Tragedy on Texas 158: How a Left-Turn Collision Near Glasscock Changed Two Families Forever
The Crash That Should Never Have Happened
It was just after 6 p.m. on February 19, 2026. The sun was setting over the vast Texas plains near Glasscock County, casting long shadows across Texas 158 near milepost 314. Felipe Trejo, a 56-year-old Laredo man, was driving his 2001 Kenworth tractor-trailer northwest in the left lane. He was attempting to make a left turn onto a lease road – a routine maneuver for an experienced trucker.
But this wasn’t routine.
A 2024 Chevrolet Silverado, driven by a 28-year-old Midland man, approached from behind. What happened next would change lives forever. The Silverado struck the rear of Trejo’s trailer with devastating force. The impact was catastrophic.
The Silverado became engulfed in flames. The young driver was pronounced dead at the scene. Both drivers were wearing seatbelts – a small mercy in what would become a horrific tragedy.
Felipe Trejo was transported to Midland Memorial Hospital in serious condition. The investigation remains ongoing, but one thing is already clear: this collision on Texas 158 was preventable.
The Human Cost: More Than Just Statistics
Every year in America, motor vehicle crashes claim roughly 36,000 lives and leave approximately 1.9 million others injured. These aren’t just numbers – they’re families shattered, futures stolen, communities grieving.
In this case, two families are forever changed:
– A Midland family lost a 28-year-old son, brother, perhaps a father
– A Laredo family faces the uncertain recovery of Felipe Trejo
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration identifies the leading causes of fatal crashes:
1. Speeding
2. Alcohol, drugs, or medication impairment
3. Failure to maintain proper lane
4. Failure to yield right of way
5. Distracted driving
Which of these factors played a role on Texas 158 that evening? The investigation will tell. But we know this: when an 80,000-pound truck and a passenger vehicle collide, the physics don’t lie. The smaller vehicle doesn’t stand a chance.
The Trucking Industry’s Dirty Secret: Why These Crashes Keep Happening
At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting trucking companies for over 25 years. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has seen the same patterns repeat themselves time and again. This crash on Texas 158 has all the hallmarks of a preventable tragedy.
The Left-Turn Danger Zone
Left turns are among the most dangerous maneuvers for commercial trucks. The physics are unforgiving:
– A fully loaded tractor-trailer can take up to 525 feet to stop from 65 mph – nearly two football fields
– The trailer tracks inside the cab’s path, creating a “swing” that can block multiple lanes
– Visibility is often compromised, especially when turning onto narrow lease roads
Federal regulations specifically address this hazard. 49 CFR § 392.11 requires drivers to exercise extreme caution when making turns:
“No motor carrier shall schedule a run, nor shall any such carrier permit or require the operation of any commercial motor vehicle, between points in such period of time as would necessitate the commercial motor vehicle being operated at speeds in excess of those prescribed by the jurisdictions in or through which the commercial motor vehicle is being operated.”
In plain English: trucking companies can’t pressure drivers to make unsafe turns to meet delivery deadlines.
The Rear-End Collision Factor
The Silverado struck the rear of Trejo’s trailer. Rear-end collisions are the second most common type of large truck crash. Why do they happen?
- Following Too Closely – 49 CFR § 392.11 prohibits following another vehicle more closely than is “reasonable and prudent”
- Driver Distraction – 49 CFR § 392.82 bans hand-held mobile phone use while driving
- Driver Fatigue – Hours of service violations are rampant in the industry
- Brake Failures – Poor maintenance causes 29% of truck accidents
- Speeding – Trucks need 40% more stopping distance than cars
The FMCSA’s Large Truck Crash Causation Study found that 29% of truck crashes involved brake problems. Another 23% involved traveling too fast for conditions.
The Underride Risk
While this crash involved a rear impact, it’s worth noting the deadly underride risk. When a passenger vehicle strikes the rear or side of a trailer and slides underneath, the results are often fatal. The trailer’s height shears off the vehicle’s passenger compartment.
