High Winds and Overturned Semi-Trucks: What Moore County’s Highway 87/287 Closure Means for Texas Drivers

The northbound lanes of Highway 87/287 in Moore County were blocked Tuesday afternoon after an 18-wheeler overturned, creating a dangerous situation for drivers and raising serious questions about commercial vehicle safety in high-wind conditions. According to reports, the Moore County Sheriff’s Office closed the lanes at 1:15 p.m. due to the overturned semi-truck blocking all northbound traffic. Authorities diverted vehicles at the “4-Way” intersection and rerouted them west to Texas Highway 354.

Most alarmingly, the sheriff’s office specifically advised drivers with empty trailers not to travel at all due to the high wind conditions. This warning suggests that the accident wasn’t just an isolated incident—it was a preventable tragedy caused by a failure to account for environmental hazards that are well-documented in the Texas Panhandle.

At Attorney911, we’ve seen this scenario far too many times. High winds are a known hazard in this region, yet trucking companies continue to put drivers—and the public—at risk by failing to implement proper safety protocols. If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident caused by unsafe practices, negligent hiring, or failure to account for weather conditions, you need an attorney who understands the complexities of commercial vehicle litigation. Call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation.

Why This Accident Was Preventable—and Who’s Responsible

Trucking accidents caused by high winds are not acts of God. They are the result of negligence, poor training, and corporate cost-cutting. In this case, multiple parties may share liability for the overturned semi and any resulting injuries or fatalities:

1. The Truck Driver

The driver is the first line of defense against rollover accidents. Under 49 CFR § 392.3, drivers are prohibited from operating a commercial motor vehicle while their ability or alertness is impaired by fatigue, illness, or any other cause that makes it unsafe to drive. High winds fall under this regulation—if a driver knows (or should know) that conditions are unsafe, they have a legal duty to stop driving.

Common driver failures in high-wind rollovers include:
– Ignoring weather advisories (like the Moore County Sheriff’s warning)
– Failing to reduce speed in crosswinds (violating 49 CFR § 392.14)
– Improperly securing cargo (even empty trailers can have shifting debris or improper weight distribution)
– Driving while fatigued (violating 49 CFR Part 395 hours-of-service regulations)

If the driver in this accident was operating despite the sheriff’s warning, they may have violated multiple federal regulations—and their employer may be vicariously liable for their negligence under the doctrine of respondeat superior.

2. The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

Trucking companies have a legal duty to ensure their drivers operate safely in all conditions. This includes:
– Monitoring weather conditions and issuing advisories to drivers
– Training drivers on high-wind hazards and proper response protocols
– Enforcing speed reductions in hazardous conditions
– Ensuring proper cargo securement, even for empty trailers (which can still have shifting debris or improper weight distribution)

If the trucking company failed to:
– Warn drivers about the high-wind conditions in Moore County
– Provide adequate training on rollover prevention
– Enforce speed limits in hazardous weather
– Monitor driver compliance with safety protocols

…then they may be directly liable for negligence. Additionally, if the company has a history of hours-of-service violations (pushing drivers to meet unrealistic deadlines), they could be held responsible for fatigue-related negligence.

Negligent Hiring and Supervision

One of the most common—and most devastating—forms of trucking company negligence is negligent hiring. Under 49 CFR § 391.11, motor carriers must ensure that every driver is qualified, trained, and medically fit to operate a commercial vehicle. This includes:
– Verifying the driver’s commercial driver’s license (CDL)
– Reviewing the driver’s Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) for past violations
– Conducting background checks for past accidents or safety violations
– Ensuring the driver has a valid medical certificate (per 49 CFR § 391.41)
– Providing ongoing training on safety protocols, including high-wind driving

If the trucking company hired a driver with a history of:
– Rollover accidents
– Speeding violations in hazardous conditions
– Hours-of-service violations (fatigue-related crashes)
– Improper cargo securement citations

…then they may be liable for negligent hiring, training, or supervision. We’ve seen this play out in multi-million-dollar verdicts against carriers who cut corners on driver vetting.

