Highway 287 Closed After Overturned Semi in Moore County: What Amarillo Drivers Need to Know

Every year, thousands of 18-wheeler accidents occur on Texas highways. When a semi-truck overturns, the consequences can be catastrophic—not just for the truck driver, but for every motorist sharing the road. On February 17, 2026, parts of Highway 287 in Moore County were closed after an overturned semi blocked both north- and southbound lanes. While officials eventually reopened the road, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by commercial trucks—especially in high-wind conditions like those experienced across the Texas Panhandle.

If you or a loved one has ever been involved in a trucking accident in Amarillo or the surrounding area, you know how quickly lives can change. At Attorney911, we’ve spent over 25 years fighting for victims of 18-wheeler crashes across Texas. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has secured multi-million dollar verdicts against some of the largest trucking companies in America. We know the tactics these companies use to avoid responsibility—and we know how to hold them accountable.

In this article, we’ll break down what happened in Moore County, why these accidents happen, and what you should do if you’re ever involved in a trucking crash on Amarillo’s highways.

Why Do Semi-Trucks Overturn in High Winds?

Semi-trucks are particularly vulnerable to high winds due to their size, weight distribution, and the physics of their design. Here’s why overturned semis are more common in windy conditions—and why trucking companies must take extra precautions:

1. High Center of Gravity

18-wheelers are tall and narrow, with most of their weight concentrated in the trailer. This high center of gravity makes them prone to tipping over, especially when:
– The trailer is empty or lightly loaded (as warned by Moore County officials)
– The wind hits the side of the trailer at an angle
– The driver makes sudden steering corrections

2. Wind Gusts and Crosswinds

The Texas Panhandle is notorious for its strong winds, which can gust up to 60 mph or more. Crosswinds—winds that hit the side of the truck—are especially dangerous because they push the trailer sideways, increasing the risk of a rollover.

3. Improper Loading or Empty Trailers

An empty or improperly loaded trailer is more susceptible to wind forces. The Moore County Sheriff’s Office specifically warned against semis with empty trailers driving in these conditions. When a trailer is empty:
– It has less weight to anchor it to the road
– The wind can more easily lift or push the trailer sideways
– The driver may have less control over the vehicle

4. Driver Error or Fatigue

Even in ideal conditions, driver error is a leading cause of truck accidents. In high winds, drivers must:
– Reduce speed significantly
– Avoid sudden steering corrections
– Be extra vigilant for changing road conditions
– Pull over if conditions become too dangerous

Fatigue, distraction, or inexperience can impair a driver’s ability to respond safely to wind gusts. Federal regulations (49 CFR § 392.3) prohibit drivers from operating a commercial motor vehicle while fatigued, but violations are common—and deadly.

5. Failure to Follow Weather Advisories

TxDOT had already warned drivers to stay off the roads due to blowing dirt and low visibility. When trucking companies or drivers ignore these advisories, they put everyone on the road at risk. This is a form of negligence per se—a legal doctrine that holds parties liable when they violate safety regulations designed to protect the public.

Who Is Liable When a Semi Overturns?

Determining liability in a trucking accident is rarely straightforward. Multiple parties may share responsibility, including:

1. The Truck Driver

The driver may be liable if they:
– Failed to reduce speed in hazardous conditions (violating 49 CFR § 392.6, which requires drivers to operate at a speed safe for conditions)
– Were fatigued or violated hours-of-service regulations (49 CFR § 395)
– Made sudden or improper steering corrections
– Ignored weather advisories or warnings

2. The Trucking Company

Trucking companies can be held vicariously liable for their drivers’ actions under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior. They may also be directly liable for:
– Negligent Hiring: Failing to properly vet drivers (49 CFR § 391.11 requires thorough background checks)
– Negligent Training: Not providing adequate training on handling high-wind conditions
– Negligent Supervision: Failing to monitor drivers for fatigue or safety violations
– Pressure to Violate Regulations: Encouraging drivers to ignore weather advisories or hours-of-service rules to meet deadlines

3. The Cargo Loading Company

If the trailer was improperly loaded or secured, the company responsible for loading the cargo may be liable. Federal regulations (49 CFR § 393.100-136) require cargo to be secured to prevent shifting, which can destabilize the truck.