Federal law requires rear underride guards on trailers (49 CFR § 393.86), but there’s no federal requirement for side underride guards. This legislative gap costs hundreds of lives every year.
The Investigation: What Happened on Texas 158?
The Texas Department of Public Safety is investigating, but we can already identify the critical questions that need answers:
1. Was the Truck Driver Properly Qualified?
Under 49 CFR Part 391, trucking companies must maintain a Driver Qualification (DQ) File for every driver. This file must include:
– Employment application with 10-year driving history
– Motor Vehicle Record from state licensing authority
– Road test certificate or equivalent
– Medical examiner’s certificate (valid for 2 years)
– Annual driving record review
– Previous employer inquiries (3-year history)
– Drug and alcohol test records
If the trucking company failed to maintain a proper DQ file for Felipe Trejo, they could be liable for negligent hiring.
2. Were Hours of Service Violations Involved?
The FMCSA’s hours of service regulations (49 CFR Part 395) are designed to prevent driver fatigue:
– Maximum 11 hours driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
– Cannot drive beyond 14th consecutive hour on duty
– 30-minute break required after 8 cumulative hours of driving
– 60/70 hour weekly limits
Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) have made it harder to falsify logs, but violations still occur. If Trejo was driving beyond his legal limits, both he and his employer could be liable.
3. Was the Truck Properly Maintained?
49 CFR Part 396 requires systematic inspection, repair, and maintenance of all commercial motor vehicles. Key requirements:
– Pre-trip inspections before every trip
– Post-trip reports documenting vehicle condition
– Annual comprehensive inspections
– Maintenance records retention for 1 year
Brake failures, tire blowouts, and lighting deficiencies are common maintenance violations that cause accidents.
4. Was the Driver Distracted?
49 CFR § 392.82 prohibits hand-held mobile phone use while driving. Texting while driving is also banned (49 CFR § 392.80). Distracted driving is a leading cause of truck accidents.
5. Were Road Conditions a Factor?
The article mentions the collision occurred near milepost 314 on Texas 158. Roadway conditions that could contribute to accidents include:
– Inadequate signage for turns
– Poor lighting at dusk
– Narrow lease road entrances
– Lack of turn lanes or acceleration lanes
– Road surface conditions (gravel, oil, debris)
The Legal Landscape: Who’s Really Responsible?
In trucking accidents, multiple parties can share liability. This isn’t just about the driver – it’s about a system that too often prioritizes profits over safety.
Potential Liable Parties in the Glasscock Collision:
-
The Truck Driver (Felipe Trejo)
– Potential liability: Negligent turning, failure to yield, speeding, distraction -
The Trucking Company
– Vicarious liability for driver’s actions
– Direct liability for:- Negligent hiring (inadequate background checks)
- Negligent training (failure to train on safe turning procedures)
- Negligent supervision (failure to monitor driver performance)
- Negligent maintenance (failure to maintain brakes, lights, etc.)
- Negligent scheduling (pressuring drivers to meet unsafe deadlines)
-
The Trailer Manufacturer
– Potential product liability if trailer design contributed to the crash
– Rear underride guard compliance (49 CFR § 393.86) -
The Cargo Owner/Shipper
– If cargo was improperly loaded or secured
– If cargo weight contributed to the crash -
The Loading Company
– If third-party loaders improperly secured cargo -
Government Entities
– If road design or maintenance contributed to the crash
– Texas has sovereign immunity protections, but claims may still be possible
The Trucking Company’s Playbook: What They’ll Do Next
Trucking companies have rapid-response teams that spring into action after accidents. Here’s what they’re doing right now:
-
Preserving Evidence (For Their Benefit)
– Downloading ECM/black box data (but only what helps them)
– Securing dashcam footage (if it shows the other driver at fault)
– Collecting maintenance records (if they show proper upkeep) -
Controlling the Narrative
– Training drivers on what to say (and not say) to investigators
– Preparing statements that shift blame to the other driver
– Contacting witnesses to shape their testimony -
Protecting Their Interests
– Having adjusters contact victims and families quickly
– Offering lowball settlements before the full extent of injuries is known
– Using recorded statements to minimize claims
This is why you need your own rapid-response team. At Attorney911, we send spoliation letters within hours of being retained. We demand preservation of ALL evidence – not just what the trucking company wants to share.
