

• Speed before impact (was the driver speeding?)
• Brake application (did the driver brake in time?)
• Throttle position (was the driver accelerating?)
• Following distance (was the driver tailgating?)
• Hours of service (was the driver fatigued?)
• GPS location (was the driver off route?)
• Fault codes (were there known mechanical issues?)

The problem?
This data can be overwritten in as little as 30 days or with new driving events.

Our approach:
We send preservation letters within hours of being retained to ensure this data is downloaded and preserved before it’s lost forever.

3. Obtain the ELD Records

Since December 18, 2017, most commercial trucks have been required to use Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) that record:

• Driver hours of service (proving fatigue violations)
• Duty status (driving, on-duty not driving, off-duty, sleeper berth)
• GPS location (showing the truck’s route)
• Engine hours (verifying driving time)

ELD data is the smoking gun for hours of service violations—one of the most common causes of trucking accidents.

4. Preserve Dashcam Footage

Many trucks are equipped with forward-facing and cab-facing cameras. This footage can show:

• The moments leading up to the crash (driver behavior, road conditions)
• Driver distraction (cell phone use, eating, fatigue)
• Traffic conditions (other vehicles, road hazards)
• The impact itself (critical for accident reconstruction)

The problem?
Dashcam footage is often deleted within 7-14 days if not preserved.

5. Document the Scene

While we can’t turn back time, we work with accident reconstruction experts to:

• Photograph the scene (skid marks, debris patterns, road conditions)
• Measure and document all physical evidence
• Create 3D models of the accident scene
• Analyze vehicle damage to determine impact forces

6. Interview Witnesses

Witness testimony can be critical evidence, especially in cases where liability is disputed. We:

• Identify all witnesses at the scene
• Obtain contact information
• Take detailed statements before memories fade
• Preserve video evidence from nearby businesses or traffic cameras

The Damages: What Compensation Is Available?

For the family of the ejected teenager, the damages could be substantial. Trucking accident cases often result in multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements, especially when catastrophic injuries are involved.

Types of Damages Available

Recent Trucking Verdicts and Settlements

What these verdicts show:
Juries are angry at trucking companies that prioritize profit over safety. When companies act with gross negligence—like falsifying logs, ignoring maintenance, or pressuring drivers to violate hours of service—they face nuclear verdicts.

Calculating Damages in This Case

For the family of the ejected teenager, the damages could include:

1. Medical Expenses
   – Emergency treatment
   – Hospitalization
   – Surgeries
   – Rehabilitation
   – Future medical care (potentially lifelong)
   – Medical equipment (wheelchairs, prosthetics, home modifications)

2. Lost Wages and Earning Capacity
   – Income lost while recovering
   – Future lost earnings if unable to work
   – Reduced earning capacity if limited to lower-paying jobs

3. Pain and Suffering
   – Physical pain from injuries
   – Emotional distress
   – Loss of enjoyment of life
   – Psychological trauma (PTSD, depression, anxiety)

4. Permanent Disability and Disfigurement
   – Loss of mobility
   – Loss of bodily functions
   – Scarring and disfigurement
   – Need for lifelong assistance

5. Wrongful Death Damages (if applicable)
   – Funeral and burial expenses
   – Loss of companionship
   – Loss of parental guidance (if the victim was a parent)
   – Mental anguish of surviving family members

6. Punitive Damages
   – If the trucking company acted with gross negligence
   – If there was a pattern of safety violations
   – If evidence was destroyed or falsified

Example Calculation:
If the ejected teenager suffered a traumatic brain injury requiring lifelong care, the damages could easily exceed $10 million:
– Medical expenses: $3,000,000
– Lost earning capacity: $2,000,000
– Pain and suffering: $4,000,000
– Life care costs: $1,500,000
– Punitive damages: $5,000,000+
Total: $15,500,000+

The Victoria, Texas Connection: Why This Case Matters Here

While this tragedy occurred in Maryland, the same dangers exist right here in Victoria. In fact, Victoria drivers face identical risks every time they share the road with tanker trucks.

Victoria’s Tanker Truck Risks

Victoria sits at the heart of Texas’s oil and gas industry, which means our roads are filled with tanker trucks carrying hazardous materials. Here are the specific risks Victoria drivers face:

1. US-59/I-69 Corridor
   – Connects Houston to the Mexican border
   – Heavy truck traffic from the Port of Houston
   – Tanker trucks carrying oil, chemicals, and hazardous materials

2. US-77 Connection
   – Links Victoria to Corpus Christi and the Gulf Coast
   – Major route for oil field traffic
   – Tanker trucks transporting refined products

3. Local Industrial Traffic
   – Formosa Plastics: Major chemical manufacturer with constant truck traffic
   – Invista: Chemical plant with hazardous material transport
   – DuPont: Industrial facility with tanker deliveries
   – Port of Victoria: Handles bulk liquids and chemicals

4. Agricultural Freight
   – Livestock haulers
   – Grain trucks
   – Fertilizer and chemical transport

5. Retail Distribution
   – Walmart Distribution Center
   – Amazon fulfillment facilities
   – HEB grocery distribution

Recent Tanker Truck Incidents in Texas

While we don’t have details on specific Victoria incidents, here are some recent tanker truck accidents in Texas that illustrate the risks:

The pattern is clear: Tanker truck accidents are not rare in Texas, and they often result in catastrophic outcomes.

