Fatal 18-Wheeler and Tractor-Trailer Crashes in Armstrong County, Texas: What Families Need to Know After a Tragedy

You’re reading this because someone you love didn’t come home. A fully loaded 18-wheeler—one of the 500,000 commercial trucks that travel Texas roads every day—changed everything for your family on a stretch of highway most people in Armstrong County drive without thinking twice. Maybe it was U.S. Route 287, the lifeline connecting Amarillo to Wichita Falls, where oilfield service trucks and long-haul freight share the road with local traffic. Or perhaps it was State Highway 207, the rural artery that cuts through Armstrong County’s farmland and ranch country, where gravel trucks and cattle haulers move between Claude, Wayside, and the surrounding communities.

Armstrong County may be small—home to just over 1,800 people—but its roads carry the same freight density as any major Texas corridor. The trucks passing through aren’t just transients; they’re part of the local economy. The oil and gas industry relies on water haulers, sand trucks, and frac spread vehicles moving between well sites in the Panhandle’s energy fields. Agricultural producers depend on grain trucks and livestock haulers to get their products to market. And every Amazon delivery van, FedEx Ground truck, and Sysco foodservice truck that stops in Claude or Goodnight is part of a last-mile network that keeps the county connected to the rest of Texas.

When one of these trucks takes a life, the legal reality that follows is anything but small. Texas law gives you two years from the date of the fatal injury to file a wrongful death claim under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 71.001. That clock starts ticking the moment the crash happens—not when the funeral is over, not when the autopsy report is finalized, and not when you feel ready to talk to a lawyer. The carrier responsible for the crash has already assigned a claims adjuster, and their team has been working since the night of the wreck. The longer you wait, the more evidence disappears: electronic logging device (ELD) data overwrites in as little as 30 days, dashcam footage is erased in 7–14 days, and maintenance records vanish when carriers control the timeline.

We don’t let that happen. Within 48 hours of taking your case, we send a spoliation preservation letter to the motor carrier, the broker, the shipper, and any third-party telematics provider. That letter locks down the truck’s electronic control module (ECM), the ELD logs under 49 C.F.R. Part 395, the Qualcomm or PeopleNet telematics feed, the dispatch communications, the driver’s qualification file under 49 C.F.R. § 391.51, the post-accident drug and alcohol screens under 49 C.F.R. § 382.303, and any MCS-90 endorsement on the policy. We pull the FMCSA Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP) record on the driver and the carrier’s Safety Measurement System (SMS) profile by USDOT number before discovery even begins. We know what the Texas Pattern Jury Charge will ask in Armstrong County’s venue, and we build the case to answer those questions from day one.

The Legal Framework: What Texas Law Gives Your Family After a Fatal Truck Crash

When a commercial truck kills a loved one in Armstrong County, the law doesn’t see it as a single tragedy. It sees three separate statutory claims, each with its own damages, its own beneficiaries, and its own legal hurdles. Here’s what Texas law provides—and what the trucking company hopes you never learn.

1. Wrongful Death Claims Under § 71.004: The Independent Claims of Surviving Family

Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 71.004, the following family members each hold an independent wrongful death claim for the loss of their loved one:

• Surviving spouse
• Children (including adult children)
• Parents

Each of these claims is separate and distinct. The carrier’s defense team will try to lump them together, offering a single settlement to “make it go away.” We don’t let that happen. Each claimant’s damages are calculated individually, based on their unique relationship to the deceased. A spouse’s claim includes loss of companionship, emotional support, and household services. A child’s claim includes loss of parental guidance and future inheritance. A parent’s claim includes loss of love and emotional support.

What this means for your family:
If your loved one was the primary breadwinner, the financial impact on your household is part of the damages. If they were a parent, the emotional void left in your children’s lives is compensable. If they were a child, the loss of your guidance and future support is part of the claim. The trucking company’s insurer will try to minimize these losses. We document them meticulously.

2. Survival Action Under § 71.021: The Claim Your Loved One Would Have Had

While the wrongful death claim belongs to the survivors, the survival action under § 71.021 belongs to the estate of the deceased. This claim covers:

• Medical expenses incurred between the injury and death
• Physical pain and mental anguish suffered before death
• Funeral and burial expenses

This is not a wrongful death claim—it’s the claim your loved one would have had if they had survived. If they were conscious for even a few minutes after the crash, the law recognizes their suffering as a compensable harm. The trucking company’s defense will argue that since they didn’t survive, their pain doesn’t matter. We prove otherwise.