3. The Cargo Owner or Shipper

Even if the trailer was empty, the cargo owner or shipper may still share liability if:
– They failed to disclose hazardous conditions (e.g., if the trailer had residual debris that shifted in transit)
– They pressured the carrier to meet unrealistic deadlines, forcing the driver to operate in unsafe conditions
– They failed to provide proper loading instructions for the trailer’s return trip

4. The Truck or Trailer Manufacturer

If the rollover was caused by a mechanical failure—such as:
– Defective stability control systems
– Faulty suspension or axle components
– Improperly designed trailer aerodynamics (making the vehicle more susceptible to wind)

…then the manufacturer could be held liable under product liability laws. We’ve handled cases where defective truck designs led to rollovers, resulting in catastrophic injuries and wrongful death claims.

5. Government Entities (Road Design or Maintenance)

While less common, government liability could apply if:
– The roadway lacked proper signage warning of high-wind hazards
– The shoulder or guardrails were inadequate, failing to prevent the truck from overturning into traffic
– Poor road maintenance (e.g., debris, potholes) contributed to the loss of control

However, suing a government entity in Texas comes with strict notice requirements and shorter deadlines, so it’s critical to act quickly.

FMCSA Regulations: What the Trucking Industry Is Supposed to Do

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has extensive regulations designed to prevent rollover accidents—particularly in hazardous conditions like high winds. The fact that this accident happened despite a sheriff’s warning suggests that multiple regulations were likely violated.

1. Duty to Exercise Extreme Caution in Hazardous Conditions (49 CFR § 392.14)

This is the most directly applicable regulation to the Moore County accident. 49 CFR § 392.14 states:

“Extreme caution in the operation of a commercial motor vehicle shall be exercised when hazardous conditions, such as those caused by snow, ice, sleet, fog, mist, rain, dust, or smoke, adversely affect visibility or traction. Speed shall be reduced when such conditions exist.”

High winds are explicitly covered under this regulation. The fact that the Moore County Sheriff’s Office warned drivers with empty trailers not to travel at all suggests that the conditions were severe enough to trigger this duty.

Violations of § 392.14 can be used to prove negligence per se—meaning the trucking company or driver is automatically considered negligent if they violated this safety rule.

2. Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations (49 CFR Part 395)

Fatigue is a major contributing factor to rollover accidents. The FMCSA’s hours-of-service regulations are designed to prevent fatigued driving by limiting how long drivers can operate without rest.

For property-carrying drivers (most 18-wheelers), the rules include:
– 11-hour driving limit after 10 consecutive hours off duty
– 14-hour on-duty window (cannot drive beyond the 14th hour after coming on duty)
– 30-minute break required after 8 cumulative hours of driving
– 60/70-hour weekly limit (60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days)

Why does this matter for high-wind rollovers?
– Fatigued drivers have slower reaction times, making it harder to correct for wind gusts.
– Drivers under pressure to meet deadlines may ignore weather warnings to avoid HOS violations.
– ELD (Electronic Logging Device) data can prove whether the driver was over hours at the time of the accident.

If the driver in the Moore County accident was fatigued, the trucking company could be liable for negligent scheduling—a common issue in rollover cases.

3. Driver Qualification Standards (49 CFR Part 391)

Before a driver can operate a commercial vehicle, the trucking company must verify their qualifications under 49 CFR Part 391. This includes:
– Valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) (49 CFR § 391.11)
– Medical certification (49 CFR § 391.41) showing the driver is physically fit to operate a CMV
– Background check (49 CFR § 391.23) including a 3-year driving history review
– Road test or equivalent (49 CFR § 391.31) proving the driver can safely operate the vehicle

If the trucking company failed to properly vet the driver—or hired someone with a history of rollovers, speeding violations, or fatigue-related crashes—they could be liable for negligent hiring.

4. Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance (49 CFR Part 396)

Trucking companies must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain their vehicles under 49 CFR § 396.3. This includes:
– Pre-trip inspections (49 CFR § 396.13) where drivers check for defects
– Post-trip reports (49 CFR § 396.11) documenting any issues
– Annual inspections (49 CFR § 396.17) by qualified inspectors

Common maintenance failures in rollover accidents include:
– Worn or improperly inflated tires (reducing traction in high winds)
– Faulty suspension or axle components (affecting stability)
– Defective stability control systems (failing to prevent rollovers)
– Improperly secured cargo (even in empty trailers, debris can shift and destabilize the vehicle)

If the truck in the Moore County accident had unrepaired defects, the trucking company could be liable for negligent maintenance.

5. Cargo Securement (49 CFR Part 393, Subpart I)

Even empty trailers must comply with cargo securement regulations under 49 CFR § 393.100-136. These rules require:
– Cargo must be contained, immobilized, or secured to prevent shifting
– Tiedowns must meet minimum working load limits
– Special rules apply to different cargo types (logs, metal coils, machinery, etc.)

If the overturned truck had unsecured debris or improper weight distribution, the trucking company could be liable for cargo securement violations.

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

If you or a loved one is involved in a trucking accident—especially one caused by high winds or rollover—time is critical. Evidence disappears quickly, and trucking companies have rapid-response teams working to protect their interests. Here’s what you should do immediately:

1. Seek Medical Attention—Even If You Feel Fine

• Adrenaline masks pain—many injuries (TBI, internal bleeding, spinal damage) don’t show symptoms immediately.
• Get checked at a hospital or urgent care—this creates a medical record linking your injuries to the accident.
• Follow all treatment recommendations—insurance companies use gaps in treatment to argue that your injuries aren’t serious.

2. Document the Scene (If Safe to Do So)

• Take photos and videos of:
• The overturned truck and any debris
• Your vehicle’s damage (inside and out)
• Skid marks, road conditions, and weather
• Injuries (bruises, cuts, swelling)
• Traffic signs, signals, and detour routes
• Get witness information (names, phone numbers, statements).
• Note the truck’s DOT number (usually on the door)—this identifies the trucking company.

3. Do NOT Give a Recorded Statement to the Trucking Company’s Insurance

• Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize your claim.
• Anything you say can be used against you to reduce your settlement.
• Politely decline and tell them your attorney will be in touch.

4. Preserve Evidence Before It Disappears

• Black box data (ECM/ELD) can be overwritten in 30 days.
• Dashcam footage is often deleted within 7-14 days.
• Surveillance video from nearby businesses overwrites quickly.
• The truck may be repaired or scrapped before you can inspect it.

This is why you must contact an attorney IMMEDIATELY. At Attorney911, we send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours to preserve all evidence before it’s destroyed.

5. Contact an 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney

Trucking accidents are not like car accidents. They involve:
– Multiple liable parties (driver, trucking company, cargo owner, manufacturer)
– Complex federal regulations (FMCSA, HOS, cargo securement)
– Massive insurance policies ($750K-$5M+ in coverage)
– Aggressive defense tactics (insurance companies hire rapid-response teams)

You need an attorney who:
✅ Understands FMCSA regulations and how to prove violations
✅ Has experience with rollover accidents and their unique hazards
✅ Knows how to preserve black box data before it’s destroyed
✅ Can identify all liable parties (not just the driver)
✅ Is willing to take your case to trial if the insurance company lowballs you

At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting trucking companies for over 25 years. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has federal court experience and has secured multi-million-dollar verdicts for victims of catastrophic trucking accidents. We know how these companies operate—and we know how to hold them accountable.

How Attorney911 Fights for Trucking Accident Victims

At Attorney911, we don’t just handle trucking accident cases—we win them. Here’s how we build a winning case for our clients:

1. Immediate Evidence Preservation

Within 24-48 hours of being retained, we:
– Send spoliation letters to the trucking company, their insurer, and all liable parties, demanding preservation of:
– Black box (ECM/ELD) data (speed, braking, hours of service)
– Dashcam footage (forward-facing and cab-facing)
– Driver Qualification File (hiring records, training, medical certification)
– Maintenance records (inspections, repairs, known defects)
– Dispatch logs (showing pressure to meet deadlines)
– Cell phone records (proving distracted driving)
– The physical truck and trailer (before repairs or disposal)
– Deploy accident reconstruction experts to the scene before evidence is disturbed.

