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Pickup driver killed in Fort Worth tractor-trailer collision identified — Abilene, Taylor County, Texas Attorney911 brings 25+ years of multi-million dollar trucking verdicts, former insurance defense attorney insider tactics, FMCSA regulation mastery (49 CFR 390-399), black box data extraction, jackknife, rollover, underride & all crash types, catastrophic injury & wrongful death specialists, federal court admitted, $50+ million recovered for Texas families, free 24/7 consultation, no fee unless we win, 1-888-ATTY-911, Hablamos Español

February 16, 2026 28 min read
Pickup driver killed in Fort Worth tractor-trailer collision identified — Abilene, Taylor County, Texas Attorney911 brings 25+ years of multi-million dollar trucking verdicts, former insurance defense attorney insider tactics, FMCSA regulation mastery (49 CFR 390-399), black box data extraction, jackknife, rollover, underride & all crash types, catastrophic injury & wrongful death specialists, federal court admitted, $50+ million recovered for Texas families, free 24/7 consultation, no fee unless we win, 1-888-ATTY-911, Hablamos Español - Attorney911

Fort Worth Tractor-Trailer Collision Kills Pickup Driver: Why This Tragedy Could Happen on Abilene’s Highways

The Crash That Changed Everything in an Instant

It happened at 8:12 p.m. on a February evening. Coy Reynolds, 41, was driving northbound on Interstate 35 in Fort Worth when his pickup struck the back of a tractor-trailer near the Highway 287 ramp. The impact was catastrophic. The tractor-trailer driver pulled over after being struck, but Reynolds lost control of his vehicle and died at the scene from blunt force injuries.

This wasn’t just another traffic accident. It was a preventable tragedy caused by the deadly combination of an 80,000-pound commercial vehicle and a passenger pickup. And while this incident occurred in Fort Worth, the same dangers exist right here on Abilene’s highways every single day.

The Hard Truth About Rear-End Truck Collisions

Rear-end collisions involving tractor-trailers are among the most deadly types of truck accidents. When a fully loaded 18-wheeler strikes a passenger vehicle from behind—or when a passenger vehicle strikes the back of a tractor-trailer—the physics are brutal.

  • Stopping Distance: A loaded tractor-trailer traveling at 65 mph needs approximately 525 feet to stop—nearly two football fields. That’s 40% longer than a passenger vehicle needs.
  • Underride Risk: When a pickup strikes the back of a trailer, the trailer’s height often causes the pickup’s passenger compartment to be sheared off at windshield level. This is called an underride collision, and it’s almost always fatal.
  • Force of Impact: An 80,000-pound truck carries 20-25 times the kinetic energy of a 4,000-pound pickup. That energy transfers directly to the smaller vehicle in a crash.

In this Fort Worth tragedy, the official report states that Reynolds’ pickup “struck the back of the tractor-trailer.” This suggests either:
1. The tractor-trailer made a sudden stop without adequate warning, or
2. Reynolds failed to maintain proper following distance, or
3. The tractor-trailer was improperly positioned or lacked required rear underride guards

Each of these scenarios points to potential violations of federal trucking safety regulations.

FMCSA Regulations That Could Have Prevented This Tragedy

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has established comprehensive regulations to prevent exactly this type of accident. When trucking companies and drivers violate these rules, they create dangerous conditions that lead to catastrophic crashes.

1. Rear Underride Protection (49 CFR § 393.86)

Every tractor-trailer manufactured after January 26, 1998, must be equipped with rear impact guards designed to prevent underride collisions. These guards must:
– Be at least 108 inches wide
– Extend no more than 22 inches from the rear of the trailer
– Be capable of withstanding a 30 mph impact from a passenger vehicle

Why This Matters: If the tractor-trailer in this Fort Worth crash lacked proper rear underride guards or if the guards were damaged or improperly installed, the trucking company may be liable for negligence.