3. The Two-Year Clock Under § 16.003: The Deadline That Doesn’t Wait for Grief

Texas gives you two years from the date of the fatal injury to file a wrongful death or survival action. That’s it. No extensions. No exceptions. If the crash happened on January 1, 2026, your lawsuit must be filed by January 1, 2028—or the claim dies forever.

Why this matters:
The trucking company knows this deadline better than most families do. Their adjusters will call within days of the crash, offering a quick settlement before you’ve even had time to grieve. They’ll tell you it’s “fair” and “generous.” It won’t be. First offers are almost always a fraction of what the case is worth. We never advise a client to sign a release in the first 96 hours—and we calculate the full value of your claim before we respond to the carrier.

The Federal Trucking Regulations: What the Carrier Was Supposed to Follow

Commercial trucks don’t operate under the same rules as passenger vehicles. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR)—found in 49 C.F.R. Parts 390–399—set the safety standards every trucking company is legally required to follow. When a carrier violates these rules, it’s not just negligence—it’s negligence per se under Texas law, meaning the jury can find liability based on the violation alone.

Here are the most critical regulations in fatal truck crashes—and how we prove violations in Armstrong County cases.

1. Hours of Service (HOS) Under 49 C.F.R. Part 395: The Fatigue Factor

Truck drivers are limited to:

• 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• 14-hour duty window (including non-driving tasks like loading and unloading)
• 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving
• 60/70-hour limit over 7/8 consecutive days

How we catch violations:

• ELD audit: The electronic logging device records every minute the truck moves. We subpoena the raw data and cross-reference it with fuel receipts, toll records, and GPS data to catch falsified logs.
• Dispatch records: If the driver was pressured to meet an unrealistic delivery schedule, the carrier may be liable for negligent dispatch.
• Prior violations: We pull the carrier’s SMS Hours-of-Service BASIC score to show a pattern of fatigue-related crashes.

Why it matters:
Fatigue is a factor in 13% of fatal truck crashes nationwide (FMCSA). In the Panhandle, where drivers run long hauls between well sites, fatigue violations are even more common. If the driver who killed your loved one was over his hours, the carrier is responsible—and we prove it.

2. Driver Qualification Under 49 C.F.R. Part 391: The Hiring Failures

Before a carrier hires a driver, it must:

• Verify the driver’s commercial driver’s license (CDL)
• Check the driver’s employment history for the past 3 years
• Pull the driver’s Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP) report (which includes crash and inspection history)
• Conduct a road test or accept a valid road test certificate
• Require a medical examination (DOT physical)

How we catch violations:

• PSP report: We pull this before discovery formally opens to see if the driver had prior crashes or violations.
• Prior employer references: We subpoena the driver’s 3-year employment history to see if the carrier ignored red flags.
• Medical examiner’s certificate: If the driver had a condition that should have disqualified him (sleep apnea, uncontrolled diabetes, etc.), the carrier may be liable for negligent hiring.

Why it matters:
If the carrier hired a driver with a history of DUI, hours-of-service violations, or preventable crashes, that’s direct negligence—not just respondeat superior. And under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 41.003, that can open the door to exemplary (punitive) damages.

3. Vehicle Maintenance Under 49 C.F.R. Part 396: The Mechanical Failures

Carriers must:

• Inspect every truck before each trip (pre-trip inspection)
• Perform periodic maintenance (including brake adjustments, tire tread checks, and lighting inspections)
• Keep records of all inspections and repairs for at least 1 year

How we catch violations:

• Maintenance records: We subpoena the carrier’s inspection and repair logs to see if they ignored known issues.
• Post-crash inspection: If the truck’s brakes, tires, or lights failed, we hire an accident reconstructionist to prove it.
• Prior violations: We pull the carrier’s SMS Vehicle Maintenance BASIC score to show a pattern of neglect.

Why it matters:
Mechanical failures cause 5% of fatal truck crashes (FMCSA). If the truck that killed your loved one had worn-out brakes, bald tires, or faulty lights, the carrier is liable—and we hold them accountable.