2. Comprehensive Liability Investigation

We identify every liable party, not just the driver. This includes:
– The trucking company (for negligent hiring, training, supervision, or maintenance)
– The cargo owner/shipper (for improper loading or pressure to meet deadlines)
– The truck/trailer manufacturer (for defective design or manufacturing)
– The maintenance company (for negligent repairs)
– Government entities (for road design defects or inadequate signage)

3. Proving FMCSA Violations

We subpoena all relevant records and analyze them for violations of:
– Hours of Service (HOS) regulations (fatigue-related negligence)
– Driver Qualification standards (negligent hiring)
– Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance rules (deferred repairs)
– Cargo Securement requirements (improper loading)
– Hazardous Conditions protocols (failure to reduce speed in high winds)

Violations of FMCSA regulations can be used to prove negligence per se—meaning the trucking company is automatically considered negligent if they broke the rules.

4. Building a Case for Maximum Compensation

We work with medical experts, economists, and life care planners to calculate:
– Past and future medical expenses (hospital bills, rehabilitation, home modifications)
– Lost wages and earning capacity (if injuries prevent you from working)
– Pain and suffering (physical and emotional trauma)
– Loss of consortium (impact on family relationships)
– Punitive damages (if the trucking company acted with gross negligence)

5. Taking the Case to Trial (If Necessary)

While 95% of cases settle, we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This gives us leverage in negotiations—insurance companies know we’re ready and willing to fight for our clients in court.

Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has 25+ years of trial experience and has secured multi-million-dollar verdicts against some of the largest trucking companies in the country, including:
– Walmart
– Amazon
– FedEx
– UPS
– Swift Transportation
– J.B. Hunt

What’s Your Case Worth?

Every trucking accident case is unique, but here’s what we’ve seen in real Texas verdicts and settlements:

Texas does not cap non-economic damages (pain and suffering) in trucking accident cases, unlike some states. This means juries can award full compensation for your suffering.

Punitive damages may also be available if the trucking company acted with gross negligence—such as:
– Falsifying hours-of-service logs
– Ignoring maintenance records
– Hiring unqualified drivers
– Pressuring drivers to meet unrealistic deadlines

What to Do Next: Your 48-Hour Action Plan

If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident—whether in Moore County, Amarillo, Dallas, Houston, or anywhere in Texas—time is critical. Here’s your 48-hour action plan:

✅ Within 24 Hours:

• Seek medical attention (even if you feel fine).
• Document the scene (photos, videos, witness info).
• Do NOT give a recorded statement to the trucking company’s insurance.
• Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation.

✅ Within 48 Hours:

• We send spoliation letters to preserve all evidence.
• We deploy accident reconstruction experts to the scene.
• We subpoena black box data, ELD records, and maintenance logs.
• We identify all liable parties (not just the driver).

✅ Long-Term:

• We build a case for maximum compensation (medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering).
• We negotiate aggressively with the insurance company.
• We take your case to trial if they lowball you.

Final Thoughts: Justice for Trucking Accident Victims

The overturned semi-truck on Highway 87/287 wasn’t just an accident—it was a preventable tragedy caused by negligence, poor training, and corporate cost-cutting. The Moore County Sheriff’s Office warned drivers not to travel with empty trailers—yet at least one trucking company ignored that warning, putting lives at risk.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident, you deserve justice. You deserve full compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. And most importantly, you deserve to hold the trucking company accountable so they don’t do this to someone else.

At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for trucking accident victims for over 25 years. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has federal court experience and a track record of multi-million-dollar verdicts. We know how these companies operate—and we know how to win.

Don’t wait. Evidence disappears quickly, and trucking companies have rapid-response teams working to protect their interests. Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We’re available 24/7, and we work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win.

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