2. Following Too Closely (49 CFR § 392.11)

Truck drivers are prohibited from following other vehicles more closely than is “reasonable and prudent.” This regulation exists because:
– Trucks have longer stopping distances
– Limited visibility from the cab
– The potential for catastrophic damage in a collision

Why This Matters: If the tractor-trailer driver was following Reynolds too closely and made a sudden stop, they may have violated this regulation.

3. Safe Speed for Conditions (49 CFR § 392.6)

Truck drivers must operate at speeds that are safe for current conditions, including:
– Traffic volume
– Weather conditions
– Road conditions
– Visibility
– Vehicle weight and cargo

Why This Matters: If the tractor-trailer was traveling too fast for conditions and made an unsafe maneuver that caused Reynolds to strike it, this would be a clear violation.

4. Hours of Service Regulations (49 CFR Part 395)

Fatigued driving is a leading cause of truck accidents. FMCSA regulations limit driving time to prevent fatigue:
– Maximum 11 hours driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
– Cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour on duty
– 30-minute break required after 8 cumulative hours of driving
– 60/70 hour weekly limits

Why This Matters: If the tractor-trailer driver was fatigued from violating hours of service regulations, their delayed reaction time could have contributed to this accident.

5. Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance (49 CFR Part 396)

Trucking companies must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain their vehicles. Drivers must:
– Conduct pre-trip inspections
– Report defects
– Ensure vehicles are in safe operating condition

Why This Matters: If the tractor-trailer had defective brakes, lighting, or other safety systems, the trucking company may be liable for negligent maintenance.

When a trucking accident like this Fort Worth tragedy occurs, multiple legal doctrines come into play to hold the responsible parties accountable.

Respondeat Superior (Vicarious Liability)

Under this doctrine, employers are responsible for their employees’ negligent acts committed within the scope of employment. This means:
– If the tractor-trailer driver was an employee (not an independent contractor)
– If they were performing their job duties at the time of the accident
– The trucking company can be held liable for the driver’s negligence

Negligence Per Se

When a party violates a safety regulation (like FMCSA rules), and that violation causes an accident, it can establish negligence per se. This means:
– The violation itself proves negligence
– The injured party doesn’t need to prove the defendant acted unreasonably
– Focus shifts to damages and causation

Negligent Hiring, Training, and Supervision

Trucking companies can be directly liable for:
Negligent Hiring: Failing to properly vet drivers (criminal background, driving record, medical certification)
Negligent Training: Inadequate safety training on hours of service, cargo securement, defensive driving
Negligent Supervision: Failing to monitor driver performance, ELD compliance, safety violations

Who Could Be Held Liable in This Fort Worth Tragedy?

In trucking accident cases, multiple parties may share responsibility. Based on the facts of this incident, potential defendants could include:

1. The Tractor-Trailer Driver

The driver may be personally liable for:
– Following too closely
– Speeding for conditions
– Fatigued driving
– Failure to maintain proper lookout
– Improper lane changes or maneuvers

2. The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

The company that employed the driver or owned the tractor-trailer could be liable for:
– Vicarious liability for the driver’s actions
– Negligent hiring if the driver had a poor safety record
– Negligent training if the driver wasn’t properly prepared
– Negligent supervision if the company failed to monitor the driver
– Negligent maintenance if the vehicle was unsafe
– Pressuring drivers to violate hours of service regulations

3. The Trailer Owner (If Different from Carrier)

If the trailer was owned by a different company than the tractor, that company could be liable for:
– Improper maintenance of the trailer
– Defective or missing underride guards
– Improper cargo loading

4. Cargo Loading Company

If a third party loaded the trailer, they could be liable for:
– Improper cargo securement causing instability
– Overloading the trailer
– Unbalanced load distribution

5. Truck or Trailer Manufacturer

If a manufacturing defect contributed to the accident, the manufacturer could be liable for:
– Defective underride guards
– Brake system failures
– Lighting system defects
– Stability control failures