4. Drug and Alcohol Testing Under 49 C.F.R. Part 382: The Impairment Factor

Commercial drivers are subject to:

• Pre-employment drug testing
• Random drug and alcohol testing
• Post-accident testing (within 8 hours for alcohol, 32 hours for drugs)
• Reasonable suspicion testing

How we catch violations:

• Post-accident screen: We subpoena the toxicology report to see if the driver was impaired.
• Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse: We check the FMCSA’s national database to see if the driver had prior violations.
• Prior employer records: We subpoena the driver’s testing history to see if the carrier ignored a pattern of failed tests.

Why it matters:
If the driver who killed your loved one tested positive for alcohol, marijuana, opioids, or amphetamines, that’s gross negligence under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 41.003—and it opens the door to exemplary damages with no statutory cap (because intoxication manslaughter is a felony).

The Defendants: Who We Sue (It’s Not Just the Driver)

Most personal injury firms stop at the driver. We don’t. The driver who crashed into your loved one is just one defendant—and often, not the most responsible one. Here’s who else we pursue in Armstrong County fatal truck crash cases.

1. The Motor Carrier (Trucking Company)

Under respondeat superior, the employer is liable for the driver’s negligence. But we don’t stop there. We also sue the carrier for:

• Negligent hiring (if they hired an unqualified driver)
• Negligent training (if they didn’t properly train the driver)
• Negligent supervision (if they ignored prior violations)
• Negligent dispatch (if they pressured the driver to meet an unrealistic schedule)
• Negligent maintenance (if they failed to inspect or repair the truck)

Example from our case results:
“Multi-million dollar settlement for client who suffered brain injury with vision loss when log dropped on him at logging company.”
(Every case is unique. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.)

2. The Freight Broker (If They Arranged the Load)

Brokers like C.H. Robinson, Total Quality Logistics, and Uber Freight have a legal duty to vet the carriers they hire. If they dispatch a load to a carrier with a poor safety record, they can be liable for negligent selection.

Key case:
Miller v. C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc. (9th Cir. 2020) – Brokers can be held liable for negligent selection of unsafe carriers.

3. The Shipper (If They Controlled Loading or Scheduling)

If the shipper directed the loading sequence, set an unrealistic delivery schedule, or required the driver to violate hours-of-service rules, they can be liable for negligent loading or dispatch.

Example:
If a shipper overloaded the truck or failed to secure the cargo properly, they share responsibility for the crash.

4. The Maintenance Contractor (If They Inspected the Truck)

Many carriers outsource maintenance to third-party shops. If the mechanic signed off on faulty brakes or tires, they can be liable for negligent inspection.

5. The Parts Manufacturer (If a Defect Caused the Crash)

If the crash was caused by a defective tire, brake system, or steering component, we sue the manufacturer under product liability law.

6. The Government Entity (If Road Design Contributed)

If the crash was caused by:

• Missing guardrails
• Poorly designed intersections
• Inadequate signage
• Unrepaired potholes

We may sue TxDOT, the county, or the municipality under the Texas Tort Claims Act (Chapter 101). But be warned: you must file a notice of claim within 6 months—or the case is barred forever.

The Damages: What Your Family Can Recover in Armstrong County

Texas law recognizes multiple categories of damages in fatal truck crashes. Each one is calculated separately, and each one requires documentation, expert testimony, and aggressive negotiation to maximize.

What this means for your family:

• If your loved one was the primary breadwinner, their lost earnings could be millions over a lifetime.
• If they were a parent, the loss of their guidance and support is compensable.
• If the crash involved gross negligence (DUI, hours-of-service violations, falsified logs), exemplary damages could exceed the compensatory damages.

The Insurance Company’s Playbook: How They’ll Try to Minimize Your Claim

The adjuster who calls you isn’t your friend. Their job is to close your claim for as little as possible. Here’s how they’ll try to lowball you—and how we counter each tactic.

Tactic 1: The Quick Lowball Offer

What they do:
Call within days of the crash with a “generous” offer before you’ve had time to grieve.

What they don’t tell you:

• First offers are always a fraction of what the case is worth.
• They’re banking on you not knowing the full value of your claim.
• If you accept, you waive all future claims—even if your injuries worsen.

How we counter:
We never advise a client to sign a release in the first 96 hours. We calculate the full value of your claim—including future medical needs, lost earning capacity, and emotional damages—before we respond.

Tactic 2: The Recorded Statement Trap

What they do:
Say, “We just need a quick recorded statement for our files.”

What they don’t tell you:

• That statement will be used against you in court.
• They’ll ask leading questions to make you minimize your injuries.

How we counter:
Never give a recorded statement without your attorney present. We handle all communication with the insurance company.