The Medical Reality: What Felipe Trejo Faces
Felipe Trejo was transported to Midland Memorial Hospital in serious condition. While we don’t have specifics about his injuries, we know the types of catastrophic injuries common in trucking accidents:
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Caused by sudden impact or penetration
- Symptoms may include confusion, memory loss, mood changes
- Can require lifelong care and rehabilitation
Spinal Cord Injuries
- Can result in partial or complete paralysis
- Quadriplegia affects all four limbs
- Paraplegia affects the lower body
- Lifetime care costs can exceed $5 million
Internal Organ Damage
- Liver lacerations, spleen ruptures, kidney damage
- Internal bleeding can be life-threatening
- Often requires emergency surgery
Burns
- Fuel fires are common in trucking accidents
- Can cause permanent scarring and disfigurement
- May require multiple reconstructive surgeries
Orthopedic Injuries
- Multiple fractures, crushed limbs
- May require surgical hardware installation
- Can result in permanent disability
The road to recovery will be long and difficult. Medical expenses will mount quickly. Lost wages will create financial strain. And the emotional toll on Felipe and his family will be immeasurable.
The Legal Path Forward: What Felipe Trejo Can Do Now
Felipe Trejo may have grounds to pursue a personal injury claim. Here’s what he should consider:
1. Preserve Evidence Immediately
- ECM/black box data can be overwritten in as little as 30 days
- ELD data may be retained for only 6 months
- Dashcam footage is often deleted within 7-14 days
- Physical evidence (the truck, trailer, cargo) may be repaired or sold
At Attorney911, we send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours of being retained. We demand preservation of:
– ECM/black box data
– ELD records
– Driver Qualification File
– Maintenance records
– Inspection reports
– Dispatch logs
– Drug and alcohol test results
– Cell phone records
– The physical truck and trailer
2. Document Everything
- Medical records and bills
- Photographs of injuries
- Journal documenting pain levels and daily limitations
- Records of missed work and lost wages
- Receipts for out-of-pocket expenses
3. Understand the Damages Available
In Texas, accident victims can recover:
– Economic Damages: Medical expenses, lost wages, property damage
– Non-Economic Damages: Pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life
– Punitive Damages: In cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct
Texas has a modified comparative negligence rule. As long as Felipe Trejo is found to be 50% or less at fault, he can recover damages reduced by his percentage of fault.
4. Be Wary of Early Settlement Offers
Insurance companies often make lowball offers quickly after accidents. These offers are designed to:
– Pay you far less than your case is worth
– Get you to sign away your rights before you understand the full extent of your injuries
– Avoid paying for future medical expenses and lost wages
Never accept any settlement without consulting an experienced trucking accident attorney.
The Trucking Industry’s Pattern of Negligence
This crash on Texas 158 isn’t an isolated incident. It’s part of a pattern of negligence that Attorney911 has been fighting for over 25 years.
Hours of Service Violations: The Fatigue Epidemic
The FMCSA’s Large Truck Crash Causation Study found that 13% of commercial motor vehicle drivers were considered to have been fatigued at the time of their crash.
In one landmark case, a jury awarded $80 million against a trucking company that pressured drivers to falsify their logs. The driver in that case had been on duty for 28 consecutive hours when he fell asleep at the wheel.
Negligent Hiring: Putting Dangerous Drivers on the Road
Trucking companies are required to conduct thorough background checks (49 CFR § 391.23). Yet we routinely see cases where companies hire drivers with:
– Multiple DUI convictions
– Suspended or revoked CDLs
– Histories of reckless driving
– Failed drug tests
In a recent Texas case, a trucking company hired a driver with 13 prior accidents and 21 moving violations. When he caused a fatal crash, the jury awarded $281 million against the company.