6. Maintenance Company

If a third-party maintenance company serviced the tractor-trailer, they could be liable for:
– Negligent repairs
– Failure to identify safety issues
– Using substandard parts

Why This Fort Worth Tragedy Could Happen in Abilene

While this accident occurred in Fort Worth, the same dangers exist right here in Abilene and throughout Taylor County. Our region’s trucking corridors present identical risks:

Abilene’s High-Risk Trucking Corridors

  • Interstate 20: A major east-west freight corridor connecting Dallas to El Paso, passing directly through Abilene. Heavy truck traffic carries everything from oilfield equipment to consumer goods.
  • US Highway 83/84: Connects Abilene to San Angelo and Lubbock, carrying agricultural products, oilfield equipment, and commercial freight.
  • State Highway 351: Serves as a critical link to regional distribution centers and industrial facilities.
  • Distribution Centers: Abilene’s growing logistics sector means more trucks on our roads, increasing the risk of collisions.

Local Industries That Increase Truck Traffic

  • Oil and Gas: The Permian Basin’s energy sector generates significant truck traffic carrying drilling equipment, fracking materials, and petroleum products.
  • Agriculture: West Texas’s agricultural industry relies on trucking to transport cotton, grain, livestock, and other products.
  • Manufacturing: Local manufacturing facilities receive raw materials and ship finished products by truck.
  • Retail Distribution: Big-box stores and online retailers operate regional distribution centers in and around Abilene.

Unique Local Risk Factors

  • Weather Conditions: Abilene’s sudden thunderstorms, high winds, and occasional ice can create hazardous driving conditions that truck drivers may not be prepared for.
  • Long, Straight Highways: The monotonous stretches of I-20 and US 83/84 can lead to driver fatigue and reduced alertness.
  • Rural Road Conditions: Many of our highways have limited shoulders, poor lighting, and inadequate truck parking areas.
  • Mixed Traffic: Abilene’s roads carry a mix of local commuters, long-haul truckers, and agricultural equipment, creating complex traffic patterns.

The Evidence That Could Prove Negligence in This Case

In trucking accident cases, evidence disappears quickly. The tractor-trailer involved in this Fort Worth crash likely had multiple electronic systems that recorded critical data:

Electronic Control Module (ECM) / Black Box Data

The tractor-trailer’s ECM records:
– Speed before and during the crash
– Brake application timing and pressure
– Throttle position
– Engine RPM
– Cruise control status
– Fault codes indicating mechanical issues

Why This Matters: ECM data could prove whether the driver was speeding, failed to brake in time, or had mechanical issues that contributed to the crash.

Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Data

ELDs record:
– Driver hours of service
– Duty status (driving, on-duty not driving, off-duty)
– GPS location and route
– Vehicle movement

Why This Matters: ELD data could prove whether the driver violated hours of service regulations and was fatigued at the time of the accident.

Dashcam Footage

Many commercial trucks are equipped with:
– Forward-facing cameras
– Cab-facing cameras
– 360-degree camera systems

Why This Matters: Dashcam footage could show exactly what happened in the moments leading up to the crash, including whether the driver was distracted or made an unsafe maneuver.

Telematics Data

Many trucking companies use telematics systems that record:
– Real-time GPS tracking
– Speed and acceleration
– Hard braking events
– Lane departure warnings
– Driver behavior scores

Why This Matters: Telematics data could reveal a pattern of unsafe driving behavior by this driver.

Driver Qualification File

FMCSA requires trucking companies to maintain a file for each driver containing:
– Employment application
– Driving record
– Previous employer verification
– Medical certification
– Drug and alcohol test results
– Training records

Why This Matters: The driver qualification file could reveal whether the trucking company negligently hired an unqualified or dangerous driver.

Maintenance Records

Trucking companies must maintain records of:
– Pre-trip and post-trip inspections
– Annual inspections
– Repairs and maintenance
– Brake adjustments
– Tire replacements

Why This Matters: Maintenance records could prove whether the tractor-trailer was properly maintained or had known safety issues.