4. The Truck or Trailer Manufacturer

If a defect in the truck or trailer contributed to the overturn, the manufacturer may be liable under product liability laws. Common defects include:
– Faulty brake systems
– Defective stability control systems
– Poorly designed trailers prone to tipping

5. Government Entities

In some cases, government agencies may share liability if:
– Poor road design contributed to the accident
– Inadequate signage failed to warn drivers of hazards
– Road maintenance issues (e.g., potholes, debris) played a role

What Should You Do If You’re Involved in a Trucking Accident?

If you’re ever involved in a trucking accident—whether it’s an overturned semi, a jackknife, or a rear-end collision—your actions in the immediate aftermath can make or break your case. Here’s what to do:

1. Call 911 Immediately

Even if you think your injuries are minor, call 911. Some injuries, like traumatic brain injuries (TBI) or internal bleeding, may not show symptoms right away. A police report will also create an official record of the accident, which is critical for your case.

2. Seek Medical Attention

Go to the hospital or urgent care as soon as possible. Delaying treatment can worsen your injuries and give the trucking company’s insurance adjuster ammunition to argue that your injuries weren’t serious.

3. Document the Scene

If you’re able, take photos and videos of:
– The overturned semi and any other vehicles involved
– Skid marks, debris, and road conditions
– Your injuries
– The weather conditions (e.g., blowing dirt, low visibility)
– Any visible damage to the truck or trailer

4. Gather Witness Information

Get the names and contact information of any witnesses. Their testimony can be crucial in proving what happened, especially in cases where liability is disputed.

5. Do NOT Give a Recorded Statement to the Insurance Company

The trucking company’s insurance adjuster will likely call you soon after the accident. They may seem friendly, but their job is to minimize your claim. Do not give a recorded statement without consulting an attorney first. Anything you say can be used against you.

6. Preserve Evidence

Trucking companies often destroy or “lose” evidence after an accident. Critical evidence—like black box data, ELD logs, and maintenance records—can disappear within days. At Attorney911, we send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours of being retained to demand that all evidence be preserved.

7. Contact an 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney Immediately

Trucking accident cases are complex. The sooner you contact an attorney, the better your chances of securing maximum compensation. At Attorney911, we offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Recent Trucking Verdicts: What’s Possible in Your Case

Trucking accident cases can result in significant verdicts and settlements, especially when trucking companies act with gross negligence. Here are some recent examples of nuclear verdicts in trucking cases:

1. $462 Million Verdict – Missouri (2024)

In 2024, a Missouri jury awarded $462 million to the families of two men who were decapitated in an underride accident. The verdict included $412 million in punitive damages against the trucking company and trailer manufacturer. The case highlighted the deadly consequences of inadequate underride guards.

2. $160 Million Verdict – Alabama (2024)

An Alabama jury awarded $160 million to a man who was left quadriplegic after a rollover accident. The verdict included $75 million in compensatory damages and $75 million in punitive damages against Daimler, the manufacturer of the truck. The case demonstrated the devastating impact of defective truck design.

3. $150 Million Settlement – Texas (2022)

In 2022, Werner Enterprises settled a case for $150 million after two children were killed in a crash on I-30. The settlement was one of the largest in U.S. history for a trucking accident. The case involved allegations of negligent hiring and supervision.

4. $730 Million Verdict – Texas (2021)

A Texas jury awarded $730 million to the family of a woman killed by an oversize load. The verdict included $480 million in compensatory damages and $250 million in punitive damages against Landstar Ranger, the trucking company. The case involved allegations of gross negligence in securing the load.

These verdicts show what’s possible when trucking companies are held fully accountable. While every case is unique, they demonstrate that juries are willing to award significant damages when companies prioritize profit over safety.

