Brownfield, Texas – Man Killed in Semi-Truck Crash on US Highway 62: What Happened and Why It Could Happen Here
The Tragedy on US Highway 62: A Life Cut Short
On Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at approximately 8:41 AM, a 45-year-old man from Brownfield, Texas, lost his life in a catastrophic collision with a stalled semi-trailer on US Highway 62. The victim, identified as Rolan Tomlison, was driving when his vehicle struck the front right portion of the stalled trailer. The impact was so severe that his car became wedged underneath the rear of the truck, leading to fatal injuries. Emergency responders pronounced him dead at the scene.
This wasn’t just another traffic accident—it was a preventable tragedy caused by a chain of failures that could have happened anywhere, including right here in Brownfield, Brownfield County, Texas. The circumstances of this crash raise serious questions about trucking safety, driver responsibility, and the dangers of stalled commercial vehicles on our highways.
At Attorney911, we’ve seen far too many cases like this—where a moment of negligence or mechanical failure leads to lifelong devastation for families. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has spent over 25 years fighting for victims of trucking accidents, securing multi-million dollar settlements for families who’ve lost loved ones due to corporate negligence. If you or someone you know has been affected by a similar tragedy, you need an attorney who knows how to hold trucking companies accountable.
Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.
Who Is Responsible for This Tragedy?
In trucking accidents, multiple parties can be held liable—not just the driver. Our firm has seen cases where trucking companies, maintenance providers, cargo loaders, and even manufacturers share responsibility for fatal crashes.
Potential Liable Parties in This Case
| Party | Possible Negligence | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| The Truck Driver | – Failed to safely execute the turn maneuver – Did not properly secure the vehicle after stalling – May have been fatigued, distracted, or medically unfit to drive |
Direct negligence—if the driver violated traffic laws or FMCSA regulations, he could be personally liable. |
| The Trucking Company | – Negligent hiring (hiring an elderly driver without proper vetting) – Negligent training (failing to train drivers on safe turning procedures) – Negligent maintenance (allowing a truck with mechanical issues to operate) – Pressure to meet deadlines (encouraging unsafe driving to avoid delays) |
Vicarious liability—employers are responsible for their drivers’ actions. If the company cut corners on safety, they could be on the hook for millions in damages. |
| The Truck Owner (if different from the carrier) | – Negligent entrustment (allowing an unsafe driver to operate their vehicle) – Poor maintenance (failing to keep the truck in safe condition) |
If the truck was owned by a separate entity, they may share liability for the crash. |
| Maintenance Provider | – Failed to properly inspect or repair the truck – Missed critical mechanical issues (engine, transmission, brakes) |
If a third-party mechanic performed substandard work, they could be liable for the resulting accident. |
| Cargo Loader | – Improperly secured cargo (if shifting loads contributed to the stall) – Overloaded the trailer (exceeding weight limits can cause mechanical failures) |
If cargo shifted and caused the truck to stall, the loading company could be at fault. |
| Truck Manufacturer | – Defective design (if the truck’s turning mechanism or engine was flawed) – Manufacturing defect (if a faulty part caused the stall) |
If a product defect contributed to the crash, the manufacturer could be sued under product liability laws. |
| Government Entity | – Poor road design (if the crossover was unsafe) – Inadequate signage (if drivers weren’t warned about the turn) – Failure to maintain the roadway (if debris or potholes contributed to the stall) |
Sovereign immunity makes suing the government difficult, but if road conditions were a factor, a claim may still be possible. |
FMCSA Violations That Could Apply to This Case
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets strict rules for commercial trucking. If the trucking company or driver violated these regulations, it could strengthen a wrongful death claim.
1. Driver Qualification Violations (49 CFR Part 391)
- Medical Certification (49 CFR § 391.41): Truck drivers must pass a DOT physical to ensure they’re medically fit to drive. If the 74-year-old driver had undiagnosed health issues (heart conditions, vision problems, sleep apnea), the company may have failed to properly vet him.