The Catastrophic Injuries That Result from Tractor-Trailer Collisions

When a tractor-trailer collides with a pickup truck, the injuries are often catastrophic. Coy Reynolds lost his life in this Fort Worth accident, but survivors of similar crashes often face:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

  • Mild TBI (Concussion): Headaches, confusion, memory problems, mood changes
  • Moderate TBI: Extended unconsciousness, cognitive deficits, permanent impairment
  • Severe TBI: Coma, permanent disability, need for lifelong care

Lifetime Costs: $85,000 to $3,000,000+

Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis

  • Paraplegia: Loss of function below the waist
  • Quadriplegia: Loss of function in all four limbs
  • Incomplete Injury: Some nerve function remains
  • Complete Injury: Total loss of sensation and movement

Lifetime Costs:
– Paraplegia: $1.1 million to $2.5 million+
– Quadriplegia: $3.5 million to $5 million+

Amputations

  • Traumatic amputations at the scene
  • Surgical amputations due to crush injuries
  • Phantom limb pain and psychological trauma

Lifetime Costs: $1.9 million to $8.6 million

Severe Burns

  • Thermal burns from fuel fires
  • Chemical burns from hazardous cargo
  • Permanent scarring and disfigurement

Lifetime Costs: Vary widely based on severity

Internal Organ Damage

  • Liver lacerations
  • Spleen damage
  • Kidney injuries
  • Internal bleeding

Wrongful Death

When a tractor-trailer collision is fatal, surviving family members may pursue wrongful death claims for:
– Lost future income
– Loss of companionship and guidance
– Mental anguish
– Funeral expenses
– Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence)

Recent Trucking Verdicts Show What’s Possible

Juries across Texas and the nation are holding trucking companies accountable for negligence that causes catastrophic accidents. Recent verdicts demonstrate what’s possible when victims and their families stand up to the trucking industry:

$730 Million Verdict – Texas (2021)

In Ramsey v. Landstar Ranger, a Texas jury awarded $730 million to the family of a woman killed when an oversize load struck her vehicle. The verdict included:
– $480 million in compensatory damages
– $250 million in punitive damages

Why This Matters: This case involved a trucking company’s failure to properly secure an oversize load—similar to how improper cargo securement or vehicle maintenance could have contributed to the Fort Worth tragedy.

$462 Million Verdict – Missouri (2024)

In a Missouri case, a jury awarded $462 million to the families of two men decapitated in an underride collision. The verdict was against the truck manufacturer for failing to install adequate underride guards.

Why This Matters: This case demonstrates that manufacturers can be held liable for defective safety equipment—just as the tractor-trailer manufacturer in the Fort Worth case could be liable if defective underride guards contributed to the fatality.

$160 Million Verdict – Alabama (2024)

In Street v. Daimler, a jury awarded $160 million to a truck driver left quadriplegic after a rollover accident. The verdict included:
– $75 million in compensatory damages
– $75 million in punitive damages

Why This Matters: This case involved a rollover caused by defective stability control systems—similar to how improper loading or maintenance could cause a tractor-trailer to become unstable and cause a collision.

$150 Million Settlement – Texas (2022)

In a Texas case, Werner Enterprises settled for $150 million after two children were killed in a collision with one of their trucks. This remains the largest 18-wheeler settlement in U.S. history.

Why This Matters: This case shows that trucking companies with deep pockets can be held accountable for their negligence.

$37.5 Million Verdict – Texas (2024)

A Texas jury awarded $37.5 million to a trucking accident victim, demonstrating that even in cases without punitive damages, juries are willing to compensate victims for their losses.

Why This Matters: This case involved a trucking company’s failure to properly train and supervise its drivers—similar to potential negligence in the Fort Worth tragedy.