What Victoria Drivers Can Learn from This Tragedy

1. Give Tanker Trucks Space
   – Never tailgate a tanker truck—they require significantly more stopping distance
   – Avoid blind spots (No-Zones): if you can’t see the driver’s mirrors, they can’t see you
   – Pass quickly and safely—don’t linger in blind spots

2. Be Extra Cautious at Intersections
   – Tanker trucks need more time to stop and more space to turn
   – Never assume a truck will stop for a yellow light
   – Wait for the truck to complete its turn before proceeding

3. Watch for Hazmat Signs
   – Tanker trucks carrying hazardous materials have placards on the back and sides
   – If you see a hazmat placard, give the truck extra space
   – If you’re involved in an accident with a hazmat truck, move to a safe distance and call 911

4. Know What to Do If You’re in an Accident
   – Call 911 immediately—even if injuries seem minor
   – Document the scene with photos and video
   – Get the truck’s DOT number (on the door)
   – Collect witness information
   – Seek medical attention—some injuries don’t show symptoms immediately
   – Call an attorney before speaking to any insurance company

What to Do If You’re in a Trucking Accident in Victoria, Texas

If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident in Victoria, time is critical. Here’s what you need to do:

Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately

• Go to the emergency room or urgent care—even if injuries seem minor
• Follow all treatment recommendations from your doctors
• Document all injuries with photos and detailed notes
• Keep all medical records and bills

Why this matters:
– Some injuries (TBI, internal bleeding) don’t show symptoms immediately
– Delaying treatment gives insurance companies ammunition to deny your claim
– Medical records are critical evidence for your case

Step 2: Document the Scene

If you’re able to do so safely:

• Take photos and video of:
• All vehicles involved
• Damage to your vehicle (inside and out)
• The accident scene (skid marks, debris, road conditions)
• Your injuries
• Traffic signs and signals
• Weather conditions
• Get the truck’s information:
• License plate number
• DOT number (on the truck door)
• Trucking company name and logo
• Driver’s name, CDL number, and contact information
• Collect witness information:
• Names and phone numbers
• Statements about what they saw

Step 3: Report the Accident

• Call 911 to report the accident
• File a police report—this creates an official record
• Request a copy of the police report
• Report the accident to your insurance company (but don’t give a recorded statement)

Step 4: Preserve Evidence

• Do not repair or dispose of your vehicle until it’s been inspected
• Keep all damaged property (clothing, personal items)
• Save all medical records and bills
• Document your recovery with photos and journal entries

Step 5: Contact an Experienced Trucking Accident Attorney

Do not speak to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster.
Do not give any recorded statements.
Do not sign anything without consulting an attorney.

Call Attorney911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911.

Why you need an attorney:
– Trucking companies have teams of lawyers working to minimize your claim
– Insurance adjusters are trained to pay you as little as possible
– Critical evidence can disappear within days
– You need someone fighting for your rights from day one

Your Next Steps: Don’t Wait—Act Now

If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident in Victoria, Texas, every minute counts. Evidence is disappearing. Witnesses are forgetting. The trucking company’s lawyers are already working to protect their interests.

You need someone fighting for you.

At Attorney911, we have:

✅ 25+ years of experience fighting trucking companies
✅ A former insurance defense attorney on our team
✅ Federal court admission for complex cases
✅ A 48-hour evidence preservation protocol to protect your case
✅ A track record of multi-million dollar results
✅ A client-centered approach that treats you like family

We don’t just talk about fighting for victims—we’ve been doing it for decades.

Call Us Now for a Free Consultation

1-888-ATTY-911
(888) 288-9911
(713) 528-9070

Available 24/7 • Hablamos Español

Email: ralph@atty911.com

Website: https://attorney911.com

Don’t Let the Trucking Company Win

Trucking companies have teams of lawyers working to minimize your claim. They have rapid-response investigators gathering evidence to protect their interests. They have millions of dollars in insurance coverage.

You deserve someone fighting for you.

At Attorney911, we level the playing field. We have the experience, the resources, and the insider knowledge to take on the trucking industry and win.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Call us now.

1-888-ATTY-911 • (888) 288-9911 • (713) 528-9070

Justice starts with one call. 🚛💥🏛️