Tactic 3: The Comparative Negligence Blame Game

What they do:
Say, “Our investigation shows your loved one was partially at fault—maybe they were speeding or didn’t signal.”

What they don’t tell you:

• Texas follows modified comparative negligence under § 33.001.
• You can recover even if you were 50% at fault.
• If you were 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing.

How we counter:
We anticipate this argument and develop evidence that pushes fault back where it belongs—on the truck driver.

Tactic 4: The Pre-Existing Condition Defense

What they do:
Say, “Your loved one had back problems before this accident, so we’re not responsible for the aggravation.”

What they don’t tell you:

• Texas follows the eggshell skull rule.
• If the crash worsened a pre-existing condition, the trucking company is 100% liable for the aggravation.

How we counter:
We gather medical records to prove the crash made the condition worse.

Tactic 5: The Delayed Treatment Defense

What they do:
Say, “You didn’t see a doctor for three weeks, so you must not be seriously hurt.”

What they don’t tell you:

• Adrenaline masks pain—many injuries don’t surface for days or weeks.
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) often have delayed symptoms.
• Whiplash and soft-tissue injuries can take time to manifest.

How we counter:
We document every symptom, even if it appeared later. Delayed treatment does not mean no injury.

Tactic 6: Spoliation (Evidence Destruction)

What they do:
“Accidentally” delete ELD data, dashcam footage, or maintenance records.

What they don’t tell you:

• This is illegal under Texas spoliation law.
• If they destroy evidence, the court can instruct the jury to assume it was harmful to their case.

How we counter:
We send a preservation letter within 24 hours of taking your case. Every black box, ELD log, and maintenance file is locked down before they can “lose” it.

Tactic 7: The IME Doctor Scam

What they do:
Send you to an “independent” medical examiner (IME) who always finds you’re not as injured as you claim.

What they don’t tell you:

• These doctors are hired by the insurance company.
• They never find in favor of the victim.

How we counter:
Lupe Peña hired these doctors when he worked for insurance defense firms. He knows their playbook. We counter with your treating physicians and independent experts the carrier can’t impeach.

Tactic 8: Surveillance (The “Gotcha” Game)

What they do:
Hire investigators to photograph you doing anything that looks “normal.”

What they don’t tell you:

• They’ll freeze one frame of you bending over to pick up groceries and ignore the 10 minutes of pain before and after.
• They’ll take activity out of context to make it seem like you’re not injured.

How we counter:
We expose this in deposition. Lupe’s insider quote:
“I’ve reviewed hundreds of surveillance videos as a defense attorney. Here’s the truth: insurance companies take innocent activity out of context. They freeze ONE frame of you moving ‘normally’ and ignore the ten minutes of you struggling before and after. They’re not documenting your life—they’re building ammunition against you.”

Tactic 9: Delay Tactics

What they do:
Drag out the case, hoping you’ll settle for less out of financial desperation.

What they don’t tell you:

• The longer they delay, the more evidence disappears.
• The statute of limitations clock keeps running.

How we counter:
We file lawsuit early to force discovery. We set depositions. We make the carrier carry the cost of delay.

Tactic 10: Drowning You in Paperwork

What they do:
Send massive discovery requests designed to overwhelm you.

What they don’t tell you:

• This is a scorched-earth tactic to wear you down.

How we counter:
We staff the case appropriately and use motion practice to limit overbroad discovery.

Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Armstrong County Truck Crash Case?

Most personal injury firms in Texas don’t understand trucking cases. They treat them like car wrecks. We don’t. Here’s what sets us apart.

1. We Know the Federal Trucking Regulations Cold

We don’t just cite the FMCSR—we live in it. We know:

• 49 C.F.R. Part 395 (Hours of Service) inside and out.
• How to audit ELD logs against fuel receipts and GPS data.
• How to subpoena Qualcomm and PeopleNet telematics to prove speed and fatigue.
• How to pull the FMCSA’s Safety Measurement System (SMS) scores before discovery formally opens.

Most firms don’t even know these records exist. We do.

2. We Have a Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Our Team

Lupe Peña spent years working for national insurance defense firms. He knows:

• How adjusters value claims (hint: it’s not in your favor).
• Which IME doctors they favor (he hired them).
• How they manipulate surveillance footage.
• How they pressure victims to settle early.

Now, he uses that knowledge against them.