What Abilene Families Need to Know About Trucking Accidents

If you or a loved one has been involved in a trucking accident in Abilene or Taylor County, here’s what you need to know:

1. Evidence Disappears Fast

  • ECM/Black Box Data: Can be overwritten in 30 days
  • ELD Data: May be retained for only 6 months
  • Dashcam Footage: Often deleted within 7-14 days
  • Surveillance Video: Typically overwrites in 7-30 days
  • Witness Memory: Fades significantly within weeks

Action Step: Contact an attorney immediately to send preservation letters demanding that all evidence be preserved.

2. Multiple Parties May Be Liable

Unlike car accidents where usually only one driver is at fault, trucking accidents often involve multiple liable parties:
– The truck driver
– The trucking company
– The cargo owner
– The loading company
– The truck manufacturer
– The maintenance company
– The freight broker

Action Step: An experienced trucking accident attorney will investigate all potentially liable parties to maximize your recovery.

3. Trucking Companies Have Teams of Lawyers

Before the ambulance arrives, the trucking company’s rapid-response team is already working to protect their interests. They have:
– Insurance adjusters
– Defense attorneys
– Accident reconstruction experts
– Crisis management teams

Action Step: You need your own team fighting for you. Our firm includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how these teams operate.

4. Insurance Limits Are Much Higher

Federal law requires trucking companies to carry minimum liability insurance:
– $750,000 for non-hazardous freight
– $1,000,000 for oil and large equipment
– $5,000,000 for hazardous materials

Many carriers carry $1-5 million or more in coverage.

Action Step: This higher coverage means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated—if you have an attorney who knows how to access it.

5. Time Limits Apply

Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death claims. However, you should never wait this long to take action.

Action Step: Contact an attorney immediately to preserve evidence and protect your rights.

How Attorney911 Fights for Trucking Accident Victims

At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for trucking accident victims across Texas for over 25 years. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has federal court experience and has secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for families devastated by 18-wheeler crashes.

Our Investigation Process

When we take on a trucking accident case, we move fast to preserve evidence and build a strong claim:

  1. Immediate Evidence Preservation
    – Send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours
    – Demand preservation of ECM, ELD, maintenance records
    – Secure physical evidence before repair or disposal

  2. Electronic Data Collection
    – Obtain ECM/Black Box data
    – Download ELD records
    – Secure dashcam and telematics data
    – Subpoena cell phone records

  3. Driver and Company Investigation
    – Obtain complete Driver Qualification File
    – Review hiring, training, and supervision practices
    – Analyze hours of service records for violations
    – Investigate maintenance and inspection history

  4. Accident Reconstruction
    – Retain expert engineers
    – Analyze skid marks, vehicle damage, road conditions
    – Reconstruct the sequence of events

  5. Liability Analysis
    – Identify all potentially liable parties
    – Map insurance coverage for each entity
    – Build case for trial while negotiating settlement

Our Advantage: Former Insurance Defense Attorney

Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working for a national insurance defense firm. He knows exactly how insurance companies:
– Evaluate claims
– Train adjusters to minimize payouts
– Use recorded statements against victims
– Delay and deny legitimate claims

Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for YOU.

Our Track Record

We’ve recovered millions for trucking accident victims, including:
$5+ Million – Logging brain injury settlement
$3.8+ Million – Car accident amputation settlement
$2.5+ Million – Truck crash recovery
Millions for families in trucking-related wrongful death cases

What to Do If You’re Involved in a Trucking Accident in Abilene

If you or a loved one has been involved in a trucking accident in Abilene or Taylor County, follow these steps:

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Even if you feel okay, adrenaline can mask serious injuries. Internal bleeding, traumatic brain injury, and spinal injuries may not show symptoms for hours or days.