Negligent Maintenance: The Brake Failure Crisis
Brake problems are a factor in 29% of large truck crashes. Yet brake violations are among the most common FMCSA out-of-service violations.
In one case we handled, a trucking company had deferred brake repairs for months to save money. When the brakes failed on I-10 near Houston, our client suffered catastrophic injuries. The jury awarded $12 million.
The Nuclear Verdict Trend
Juries are increasingly holding trucking companies accountable for their negligence. Recent verdicts include:
– $462 million in Missouri (2024) – Underride decapitation case
– $160 million in Alabama (2024) – Quadriplegic injury from rollover
– $141.5 million in Florida (2024) – Defunct carrier crash
– $730 million in Texas (2021) – Navy propeller oversize load case
These verdicts send a clear message: trucking companies can no longer prioritize profits over safety with impunity.
The Laredo Connection: Why This Matters to Our Community
While this incident occurred in Glasscock County, the same dangers exist on Laredo’s highways every day. Our city sits at the crossroads of major trucking corridors:
– I-35 – The NAFTA corridor connecting Mexico to the Midwest
– US-59 – Running from Laredo to Houston
– The Port of Laredo – Busiest inland port in the United States
Laredo drivers face these risks daily:
– Fatigued drivers crossing the border after long hauls
– Overloaded trucks from Mexican carriers
– Poorly maintained vehicles
– Drivers unfamiliar with US regulations
– Congested highways with inadequate truck lanes
The same factors that caused the Glasscock collision – left turns, rear-end impacts, visibility issues – are present on Laredo’s streets and highways.
What Laredo Drivers Need to Know
If you drive in Laredo, you share the road with thousands of commercial trucks every day. Here’s how to protect yourself:
1. Understand Truck Blind Spots
Trucks have four major blind spots (No-Zones):
– Front No-Zone: 20 feet directly in front of the cab
– Rear No-Zone: 30 feet behind the trailer
– Left Side No-Zone: Extends from the cab door backward
– Right Side No-Zone: Extends from the cab door backward – this is the largest and most dangerous blind spot
If you can’t see the truck’s mirrors, the driver can’t see you.
2. Never Cut Off a Truck
Remember that 525-foot stopping distance? If you cut off a truck and then brake suddenly, the truck may not be able to stop in time.
3. Be Extra Cautious at Intersections
Many truck accidents occur at intersections. When turning left, trucks need extra space. Never try to squeeze past a turning truck.
4. Give Trucks Space When Passing
When passing a truck:
– Signal early
– Pass quickly but safely
– Don’t linger in the blind spot
– Make sure you can see the truck in your rearview mirror before pulling back in
5. Be Visible at Night
Trucks have limited visibility at night. Use your headlights, and avoid driving in a truck’s blind spots for extended periods.
6. Watch for Wide Turns
Trucks often swing wide to make right turns. Never try to pass a truck on the right at an intersection.
7. Report Unsafe Trucks
If you see a truck with:
– Bald tires
– Non-functioning lights
– Leaking fluids
– Unsecured cargo
– Erratic driving
Report it to the Texas Department of Public Safety or call 911.
The Attorney911 Difference: Why Experience Matters
When you’re injured in a trucking accident, you need more than just a lawyer – you need a fighter. You need a team that knows the trucking industry’s tricks and isn’t afraid to take on the big corporations.
Ralph Manginello: 25+ Years Fighting for Trucking Accident Victims
Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has been fighting trucking companies since 1998. He’s seen every tactic, every delay, every lowball offer. And he knows how to counter them.
Ralph’s experience includes:
– Recovering multi-million dollar settlements for trucking accident victims
– Litigating against major carriers like Walmart, Amazon, and FedEx
– Handling complex federal court cases in the Southern District of Texas
– Fighting for families in wrongful death cases
– Taking on the trucking industry’s insurance giants
Our Insider Advantage: Former Insurance Defense Attorney
Our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney. He knows exactly how the other side operates because he used to be on their side.
