Fatal Fiery Crash on State Highway 158: Holding Negligent Trucking Companies Accountable in Midland, Texas

A Life Lost, Another Forever Changed: The Glasscock County Tragedy

The Texas Department of Public Safety reported a horrific crash on State Highway 158 in Glasscock County that claimed one life and left another with serious injuries. Around 6 p.m. on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, a 2001 Kenworth W900 tractor-trailer was traveling northwest when it attempted to turn left onto a lease road. In that moment, a 2024 Chevrolet Silverado driven by 28-year-old Edgar Abdon Barraza of Midland crashed into the rear of the Kenworth’s trailer. The impact was catastrophic—the Silverado became engulfed in flames, and Barraza was pronounced dead at the scene. The truck driver was transported to Midland Memorial Hospital with serious injuries.

Investigators stated that Barraza failed to control his vehicle’s speed for unknown reasons. Conditions were clear, and both drivers were wearing seat belts. The crash remains under active investigation.

While this tragedy occurred in Glasscock County, the dangers it highlights are all too real for Midland families. The same trucking corridors that pass through Glasscock County connect to Midland’s highways, where oilfield traffic, agricultural hauls, and commercial freight create a high-risk environment. The factors that led to this crash—speed, visibility, and driver decision-making—are present every day on Midland’s roads.

At Attorney911, we’ve seen firsthand how these crashes devastate families. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has spent over 25 years fighting for victims of trucking accidents across Texas. We know that behind every accident report is a family whose lives have been shattered. If you’ve lost a loved one or suffered serious injuries in a trucking accident in Midland, you need an attorney who understands the complexities of these cases and will fight for the justice you deserve.

The Human Cost: Lives Forever Changed

Edgar Abdon Barraza: A Life Cut Short

Edgar Abdon Barraza, 28, of Midland, was pronounced dead at the scene. While the article does not provide details about his life, we know that his death leaves behind grieving family, friends, and loved ones. Wrongful death cases like this are among the most heartbreaking we handle at Attorney911.

In Texas, wrongful death claims allow surviving family members to seek compensation for:

• Lost income and financial support Barraza would have provided
• Loss of companionship, love, and guidance for his family
• Mental anguish and emotional suffering caused by his death
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Pain and suffering Barraza experienced before his death

Texas law allows certain family members to bring wrongful death claims:

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

The statute of limitations for wrongful death claims in Texas is two years from the date of death. This means Barraza’s family has until February 17, 2028, to file a lawsuit. However, evidence in trucking cases disappears quickly—black box data can be overwritten, dashcam footage deleted, and witnesses’ memories fade. The sooner an attorney is involved, the better the chances of preserving critical evidence.

The Truck Driver: Serious Injuries and Lasting Consequences

The Kenworth driver was transported to Midland Memorial Hospital with serious injuries. While the nature of these injuries isn’t specified, truck drivers involved in crashes often suffer:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) from striking the steering wheel or dashboard
• Spinal cord injuries that can lead to paralysis
• Burns from fires or chemical exposure
• Multiple fractures from the force of the impact
• Internal organ damage from seat belt compression or blunt force trauma

These injuries can result in:

• Long-term medical treatment including surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing care
• Lost wages if the driver is unable to return to work
• Permanent disability that affects their ability to earn a living
• Chronic pain that impacts quality of life
• Psychological trauma including PTSD, anxiety, and depression

If the truck driver’s injuries were caused by Barraza’s actions, he may have a claim against Barraza’s estate. However, if the truck driver or trucking company was negligent—such as failing to signal properly, making an unsafe turn, or having inadequate lighting on the trailer—they could be liable for Barraza’s death and any injuries sustained by the truck driver.

Midland’s Trucking Corridors: High-Risk Highways Where Similar Crashes Happen Daily

While this crash occurred in Glasscock County, Midland’s highways face the same risks. Major trucking corridors serving Midland include:

• State Highway 158: The same highway where this crash occurred, connecting Midland to Big Spring and other oilfield areas.
• Interstate 20: A major east-west corridor carrying commercial freight, oilfield equipment, and agricultural products.
• State Highway 349: Connects Midland to Lamesa and the Permian Basin oilfields.
• US Highway 87: A north-south route carrying traffic between Midland and San Angelo.
• Loop 250: A high-traffic loop around Midland with significant truck traffic.