3. We Sue Trucking Companies, Not Just Drivers

Most firms stop at the driver. We don’t. We sue:

• The motor carrier (for negligent hiring, training, supervision, and dispatch)
• The freight broker (for negligent selection under Miller v. C.H. Robinson)
• The shipper (if they controlled loading or scheduling)
• The maintenance contractor (if they inspected the truck)
• The parts manufacturer (if a defect caused the crash)
• The government entity (if road design contributed)

We name every responsible party—because that’s how you maximize your recovery.

4. We Have a 4.9-Star Google Rating from 251+ Reviews

We don’t just say we care—our clients do. Here’s what they say:

“Melanie was excellent. She kept me informed and when she said she would call me back, she did. I got to speak with Ralph Manginello once and knew quickly the way his Firm was ran.” – Brian Butchee

“When I felt I had no hope or direction, Leonor reached out to me…She took all the weight of my worries off my shoulders.” – Stephanie Hernandez

“Special thank you to my attorney, Mr. Pena, for your kindness and patience with my repeated questions.” – Chelsea Martinez

“I never felt like ‘just another case’ they were working on.” – Ambur Hamilton

“One of Houston’s Great Men Trae Tha Truth has recommended this law firm. So if he is vouching for them then I know they do good work.” – Jacqueline Johnson

5. We’ve Recovered $50+ Million for Injury Victims

We don’t just talk about results—we get them. Here are some of our case results:

(Every case is unique. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.)

6. We’re Available 24/7—Not Just an Answering Service

When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, you get live staff—not a machine. We’re here when you need us.

7. We Speak Spanish (Hablamos Español)

Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, and we have bilingual staff members who can assist you. No interpreters needed.

“Especially Miss Zulema, who is always very kind and always translates.” – Celia Dominguez

What to Do Next: The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Window

The first 48 hours after a fatal truck crash are critical. Evidence disappears fast:

• ELD data overwrites in 30–180 days.
• Dashcam footage is erased in 7–14 days.
• Surveillance video from gas stations and businesses auto-deletes in 7–14 days.
• Witness memories fade.

Here’s what we do in the first 48 hours:
✅ Send a preservation letter to the motor carrier, broker, shipper, and telematics provider—locking down the ECM, ELD, dashcam, dispatch records, and maintenance files.
✅ Pull the FMCSA Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP) report on the driver.
✅ Pull the carrier’s Safety Measurement System (SMS) profile by USDOT number.
✅ Identify all potentially liable parties (driver, carrier, broker, shipper, manufacturer, government entity).
✅ Deploy an accident reconstruction expert to the scene if needed.

What you should do right now:
📞 Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.
📝 Do not give a recorded statement to the insurance company.
🚫 Do not sign anything without talking to us first.
⏳ Act fast—the two-year statute of limitations clock is already running.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fatal Truck Crashes in Armstrong County

1. How much is my wrongful death case worth?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The value depends on:

• The carrier’s hours-of-service compliance (were they over their hours?)
• The driver’s prior violations (did the carrier ignore red flags?)
• The maintenance records (were the brakes/tires properly inspected?)
• The speed and physical evidence at the scene
• The survivor’s medical and financial records
• The jury pool in Armstrong County’s venue

We document every factor before we estimate your case.

2. Can I sue the trucking company, or just the driver?

You can—and should—sue both. The driver is just one defendant. The trucking company is often more responsible because of:

• Negligent hiring (did they hire an unsafe driver?)
• Negligent training (did they properly train the driver?)
• Negligent supervision (did they ignore prior violations?)
• Negligent maintenance (did they fail to inspect the truck?)

We name every responsible party—because that’s how you maximize your recovery.

3. What if the trucking company says the driver was an “independent contractor”?

Many carriers try to avoid liability by claiming the driver was an independent contractor, not an employee. We defeat this defense using three legal tests:

1. The ABC Test – Was the driver free from the company’s control? Did they perform work outside the company’s usual business? Were they customarily engaged in an independently established business?
2. The Economic Reality Test – Who controlled the driver’s schedule, routes, and equipment? Who had the power to fire them?
3. The Right-to-Control Test – Did the company retain the right to control how the work was done?

If the driver was dispatched by Amazon, FedEx, or UPS, we can often prove they were de facto employees—and hold the company liable.

4. What if the trucking company offers me a settlement?

First offers are always low. The insurance company’s goal is to close your claim for as little as possible. We never advise a client to accept a first offer—and we calculate the full value of your claim before we respond.