Lupe spent years working for a national defense firm. He knows:
– How insurance companies value claims
– How adjusters are trained to minimize payouts
– What makes them settle
– How they deny claims
– The software they use to undervalue your suffering
Now he uses that knowledge to fight for you.
Our Track Record: Results That Speak for Themselves
At Attorney911, we’ve recovered millions for trucking accident victims. Our results include:
– $5+ million for a logging accident victim with traumatic brain injury
– $3.8+ million for a car accident victim who suffered amputation
– $2.5+ million for truck crash victims
– Millions recovered in wrongful death cases
We’ve taken on Walmart, Coca-Cola, Amazon, FedEx, and UPS – and won.
Our Approach: Prepare for Trial, Fight for Settlement
We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This approach gives us leverage in settlement negotiations. Insurance companies know which lawyers are willing to go to court – and they offer better settlements to clients with trial-ready attorneys.
Our process:
1. Immediate Evidence Preservation – We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours
2. Comprehensive Investigation – We gather all available evidence
3. Expert Analysis – We work with accident reconstructionists, medical experts, and vocational specialists
4. Aggressive Negotiation – We fight for maximum compensation
5. Trial Preparation – We’re always ready to take your case to court
The Clock Is Ticking: What Felipe Trejo Should Do Now
If Felipe Trejo is considering legal action, time is of the essence. Here’s what he should do:
1. Contact an Attorney Immediately
Critical evidence is disappearing every day. The trucking company is already building their defense. You need to build yours.
2. Don’t Talk to Insurance Adjusters
Insurance adjusters work for the trucking company, not for you. Anything you say can and will be used to minimize your claim.
3. Follow Your Doctor’s Orders
Your health is the top priority. Follow all treatment recommendations. Gaps in treatment can hurt your case.
4. Document Everything
Keep records of:
– All medical appointments
– All medications
– All symptoms and pain levels
– All missed work
– All out-of-pocket expenses
5. Be Patient
Trucking accident cases can take time. Don’t rush into a settlement before you understand the full extent of your injuries.
The Bottom Line: Trucking Companies Must Be Held Accountable
The collision on Texas 158 near Glasscock County is a tragedy. But it’s also a preventable accident that never should have happened.
Trucking companies have a responsibility to:
– Hire qualified drivers
– Train them properly
– Maintain their vehicles
– Follow federal regulations
– Prioritize safety over profits
When they fail in that responsibility, they must be held accountable.
Felipe Trejo and the family of the Silverado driver deserve justice. They deserve compensation for their medical expenses, their lost wages, their pain and suffering. They deserve to know that the trucking company won’t do this to someone else.
What You Can Do If You’re in a Similar Situation
If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident in Laredo or anywhere in Texas, you have rights. You have options. And you don’t have to face this alone.
At Attorney911, we offer:
– Free consultations
– No upfront costs – we work on contingency
– 24/7 availability
– Spanish-language services (Hablamos Español)
– Aggressive representation against trucking companies
Don’t wait. Evidence is disappearing every day. The trucking company is already building their defense. You need to build yours.
Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. Our team, led by Ralph Manginello, is ready to fight for you.
“They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
— Glenda Walker, Attorney911 Client
Learn More About Trucking Accidents
Want to understand more 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?
Take Action Now
The collision on Texas 158 changed lives forever. Don’t let the trucking company get away with it.
If you’ve been injured in a trucking accident:
1. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now
2. Get a free consultation
3. Let us preserve the evidence
4. Let us fight for what you deserve
“You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”
— Chad Harris, Attorney911 Client
The trucking company has lawyers. You deserve the same level of representation. Call Attorney911 today at 1-888-ATTY-911. We answer 24/7.
Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratis.
Don’t wait. Your future depends on what you do next. Call now.