These corridors are critical to Midland’s economy, but they also present significant dangers:

1. Oilfield Traffic: The Permian Basin’s oil and gas industry generates heavy truck traffic, including oversize loads, hazardous materials, and fatigued drivers working long hours.
2. Agricultural Hauls: West Texas agriculture creates seasonal truck traffic carrying cotton, grain, and livestock.
3. Commercial Freight: Midland’s position as a regional hub means significant commercial truck traffic passing through.
4. Lease Roads and Rural Highways: Like SH 158, many Midland-area highways have unpaved lease roads, poorly marked intersections, and limited lighting.

Ralph Manginello understands these local risks. “Midland’s highways are some of the busiest and most dangerous in Texas,” he says. “The same factors that led to this crash—speed, visibility, and driver decision-making—are present every day on our roads. That’s why it’s so important for Midland families to know their rights and have an attorney who understands the local landscape.”

Precedent Cases: How Courts Have Handled Similar Crashes

While every case is unique, courts have consistently held trucking companies accountable in crashes with similar fact patterns. Here are some relevant precedent cases:

1. Ramsey v. Landstar Ranger (Texas, 2021) – $730 Million Verdict

Case Summary: A Navy propeller being transported as an oversize load fell off a trailer and crashed through the windshield of a passenger vehicle, killing a 73-year-old woman. The jury found that the trucking company, Landstar Ranger, was grossly negligent in securing the load and awarded $480 million in compensatory damages and $250 million in punitive damages.

Relevance to This Case:
– Demonstrates that trucking companies can be held liable for improper cargo securement
– Shows that juries will award massive punitive damages for gross negligence
– Highlights the importance of investigating all potentially liable parties (in this case, the shipper and loading company were also defendants)

2. Werner Enterprises Settlement (Texas, 2022) – $150 Million

Case Summary: Two children were killed when a Werner Enterprises truck rear-ended their family’s vehicle on I-30. The truck driver had a history of traffic violations and HOS violations. Werner settled the case for $150 million, the largest 18-wheeler settlement in U.S. history at the time.

Relevance to This Case:
– Shows that trucking companies can be held liable for negligent hiring and supervision
– Demonstrates the value of catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases
– Highlights the importance of investigating the driver’s history and HOS compliance

3. Port Authority of New York and New Jersey v. Arcadian (2nd Cir. 2018) – Underride Crash Liability

Case Summary: A passenger vehicle struck the rear of a truck and slid underneath, killing the driver. The court held that the trucking company was liable because the rear underride guard did not meet federal standards (49 CFR § 393.86).

Relevance to This Case:
– Demonstrates that trucking companies can be held liable for inadequate rear lighting and underride protection
– Shows that compliance with federal regulations is critical to avoiding liability
– Highlights the importance of accident reconstruction and engineering analysis

4. Schneider National Carriers v. Bates (Texas Supreme Court, 2005) – Negligent Maintenance

Case Summary: A Schneider National truck rear-ended a vehicle, causing serious injuries. The plaintiff alleged that the truck’s brakes were poorly maintained. The Texas Supreme Court upheld a jury verdict against Schneider, finding that the company’s maintenance records were inadequate and that the brakes were indeed defective.

Relevance to This Case:
– Demonstrates that trucking companies can be held liable for negligent maintenance
– Shows that poor record-keeping can be used against trucking companies in court
– Highlights the importance of preserving maintenance records and conducting thorough inspections

5. J.B. Hunt Transport v. General Motors (5th Cir. 2006) – Hours of Service Violations

Case Summary: A J.B. Hunt driver fell asleep at the wheel and caused a crash, killing two people. The driver had violated HOS regulations, and the company had pressured him to meet unrealistic delivery deadlines. The court upheld a substantial verdict against J.B. Hunt.