- Driver Qualification File (49 CFR § 391.51): Trucking companies must maintain a file for each driver, including:
- Employment application
- Driving record
- Medical certification
- Drug/alcohol test results
- Previous employer checks
If this file was incomplete or missing, it could prove negligent hiring.
2. Hours of Service Violations (49 CFR Part 395)
- Fatigue is a leading cause of truck crashes. FMCSA rules limit driving time to prevent exhaustion:
- 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 (cannot drive after 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days)
If the driver was fatigued due to HOS violations, the trucking company could be liable.
3. Vehicle Inspection & Maintenance Violations (49 CFR Part 396)
- Pre-Trip Inspections (49 CFR § 396.13): Drivers must inspect their trucks before every trip, checking:
- Brakes
- Steering
- Tires
- Lights
- Coupling devices
- Cargo securement
If the driver failed to conduct a proper inspection, he and the company could be at fault.
– Annual Inspections (49 CFR § 396.17): Trucks must pass a comprehensive annual inspection. If the truck had known mechanical issues that weren’t fixed, the company could be liable for negligent maintenance.
4. Cargo Securement Violations (49 CFR Part 393)
- Improperly secured cargo can shift during transit, causing loss of control or stalls.
- Overloaded trailers can strain the engine, leading to mechanical failures.
- If cargo shifted and caused the truck to stall, the loading company could be liable.
5. Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Data
- Since December 18, 2017, most commercial trucks must use ELDs to track driving hours.
- ELD data can reveal:
- Whether the driver was fatigued (exceeded HOS limits)
- Whether he took required breaks
- The truck’s speed and location at the time of the crash
- Brake application data (did the driver try to stop in time?)
This data is critical evidence—but it can be overwritten in as little as 30 days. If you’re involved in a trucking accident, contact an attorney immediately to preserve this evidence.
What Should You Do If You’re in a Trucking Accident?
If you or a loved one is involved in a trucking accident in Brownfield, Brownfield County, or anywhere in Texas, time is critical. Evidence disappears quickly, and trucking companies hire rapid-response teams to protect their interests—not yours.
Immediate Steps to Protect Your Rights
✅ Call 911 – Report the accident and request medical assistance.
✅ Document the Scene – Take photos and videos of:
– The truck, trailer, and license plates
– Damage to all vehicles
– Skid marks, road conditions, and traffic signs
– Your injuries
✅ Get the Truck Driver’s Information – Including:
– Name, CDL number, and contact info
– Trucking company name and DOT number
– Insurance information
✅ Collect Witness Statements – Get names and phone numbers of anyone who saw the crash.
✅ Seek Medical Attention – Even if you feel fine, some injuries (like TBI or internal bleeding) don’t show symptoms immediately.
✅ Do NOT Give a Recorded Statement – Insurance adjusters will try to minimize your claim. Never speak to them without an attorney present.
✅ Contact an 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney Immediately – Evidence disappears fast. We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours to preserve critical data.
Why You Need an Attorney Who Knows Trucking Law
Trucking accidents are far more complex than car crashes. You need a lawyer who understands:
– FMCSA regulations (hours of service, driver qualifications, maintenance rules)
– How to obtain and analyze black box data
– Trucking company tactics (they’ll try to blame you or destroy evidence)
– Multiple liable parties (driver, company, cargo loader, manufacturer)
– Nuclear verdict trends (juries are awarding hundreds of millions in trucking cases)
At Attorney911, we have:
✔ 25+ years of experience fighting trucking companies
✔ Federal court admission (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
✔ A former insurance defense attorney on our team (Lupe Peña knows their tactics)
✔ Multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts for trucking accident victims
✔ Offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont—ready to serve Brownfield
Don’t wait—call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation.
How We Investigate Trucking Accidents
At Attorney911, we leave no stone unturned when investigating trucking accidents. Our process includes:
1. Immediate Evidence Preservation
- Send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours to the trucking company, their insurer, and all liable parties.