5. How long will my case take?

Most trucking cases settle within 6–12 months, but some go to trial. We push for the fastest possible resolution without sacrificing value.

6. What if I can’t afford a lawyer?

We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. Our fee is 33.33% pre-trial, 40% if we go to trial. And you may still be responsible for court costs and case expenses.

7. What if I’m undocumented? Will my immigration status affect my case?

No. Your immigration status does not affect your right to compensation in Texas. We represent clients regardless of citizenship status, and your case is confidential.

“Hablamos Español. Lupe Peña maneja su caso personalmente. Su estatus migratorio NO importa—usted tiene derechos.” – Attorney 911

8. What if I already have a lawyer but I’m not happy with them?

You can switch lawyers at any time. If your current attorney isn’t returning your calls, isn’t updating you, or is pushing you to settle for too little, you have options.

9. What if the trucking company seems to be handling it fairly?

They’re not. Their “fairness” is managed by adjusters trained to minimize payouts. They have a team working against you 24/7. You need a team working for you.

10. What if I don’t know if my case is worth anything?

Call us. In 15 minutes, we can tell you exactly what your case may be worth—with no obligation.

Armstrong County’s Freight Reality: Why These Crashes Keep Happening

Armstrong County may be small, but its roads carry big risks. Here’s why fatal truck crashes happen here—and what needs to change.

1. The Oilfield Trucking Surge

The Panhandle’s energy boom brings hundreds of oilfield service trucks to Armstrong County’s roads every day:

• Water haulers running between well sites
• Sand trucks delivering frac sand
• Frac spread vehicles moving heavy equipment
• Crew buses transporting workers

These trucks often run 24/7, pushing drivers to violate hours-of-service rules to meet deadlines. The result? Fatigue-related crashes—the #1 cause of fatal truck wrecks.

2. The Agricultural Haulers

Armstrong County is ranch and farm country. That means:

• Cattle trucks moving livestock to market
• Grain trucks hauling crops
• Farm equipment transports moving combines and tractors

These trucks often run on rural roads—where poor lighting, narrow lanes, and high speeds create deadly conditions.

3. The Last-Mile Delivery Explosion

Every Amazon package, FedEx Ground shipment, and Sysco food delivery that arrives in Claude or Goodnight comes through last-mile delivery trucks. These drivers are under extreme pressure to meet unrealistic delivery quotas, leading to:

• Speeding
• Distracted driving (using handheld devices to scan packages)
• Fatigue (working 12+ hour shifts)

4. The Lack of Trauma Centers

Armstrong County doesn’t have a Level I trauma center. The nearest are:

• Northwest Texas Hospital (Amarillo) – 60+ miles away
• United Regional Health Care System (Wichita Falls) – 100+ miles away

When a truck crash happens, EMS response times are longer, and critical minutes are lost getting victims to the right care. That’s why rural crashes are 2.66 times more likely to be fatal than urban crashes (NHTSA).

5. The Weather Factor

Armstrong County’s climate creates unique risks:

• Winter ice storms – Jackknife crashes spike during freeze events.
• Dust storms – Visibility drops to zero, leading to multi-vehicle pileups.
• High winds – Top-heavy trucks (like tankers and livestock haulers) are at risk of rollovers.

The trucking companies know these risks—but they often ignore them to meet deadlines.

The Bottom Line: You Have Two Years to Act—But Every Day Counts

Texas gives you two years from the date of the fatal injury to file a wrongful death claim. That clock started ticking the day of the crash—not when the funeral was over, not when the autopsy report came back, and not when you felt ready to talk to a lawyer.

The trucking company already has a team working against you. The longer you wait, the more evidence disappears:

• ELD data overwrites.
• Dashcam footage is erased.
• Maintenance records vanish.
• Witness memories fade.

We don’t let that happen. Within 48 hours of taking your case, we:
✅ Send a preservation letter to lock down all evidence.
✅ Pull the FMCSA records on the driver and carrier.
✅ Identify all liable parties (driver, carrier, broker, shipper, manufacturer, government entity).
✅ Begin building your case for the Texas Pattern Jury Charge questions.

You don’t have to do this alone. We’ve helped hundreds of Texas families after fatal truck crashes—and we can help yours.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now for a free, no-obligation case evaluation. We’re available 24/7—not just an answering service.

“You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client…You are FAMILY to them.” – Chad Harris

The clock is ticking. Call now.