Amarillo’s Trucking Corridors: Where the Risks Are Highest

Amarillo sits at the crossroads of some of Texas’s busiest trucking corridors. These routes see heavy commercial traffic, increasing the risk of accidents. Here are some of the most dangerous areas for trucking accidents in the Amarillo region:

1. Interstate 40 (I-40)

I-40 is one of the busiest east-west trucking routes in the country, connecting California to North Carolina. In the Amarillo area, I-40 sees heavy traffic from:
– Oil and gas shipments from the Permian Basin
– Agricultural products from the Texas Panhandle
– Cross-country freight from major carriers like J.B. Hunt and Werner Enterprises

The stretch of I-40 through Amarillo is particularly dangerous due to:
– High winds, which can destabilize trucks
– Heavy traffic from local and long-haul trucks
– Frequent construction zones

2. Interstate 27 (I-27)

I-27 connects Amarillo to Lubbock and is a major route for agricultural shipments. The highway is known for:
– High speeds
– Limited shoulders, which can make breakdowns hazardous
– Heavy truck traffic from grain and livestock haulers

3. Highway 287

The recent overturned semi in Moore County highlights the dangers of Highway 287. This route is a critical north-south corridor for:
– Oilfield equipment and supplies
– Agricultural products
– Livestock transport

Highway 287 is particularly dangerous due to:
– Rural stretches with limited emergency services
– High winds, especially in the Texas Panhandle
– Mix of local and long-haul truck traffic

4. US Highway 87

US 87 runs through the heart of Amarillo and sees heavy truck traffic from local distribution centers. The highway is known for:
– Congested intersections
– Frequent stops and starts, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions
– Mix of passenger vehicles and commercial trucks

5. US Highway 60

US 60 is a major route for agricultural shipments, including grain, cattle, and produce. The highway is dangerous due to:
– Narrow lanes and limited shoulders
– High speeds in rural areas
– Heavy truck traffic during harvest seasons

What Compensation Can You Recover After a Trucking Accident?

If you’ve been injured in a trucking accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:

1. Medical Expenses

• Emergency room visits
• Hospital stays
• Surgeries and medical procedures
• Rehabilitation and physical therapy
• Prescription medications
• Future medical care

2. Lost Wages

• Income lost due to time off work
• Reduced earning capacity if you’re unable to return to your previous job

3. Pain and Suffering

• Physical pain from your injuries
• Emotional distress, anxiety, and depression
• Loss of enjoyment of life

4. Property Damage

• Repair or replacement of your vehicle
• Damage to personal belongings

5. Punitive Damages

In cases of gross negligence or reckless conduct, you may be entitled to punitive damages. These are designed to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future.

The Moore County Incident: A Wake-Up Call for Amarillo Drivers

The overturned semi on Highway 287 in Moore County is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by commercial trucks—especially in adverse weather conditions. While this particular incident did not result in injuries, the potential for catastrophe was clear. Overturned semis can lead to multi-vehicle pileups, cargo spills, and even fatalities.

For Amarillo drivers, this incident should serve as a wake-up call. The Texas Panhandle’s highways are some of the busiest trucking corridors in the country, and the risks are real. Whether it’s high winds on I-40, fatigue-related crashes on Highway 287, or rear-end collisions on US 87, trucking accidents can happen anywhere, at any time.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident, you don’t have to face this alone. The trucking company has a team of lawyers and insurance adjusters working to protect their interests. You deserve the same level of representation.

Learn More About Trucking Accidents

For more information about trucking accidents and your rights, check out these resources from Attorney911:

• 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
• Truck Tire Blowouts and When You Need a Lawyer
• What Should You Not Say to an Insurance Adjuster?

Final Thoughts: You Deserve Justice

Trucking accidents are not just “accidents”—they’re often the result of negligence, corner-cutting, and a disregard for safety. When a trucking company prioritizes profit over people, innocent victims pay the price. But you don’t have to accept that.

At Attorney911, we believe in holding trucking companies accountable. Ralph Manginello has spent his career fighting for victims of 18-wheeler crashes, and he’s secured millions of dollars in compensation for his clients. If you’ve been injured in a trucking accident, we’re here to fight for you.

Don’t wait. Evidence disappears fast. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today for your free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your rights, and help you take the first step toward justice.