1 Injured in Longview Crash at Estes Parkway and Eastman Road: What Happened and What Comes Next

The Crash That Changed a Life in an Instant

It happened on a Monday afternoon at the intersection of Estes Parkway and Eastman Road in Longview, Texas. A collision between an F-150 pickup truck and an 18-wheeler sent one person to the hospital with injuries. The driver of the F-150 was transported for medical treatment, while the truck driver walked away uninjured. More details haven’t been released, but what we do know tells a story that’s all too common on Texas highways.

This wasn’t just another traffic accident. When an 80,000-pound commercial truck collides with a 4,000-pound passenger vehicle, the physics don’t lie. The outcome is almost always devastating for the smaller vehicle. While this particular incident resulted in what authorities described as “minor injuries,” the potential for catastrophe was very real.

At Attorney911, we’ve seen what happens when these accidents aren’t minor. Traumatic brain injuries. Spinal cord damage. Amputations. Wrongful death. The aftermath of a trucking accident can change lives forever – not just for the victim, but for entire families.

What We Know About the Longview Crash

Let’s break down what we know from the incident report:

• Location: Estes Parkway and Eastman Road intersection, Longview, Texas
• Date and Time: Monday afternoon, February 20, 2026
• Vehicles Involved: F-150 pickup truck and an 18-wheeler
• Injuries: F-150 driver transported to hospital with minor injuries; truck driver uninjured
• Current Status: Investigation ongoing; no details released about fault or circumstances

The lack of details is telling. When an 18-wheeler is involved, trucking companies and their insurers move quickly to control the narrative. They’ll have rapid-response teams at the scene within hours, gathering evidence to protect their interests. That’s why time is critical for accident victims.

The Hidden Dangers of Longview’s Trucking Corridors

Longview sits at a critical juncture in East Texas’s trucking network. The city is served by major highways that carry massive commercial traffic:

• I-20: The primary east-west corridor connecting Dallas to Shreveport and beyond
• US-259: A major north-south route serving the timber and oil industries
• Loop 281: A busy commercial route through Longview
• Estes Parkway and Eastman Road: Local arteries that intersect with these major corridors

These roads carry a constant flow of commercial traffic serving Longview’s key industries:

• Oil and Gas: Longview is part of the East Texas Oil Field, with significant petrochemical activity
• Timber: The region’s forest products industry generates heavy truck traffic
• Manufacturing: Longview’s industrial base includes manufacturing facilities that rely on just-in-time delivery
• Distribution: Warehouses and distribution centers serve the broader East Texas market

The intersection of Estes Parkway and Eastman Road isn’t just any crossing. It’s a point where local traffic meets commercial routes serving these industries. The mix of passenger vehicles and heavy commercial trucks creates inherent risks that drivers face every day.

Why Trucking Accidents Are Different – And More Dangerous

Most people don’t realize how fundamentally different trucking accidents are from regular car crashes. The physics alone make these collisions uniquely dangerous:

The difference in stopping distance is particularly critical. At highway speeds, an 18-wheeler needs nearly two football fields to come to a complete stop. When traffic slows suddenly, truck drivers often don’t have enough time to react – especially if they’re distracted, fatigued, or their brakes aren’t properly maintained.

The Investigation: What Police Are Looking For

The Longview Police Department has described this as an ongoing investigation. In trucking accident cases, investigators typically examine several key factors:

1. Driver Actions:
   – Was the truck driver speeding?
   – Was the driver distracted (cell phone, dispatch communications, etc.)?
   – Was the driver fatigued in violation of hours-of-service regulations?
   – Did the driver fail to yield right-of-way?

2. Vehicle Condition:
   – Were the truck’s brakes properly maintained?
   – Were there any tire defects or blowouts?
   – Were all lights and signals functioning?
   – Was the cargo properly secured?

3. Environmental Factors:
   – What were the road conditions at the time?
   – Was visibility affected by weather or time of day?
   – Are there any intersection design issues?
   – Were traffic signals functioning properly?

4. Company Compliance:
   – Was the driver properly qualified and trained?
   – Did the company maintain proper records?
   – Were there previous violations or safety issues?

At Attorney911, we know that police investigations often miss critical evidence that only comes to light through civil litigation. That’s why we conduct our own thorough investigations in every trucking accident case.

FMCSA Regulations: The Rules That Trucking Companies Must Follow

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates every aspect of commercial trucking operations. These regulations exist to protect public safety, and violations often play a crucial role in accident cases.