Relevance to This Case:
– Demonstrates that trucking companies can be held liable for HOS violations and scheduling pressure
– Shows that ELD and dispatch records are critical evidence
– Highlights the importance of investigating the trucking company’s safety culture

The Legal Process: What to Expect

1. Free Consultation

We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to evaluate your case. During this meeting, we’ll:

• Review the facts of the accident
• Explain your legal rights and options
• Discuss potential liable parties
• Outline the next steps

2. Investigation and Evidence Gathering

We’ll immediately begin investigating the crash and preserving evidence. This phase typically takes 30-90 days.

3. Demand Letter

Once we’ve gathered sufficient evidence, we’ll send a demand letter to the trucking company’s insurance carrier. This letter outlines:

• The facts of the case
• The legal basis for liability
• The damages you’ve suffered
• Our settlement demand

4. Negotiation

The insurance company will review our demand and may make a settlement offer. We’ll negotiate aggressively to maximize your recovery. Most cases settle during this phase.

5. Litigation (If Necessary)

If the insurance company refuses to make a fair offer, we’ll file a lawsuit. The litigation process includes:

• Discovery: Both sides exchange evidence and take depositions
• Mediation: A neutral third party helps facilitate settlement discussions
• Trial: If mediation fails, we’ll present your case to a jury

6. Resolution

Your case will resolve through either:

• Settlement: The insurance company agrees to pay a negotiated amount
• Verdict: A jury awards damages after trial

Timeline

• Simple cases with clear liability: 6-12 months
• Complex cases with multiple parties: 1-3 years
• Cases that go to trial: 2-4 years

Ralph Manginello emphasizes that we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. “Insurance companies know which lawyers are willing to go to court,” he says. “When they see that we’re prepared to take a case all the way, they’re more likely to make a fair settlement offer.”

The Bottom Line: Trucking Companies Must Be Held Accountable

The crash on State Highway 158 is a tragic reminder of the dangers posed by large trucks on our highways. While the investigation is ongoing, several factors suggest potential negligence:

• The Kenworth W900 was attempting a left turn onto a lease road, a maneuver that requires careful signaling and awareness of following traffic.
• Barraza failed to control his speed, but this doesn’t absolve the truck driver or trucking company of responsibility.
• The immediate fire suggests a fuel tank rupture, which could indicate a vehicle defect or inadequate crash protection.
• The truck’s lighting and reflectors may have been inadequate, making it difficult for Barraza to see the truck or anticipate its turn.

Trucking companies have a legal and moral obligation to operate safely. When they cut corners—whether through negligent hiring, inadequate training, poor maintenance, or scheduling pressure—they put everyone on the road at risk.

If you’ve lost a loved one or suffered serious injuries in a trucking accident in Midland, you need an attorney who will fight for justice. The trucking company has lawyers working to protect their interests. You deserve someone on your side who will protect yours.

Call Attorney911 Now: Your Future Depends on It

If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one in a trucking accident in Midland, call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911. We offer:

• Free consultations with no obligation
• 24/7 availability—we answer calls immediately
• No fee unless we win—you pay nothing upfront
• Aggressive representation against trucking companies and their insurers

Don’t Let the Trucking Company Get Away With It

The trucking company that caused this crash has deep pockets and a team of lawyers. They’ll do everything they can to minimize their liability and pay you as little as possible. Don’t let them get away with it.

We Fight for Maximum Compensation

We’ll pursue every liable party and every available insurance policy to get you the compensation you deserve for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Disability and disfigurement
• Loss of companionship
• Punitive damages

Hablamos Español

Si usted o un ser querido ha sido lesionado en un accidente de camión en Midland, llame a Attorney911 al 1-888-ATTY-911. Lupe Peña habla español y puede ayudarle directamente sin necesidad de intérprete.

Additional Resources

Learn more about trucking accidents and your rights:

• 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
• What to Do After a Car Accident?

This article is Attorney911 original expert analysis. All facts and legal principles are presented as Attorney911’s independent professional assessment based on 25+ years of trucking litigation experience.