- Demand preservation of:
- ECM/Black Box Data (speed, braking, throttle position)
- ELD Logs (hours of service, fatigue violations)
- Driver Qualification File (hiring records, medical certification)
- Maintenance Records (inspection reports, repair history)
- Dashcam Footage (if available)
- Cell Phone Records (distracted driving evidence)
- Cargo Manifests (overloading, improper securement)
2. Accident Reconstruction
- Hire expert engineers to analyze:
- Skid marks and vehicle dynamics
- Black box data to determine speed and braking
- Road conditions and visibility
- Whether the truck was properly maintained
3. Driver and Company Investigation
- Review the driver’s history for:
- Previous accidents or violations
- Failed drug/alcohol tests
- Medical conditions that could impair driving
- Hours of service violations
- Investigate the trucking company for:
- Negligent hiring (hiring unqualified drivers)
- Negligent training (failing to teach safe driving)
- Negligent maintenance (ignoring mechanical issues)
- Pressure to violate safety rules (unrealistic delivery deadlines)
4. Identifying All Liable Parties
We pursue every possible defendant, including:
– The truck driver
– The trucking company
– The cargo owner/shipper
– The loading company (if cargo shifted)
– The truck/trailer manufacturer (if a defect caused the crash)
– The maintenance provider (if poor repairs contributed)
– Government entities (if road design was a factor)
5. Building a Strong Case for Maximum Compensation
- Calculate full damages, including:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost income and earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Punitive damages (if gross negligence is proven)
- Negotiate aggressively with insurance companies.
- Prepare for trial—because insurance companies settle for more when they know you’re ready to go to court.
What Happens Next? Your Legal Options After a Trucking Accident
If you’ve lost a loved one in a trucking accident in Brownfield, Brownfield County, or anywhere in Texas, you have legal rights. Here’s what you should do:
1. Understand the Statute of Limitations
- In Texas, you have 2 years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
- Do not wait—evidence disappears, and witnesses forget details.
2. Gather Evidence
- Police report (critical for proving fault)
- Medical records (to document injuries and cause of death)
- Photos/videos from the scene
- Witness statements
- Trucking company records (we’ll subpoena these)
3. Consult an 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney
- We offer free, confidential consultations.
- We’ll review your case and explain your legal options.
- We’ll handle all communications with insurance companies.
4. Let Us Fight for Justice
- We’ll investigate the crash and identify all liable parties.
- We’ll preserve critical evidence before it’s destroyed.
- We’ll negotiate aggressively for maximum compensation.
- If necessary, we’ll take your case to trial.
Learn More About Trucking Accidents
Want to understand more about trucking accidents, FMCSA regulations, and your legal rights? Check out these Attorney911 videos:
- The Victim’s Guide to 18-Wheeler Accident Injuries – What to do if you’re hit by a semi-truck.
- Can I Sue for Being Hit by a Semi Truck? – Your legal rights after a trucking accident.
- The Definitive Guide To Commercial Truck Accidents – How trucking companies operate and how to hold them accountable.
- Truck Tire Blowouts and When You Need a Lawyer – Why tire failures cause deadly crashes.
- What Should You Not Say to an Insurance Adjuster? – How insurance companies try to minimize your claim.
Final Thoughts: Justice for Rolan Tomlison and His Family
The death of Rolan Tomlison is a tragedy that never should have happened. When a stalled semi-truck blocks a highway, it creates a deadly hazard—one that trucking companies have a legal and moral obligation to prevent.
If the truck driver failed to properly secure his vehicle, if the trucking company cut corners on maintenance, or if fatigue or distraction played a role, then someone must be held accountable.
At Attorney911, we believe that no family should have to suffer this kind of loss due to corporate negligence. If you’ve lost a loved one in a trucking accident in Brownfield, Brownfield County, or anywhere in Texas, we’re here to help.
Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We’ll fight for justice, accountability, and the compensation your family deserves.
You don’t have to face this alone. We’re here to help. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today.