Hours of Service Regulations (49 CFR Part 395)

Fatigue is a leading cause of trucking accidents. FMCSA regulations limit how long drivers can operate:

• 11-Hour Driving Limit: Maximum 11 hours driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• 14-Hour On-Duty Window: Cannot drive beyond 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty
• 30-Minute Break: Required after 8 cumulative hours of driving
• 60/70-Hour Limit: Cannot drive after 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days
• 34-Hour Restart: Can reset weekly clock with 34 consecutive hours off duty

Violations of these rules are alarmingly common. In fact, fatigue-related violations are among the most frequent FMCSA citations. When a driver violates these limits, they’re operating with impaired reaction times and judgment – putting everyone on the road at risk.

Driver Qualification Standards (49 CFR Part 391)

Trucking companies must ensure their drivers are qualified:

• Minimum Age: 21 for interstate drivers
• Medical Certification: Must pass DOT physical
• Driving Record: Must have clean record
• Background Check: Must investigate previous employers
• Drug Testing: Pre-employment and random testing required

The company must maintain a Driver Qualification File containing all these records. When companies cut corners on hiring or fail to maintain proper files, they can be held liable for negligent hiring.

Vehicle Maintenance Requirements (49 CFR Part 396)

Commercial trucks must be systematically inspected and maintained:

• Pre-Trip Inspections: Drivers must inspect vehicles before each trip
• Post-Trip Reports: Drivers must document vehicle condition after each trip
• Annual Inspections: Comprehensive inspection required yearly
• Maintenance Records: Must be kept for at least one year

Brake failures, tire blowouts, and lighting malfunctions are often traced to maintenance violations. When companies defer maintenance to save money, they put lives at risk.

Cargo Securement Rules (49 CFR Part 393)

Improperly secured cargo can shift during transit, causing rollovers or spills:

• Working Load Limits: Tiedowns must meet specific strength requirements
• Number of Tiedowns: Minimum requirements based on cargo length and weight
• Performance Criteria: Securement must withstand specific forces (0.8g forward, 0.5g lateral, etc.)

Cargo securement violations are among the most common FMCSA citations. When cargo shifts or spills, the results can be catastrophic for nearby vehicles.

The Trucking Company’s Playbook: What They Do After an Accident

Within hours of a crash like the one in Longview, the trucking company’s rapid-response team swings into action. Their goal isn’t to determine what happened – it’s to protect the company’s interests. Here’s what typically happens:

1. Immediate Scene Response:
   – Company safety director or risk manager arrives at the scene
   – Evidence is collected to protect the company
   – Witnesses are identified and interviewed

2. Driver Management:
   – Driver is instructed not to give statements
   – Driver may be drug and alcohol tested
   – Driver is often put on administrative leave

3. Evidence Control:
   – Black box data is downloaded
   – ELD records are preserved
   – Maintenance records are reviewed
   – Dashcam footage is secured

4. Insurance Activation:
   – Insurance adjuster is assigned
   – Initial damage assessment is conducted
   – Early settlement offers may be made

5. Legal Preparation:
   – Defense attorneys are engaged
   – Spoliation letters are prepared (ironically, to protect their own evidence)
   – Media strategy is developed

This rapid response is why accident victims need their own advocates – immediately. The trucking company isn’t working for you. They’re working against you.

What the Longview Crash Victim Should Do Now

If you or a loved one was involved in this Longview crash – or any trucking accident – here’s what you should do:

Immediate Steps (First 48 Hours)

1. Seek Medical Attention:
   – Even if injuries seem minor, get checked out
   – Adrenaline masks pain – injuries may not be immediately apparent
   – Medical records create critical documentation for your case

2. Preserve Evidence:
   – Take photos of the scene, vehicles, and injuries
   – Get contact information from witnesses
   – Save all medical records and bills

3. Don’t Give Statements:
   – Never give recorded statements to insurance adjusters
   – Anything you say can be used against you
   – Refer all inquiries to your attorney

4. Contact an Attorney:
   – Time is critical – evidence disappears quickly
   – We send spoliation letters to preserve evidence
   – Early legal intervention protects your rights

Critical Evidence That Disappears Fast

The Legal Process: What Comes Next

If you’ve been injured in a trucking accident, understanding the legal process can help you navigate what’s ahead:

Phase 1: Investigation (0-30 Days)