2. Call Police and File a Report

A police report creates an official record of the accident. It documents:
– The scene
– Vehicle damage
– Injuries
– Witness statements
– The officer’s determination of fault

3. Document the Scene

If you’re able, take photos and videos of:
– All vehicles involved
– Vehicle damage (inside and out)
– Skid marks and road conditions
– Traffic signals and signs
– Your injuries
– Witness contact information

4. Get the Trucking Company’s Information

Record:
– The trucking company name and logo
– The tractor and trailer license plates
– The DOT number (on the truck door)
– The driver’s name and CDL number

5. Do NOT Give a Recorded Statement

Insurance adjusters will call you quickly after an accident. They’re trained to ask leading questions designed to minimize your claim. Politely decline to give a statement and refer them to your attorney.

6. Contact an Experienced Trucking Accident Attorney

The sooner you contact an attorney, the better we can preserve evidence and protect your rights. We offer free consultations and work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win your case.

The Fort Worth Tragedy: A Case Study in Trucking Negligence

Let’s apply what we know about the Fort Worth tragedy to the legal principles we’ve discussed:

Potential Violations in This Case

Based on the fact that Reynolds’ pickup struck the back of the tractor-trailer, several potential violations could have contributed to this accident:

  1. Rear Underride Protection (49 CFR § 393.86)
    – Was the tractor-trailer equipped with proper rear impact guards?
    – Were the guards properly installed and maintained?
    – Did the guards fail on impact, allowing the pickup to underride the trailer?

  2. Following Too Closely (49 CFR § 392.11)
    – Was the tractor-trailer following Reynolds too closely before the crash?
    – Did the driver make a sudden stop without adequate warning?

  3. Safe Speed for Conditions (49 CFR § 392.6)
    – Was the tractor-trailer traveling too fast for conditions?
    – Did the driver make an unsafe maneuver that caused Reynolds to strike the trailer?

  4. Hours of Service (49 CFR Part 395)
    – Was the driver fatigued from violating hours of service regulations?
    – Did the trucking company pressure the driver to exceed legal driving limits?

  5. Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance (49 CFR Part 396)
    – Were the tractor-trailer’s brakes properly maintained?
    – Were there any known mechanical issues that contributed to the crash?
    – Did the driver conduct a proper pre-trip inspection?

  6. Rear Lighting and Visibility (49 CFR § 393.11-26)
    – Were the tractor-trailer’s rear lights functioning properly?
    – Was the trailer properly marked with reflective tape?
    – Could Reynolds see the trailer in time to avoid the collision?

Potential Liable Parties

Based on the facts of this case, potential liable parties could include:

  1. The Tractor-Trailer Driver
    – If they were following too closely
    – If they made an unsafe maneuver
    – If they were fatigued or distracted

  2. The Trucking Company
    – For vicarious liability if the driver was an employee
    – For negligent hiring if the driver had a poor safety record
    – For negligent training if the driver wasn’t properly prepared
    – For negligent supervision if the company failed to monitor the driver
    – For negligent maintenance if the vehicle was unsafe

  3. The Trailer Owner (If Different from Carrier)
    – For improper maintenance of the trailer
    – For defective or missing underride guards

  4. The Trailer Manufacturer
    – If defective underride guards contributed to the fatality
    – If the trailer had other manufacturing defects

  5. The Maintenance Company
    – If negligent repairs contributed to the crash

Potential Damages in a Wrongful Death Claim

If this accident had occurred in Abilene and Reynolds’ family pursued a wrongful death claim, they could seek compensation for:

  1. Economic Damages
    – Lost future income and benefits
    – Funeral and burial expenses
    – Medical expenses incurred before death

  2. Non-Economic Damages
    – Loss of companionship and guidance
    – Mental anguish and emotional suffering
    – Loss of consortium (for surviving spouse)

  3. Punitive Damages
    – If the trucking company acted with gross negligence
    – If there was a pattern of safety violations
    – If evidence was destroyed after the accident

Why This Case Matters for Abilene Families

While this tragedy occurred in Fort Worth, it serves as a critical warning for Abilene families. The same factors that contributed to this accident exist right here on our highways:

1. The Danger of Rear-End Truck Collisions

Rear-end collisions involving tractor-trailers are particularly deadly because:
– Trucks have longer stopping distances
– Underride collisions often result in decapitation
– The force of impact is catastrophic for passenger vehicles

2. The Importance of Underride Guards

Federal regulations require rear underride guards, but:
– Many older trailers lack proper guards
– Guards are often damaged or improperly installed
– There is no federal requirement for side underride guards

3. The Reality of Truck Driver Fatigue

Despite hours of service regulations, truck driver fatigue remains a major problem because:
– Trucking companies pressure drivers to meet tight deadlines
– Drivers falsify logbooks to hide violations
– ELDs can be manipulated or ignored

4. The Need for Proper Maintenance

Trucking companies often defer maintenance to save costs, leading to:
– Brake failures
– Tire blowouts
– Lighting system failures
– Coupling device failures

5. The Complexity of Trucking Accident Cases

Trucking accident cases are more complex than car accident cases because:
– Multiple parties may share liability
– Federal regulations create additional legal standards
– Evidence disappears quickly
– Insurance coverage is more complex

How Abilene Families Can Protect Themselves

Here are steps Abilene families can take to protect themselves from trucking accidents:

1. Be Extra Cautious Around Trucks

  • Never cut in front of a truck
  • Avoid lingering in a truck’s blind spots (No-Zones)
  • Give trucks extra space when they’re turning
  • Be extra cautious when passing trucks

2. Know the No-Zones

Trucks have four major blind spots:
1. Front No-Zone: 20 feet directly in front of the cab
2. Rear No-Zone: 30 feet behind the trailer
3. Left Side No-Zone: Extends from the cab door backward
4. Right Side No-Zone: Extends from the cab door backward—much larger than the left side

3. Report Unsafe Trucks

If you see an unsafe truck on Abilene’s highways, report it to:
– Texas Department of Public Safety: (512) 424-2000
– FMCSA Safety Violation Hotline: 1-888-DOT-SAFT (1-888-368-7238)

4. Know What to Do After an Accident

If you’re involved in a trucking accident:
– Call 911 immediately
– Seek medical attention, even if you feel okay
– Document the scene with photos and videos
– Get the trucking company’s information
– Do NOT give a recorded statement to insurance adjusters
– Contact an experienced trucking accident attorney

The Bottom Line: Trucking Companies Must Be Held Accountable

The Fort Worth tragedy that claimed Coy Reynolds’ life is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by tractor-trailers on our highways. While we may never know exactly what caused this specific accident, we know that most trucking accidents are preventable.

Trucking companies have a legal and moral obligation to:
– Hire qualified drivers
– Train them properly
– Supervise them effectively
– Maintain their vehicles
– Follow federal safety regulations

When they fail in these obligations and people are hurt or killed, they must be held accountable.

What You Can Do Right Now

If you or a loved one has been involved in a trucking accident in Abilene or Taylor County, here’s what you can do right now:

  1. Call Attorney911 for a Free Consultation
    – We’ll evaluate your case at no cost
    – We’ll explain your legal options
    – We’ll start preserving evidence immediately

  2. Don’t Wait
    – Evidence disappears fast in trucking cases
    – The sooner we get involved, the stronger your case will be

  3. Let Us Handle the Trucking Company
    – We know their tactics
    – We won’t let them push you around
    – We’ll fight for the compensation you deserve

Contact Attorney911 Today

This tragedy could have happened right here in Abilene. Don’t wait until it’s too late to protect your rights.

Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) for a free consultation.

Our team, led by Ralph Manginello, has over 25 years of experience fighting for trucking accident victims. We know how to hold trucking companies accountable, and we’re ready to fight for you.

Remember: Evidence disappears fast. Every hour you wait could weaken your case. Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 before it’s too late.

Don’t let the trucking company win. Call Attorney911 now:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📞 (888) 288-9911
📞 (713) 528-9070

Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911.

We fight for Abilene families. Let us fight for you.

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