• Evidence Preservation: We send spoliation letters immediately
• Accident Reconstruction: Experts analyze the crash dynamics
• Record Collection: We subpoena driver files, maintenance records, ELD data
• Liability Analysis: We determine who’s at fault and why

Phase 2: Medical Treatment (Ongoing)

• Documentation: We help you get the medical care you need
• Prognosis: Doctors assess long-term impacts
• Life Care Planning: For catastrophic injuries, we develop comprehensive care plans

Phase 3: Demand and Negotiation (3-12 Months)

• Demand Package: We present a comprehensive claim to the insurance company
• Negotiation: We negotiate for fair compensation
• Litigation Decision: If negotiations fail, we prepare for trial

Phase 4: Litigation (12-36 Months)

• Filing Lawsuit: We file before the statute of limitations expires
• Discovery: Both sides exchange information and take depositions
• Mediation: Attempt to reach settlement through mediation
• Trial: If necessary, we present your case to a jury

Why This Case Matters for Longview Drivers

While this particular incident resulted in minor injuries, it highlights the constant risk that Longview drivers face on our roads. The same factors that contributed to this crash – whatever they may be – are present every day on our highways.

Consider these local realities:

• Oil Field Traffic: The East Texas Oil Field generates heavy truck traffic serving drilling sites, refineries, and support operations
• Timber Industry: Longview’s forest products industry relies on heavy logging trucks that can be unstable when improperly loaded
• Distribution Hub: Warehouses and distribution centers create concentrated truck traffic in specific areas
• Highway Intersections: Major corridors like I-20 and US-259 intersect with local roads, creating conflict points
• Fatigue Risks: Long-haul drivers passing through Longview may be pushing their hours-of-service limits

The intersection of Estes Parkway and Eastman Road isn’t just a local crossing – it’s a point where these regional trucking patterns intersect with everyday traffic. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for protecting your rights after an accident.

Common Causes of Trucking Accidents in East Texas

At Attorney911, we’ve handled hundreds of trucking accident cases across Texas. These are the most common causes we see in East Texas:

Driver Fatigue

• Violation: Hours of service violations (49 CFR Part 395)
• Local Factor: Long-haul drivers passing through East Texas often push their limits
• Evidence: ELD records, dispatch logs, fuel receipts

Fatigue slows reaction times and impairs judgment. A driver who’s been on the road for 14 hours is twice as likely to be involved in a crash as one who’s been driving for 8 hours.

Distracted Driving

• Violation: Mobile phone use prohibited (49 CFR § 392.82)
• Local Factor: Dispatch communications for oil field and timber operations
• Evidence: Cell phone records, Qualcomm messages, dashcam footage

Truck drivers face constant communication demands from dispatchers. When they take their eyes off the road to check messages or make calls, the results can be deadly.

Improper Maintenance

• Violation: Systematic inspection and maintenance required (49 CFR § 396.3)
• Local Factor: Oil field and timber trucks often operate in harsh conditions
• Evidence: Maintenance records, inspection reports, failed components

Brake failures and tire blowouts are often traced to deferred maintenance. When companies cut corners to save money, they put lives at risk.

Cargo Securement Failures

• Violation: Cargo securement standards (49 CFR Part 393)
• Local Factor: Timber loads and oil field equipment require specialized securement
• Evidence: Loading records, tiedown condition, cargo shift patterns

Improperly secured cargo can shift during transit, causing rollovers or spills. In East Texas, we see this frequently with timber loads and oil field equipment.

Negligent Hiring

• Violation: Driver qualification standards (49 CFR Part 391)
• Local Factor: High demand for drivers in oil and timber industries
• Evidence: Driver qualification files, background checks, previous employer records

When companies hire unqualified drivers to meet demand, they create dangerous conditions on our roads.

The Role of Electronic Evidence in Trucking Cases

Modern commercial trucks are equipped with sophisticated electronic systems that record critical data. This evidence can make or break a case:

Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs)

• What They Record: Driving time, duty status, GPS location
• Why It Matters: Proves hours of service violations and fatigue
• Preservation Window: Data may be overwritten in 6 months

Engine Control Modules (ECMs)

• What They Record: Speed, brake application, throttle position, RPM
• Why It Matters: Shows exactly what the driver was doing before the crash
• Preservation Window: Data may be overwritten in 30 days

Telematics Systems

• What They Record: Real-time GPS tracking, speed, hard braking events
• Why It Matters: Provides objective data about driver behavior
• Preservation Window: Varies by system

Dashcams

• What They Record: Video of the road ahead (and sometimes the cab)
• Why It Matters: Visual record of what happened
• Preservation Window: Typically 7-14 days before overwritten

This electronic evidence is why we act quickly in every trucking case. Once this data is lost, it’s often gone forever.

Landmark Trucking Verdicts: What Juries Award in Similar Cases

While every case is unique, recent verdicts show what’s possible when trucking companies are held accountable:

These verdicts demonstrate that juries are willing to hold trucking companies accountable when they act with negligence or recklessness. The key is building a strong case with compelling evidence.

The Attorney911 Advantage: Why We’re Different

At Attorney911, we bring unique advantages to every trucking accident case:

1. Ralph Manginello’s 25+ Years of Experience

Ralph Manginello has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. His experience includes:
– Multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements
– Federal court admission to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
– Experience litigating against major corporations
– Deep understanding of FMCSA regulations

2. Insider Knowledge of Insurance Tactics

Our team includes former insurance defense attorneys who know exactly how trucking companies and their insurers operate. They’ve seen the tactics from the inside – now they use that knowledge to fight for you.

3. Immediate Evidence Preservation

We send spoliation letters within hours of being retained. This puts trucking companies on notice that destroying evidence will have serious legal consequences.

4. Comprehensive Investigation

We leave no stone unturned:
– ECM and ELD data analysis
– Accident reconstruction
– Driver qualification file review
– Maintenance record examination
– Cell phone record subpoenas
– Witness interviews

5. Trial-Ready Preparation

We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Insurance companies know which lawyers are willing to go to court – and they offer better settlements to clients with trial-ready attorneys.

What This Longview Crash Means for Your Rights

If you’ve been injured in a trucking accident – whether it’s this Longview crash or any other incident – you have rights that need protection:

1. Right to Compensation: You’re entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages
2. Right to Evidence: You have the right to access all evidence related to the crash
3. Right to Legal Representation: You have the right to an attorney who will fight for your interests
4. Right to a Fair Process: You have the right to a legal process that doesn’t favor the trucking company

The trucking company has lawyers working to protect their interests. You deserve the same level of representation.

The Clock Is Ticking: Why You Need to Act Now

In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident. But waiting even a few weeks can seriously damage your case. Here’s why:

• Evidence Disappears: Black box data, dashcam footage, and other critical evidence can be lost
• Witnesses Forget: Memories fade quickly – witness statements become less reliable
• Insurance Tactics: The longer you wait, the more time the insurance company has to build their defense
• Medical Documentation: Delaying treatment creates gaps that insurers use to deny claims

The sooner you contact an attorney, the stronger your case will be.

Common Questions About Trucking Accident Cases

What if the truck driver says I was at fault?

Texas uses a modified comparative negligence system. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover compensation. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault – but only if you’re less than 50% at fault.

How much is my case worth?

Every case is unique. Factors that affect value include:
– Severity of injuries
– Medical expenses (past and future)
– Lost wages and earning capacity
– Pain and suffering
– Degree of defendant’s negligence
– Available insurance coverage

Trucking companies carry much higher insurance limits than typical drivers – often $1 million or more.

Will my case go to trial?

Most cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to court. This preparation gives us leverage in settlement negotiations.

How long will my case take?

Timelines vary:
– Simple cases: 6-12 months
– Complex cases: 1-3 years
– Cases that go to trial: 2-4 years

We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing your recovery.

Do I need to pay anything upfront?

No. We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation.

The Bottom Line: What You Should Do Next

If you or a loved one was involved in the Longview crash at Estes Parkway and Eastman Road – or any trucking accident – here’s what you should do right now:

1. Don’t wait – evidence disappears quickly
2. Don’t talk to insurance adjusters – they’re not on your side
3. Don’t accept early settlement offers – they’re always lowball
4. Do contact Attorney911 immediately

We offer free consultations and work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Your Fight Starts With One Call

The trucking company has lawyers working to protect their interests. It’s time you had someone fighting for yours.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’re available 24/7 to answer your questions and protect your rights.

Remember – every hour you wait, evidence in your case is disappearing. The trucking company’s rapid-response team is already at work. It’s time you had your own advocates on the case.

“When an 80,000-pound truck changes your life in an instant, you need more than a lawyer. You need a fighter. At Attorney911, we don’t just handle cases – we fight for futures.”
— Ralph Manginello, Managing Partner

Don’t let the trucking company control your story. Take control of your future. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now.

Learn more about your rights after a trucking accident:
– 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

Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratuita.