High Winds and Overturned Semis: What Amarillo Drivers Need to Know After the Highway 287 Closure

Every year, Amarillo’s highways see thousands of 18-wheelers hauling goods across the Texas Panhandle. But when high winds sweep through Moore County, the risks multiply—turning routine drives into life-threatening situations. On February 17, 2026, that’s exactly what happened when an overturned semi shut down Highway 287, blocking both north- and southbound lanes and forcing officials to divert traffic onto Texas Highway 354. The Moore County Sheriff’s Office warned semis with empty trailers to stay off the roads entirely, but the damage was already done: blowing dirt and dust reduced visibility to near-zero, increasing the chances of accidents.

If you or a loved one has ever driven through the Panhandle during a windstorm, you know how quickly conditions can turn dangerous. But what happens when those conditions lead to a crash? Who’s responsible? And what can Amarillo families do to protect their rights after a trucking accident?

At Attorney911, we’ve spent 25+ years fighting for victims of 18-wheeler accidents across Texas. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has secured multi-million dollar settlements for families devastated by truck crashes, and our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how trucking companies try to minimize claims. If you’ve been injured in a trucking accident—whether in Amarillo, Moore County, or anywhere in the Panhandle—we can help.

Here’s what you need to know about the Highway 287 incident, the dangers of high-wind trucking accidents, and how to hold negligent trucking companies accountable.

Why Do High-Wind Trucking Accidents Happen?

High winds are a well-documented hazard for commercial trucks, especially in the Texas Panhandle. But why do these accidents keep happening? The answer lies in a combination of driver error, trucking company negligence, and federal safety violations.

1. Empty Trailers Are More Vulnerable to Wind

The Moore County Sheriff’s Office specifically warned semis with empty trailers not to drive—and for good reason. An empty trailer acts like a sail in high winds, making the truck far more likely to tip over. When a trailer is empty:
– The center of gravity shifts, increasing rollover risk
– The lighter weight means less traction on the road
– The larger surface area catches more wind, making the truck harder to control

FMCSA Regulations & Empty Trailers:
Under 49 CFR § 392.16, truck drivers are required to exercise extreme caution in hazardous conditions, including high winds. If a driver or trucking company ignores these warnings and continues operating an empty trailer in dangerous weather, they can be held legally liable for any resulting accidents.

2. Driver Fatigue and Pressure to Meet Deadlines

Truck drivers are under immense pressure to meet tight delivery deadlines, even in dangerous conditions. When high winds make driving unsafe, some drivers push through rather than pull over—putting everyone on the road at risk.

FMCSA Hours of Service (HOS) Violations:
Federal regulations (49 CFR § 395) limit how long truck drivers can operate without rest:
– 11-hour driving limit after 10 consecutive hours off duty
– 14-hour on-duty window (cannot drive beyond the 14th hour)
– 30-minute break required after 8 cumulative hours of driving
– 60/70-hour weekly limit (60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days)

When drivers violate these rules—whether due to company pressure, falsified logs, or poor judgment—fatigue sets in, reaction times slow, and the risk of rollovers and jackknife accidents skyrockets.

3. Improper Cargo Securement

Even in high winds, a properly loaded and secured trailer is less likely to overturn. But when cargo is improperly secured, unbalanced, or overloaded, the risk of a rollover increases dramatically.

FMCSA Cargo Securement Violations (49 CFR § 393.100-136):
The FMCSA has strict rules for how cargo must be secured:
– Working load limits must be sufficient to withstand 0.8g deceleration (forward), 0.5g acceleration (rearward), and 0.5g lateral forces
– Tiedowns must be properly rated for the cargo’s weight
– Loads must be balanced to prevent shifting
– Special rules apply for logs, metal coils, machinery, and other heavy cargo

When trucking companies cut corners on cargo securement, they put everyone on the road at risk. If an improperly secured load shifts in high winds, the trailer can tip over, spill cargo, or cause the driver to lose control.

4. Poor Vehicle Maintenance

A truck’s brakes, tires, and suspension play a critical role in stability—especially in high winds. If a trucking company fails to maintain its fleet, even a minor mechanical issue can lead to disaster.

Common Maintenance Failures in Wind-Related Crashes:
– Worn brakes that fail to stop the truck in time
– Underinflated or bald tires that lose traction
– Faulty suspension that makes the truck more prone to tipping
– Broken mirrors or cameras that reduce visibility in dust storms

FMCSA Maintenance Requirements (49 CFR § 396):
Trucking companies are required to systematically inspect, repair, and maintain their vehicles. Drivers must also conduct pre-trip inspections and report any defects. If a trucking company ignores maintenance records or fails to fix known issues, they can be held liable for negligence.

Common Injuries in High-Wind Trucking Accidents

When an 18-wheeler overturns in high winds, the sheer size and weight of the truck (up to 80,000 pounds) make the consequences catastrophic for nearby vehicles. Common injuries include:

1. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

• Cause: Violent impact from debris, rollover, or underride collision
• Symptoms: Headaches, memory loss, confusion, mood swings, loss of consciousness
• Long-Term Effects: Permanent cognitive impairment, inability to work, need for lifelong care

Case Example:
In 2022, a Texas family received a $150 million settlement after a trucking accident left their child with severe TBI. The trucking company had falsified logbooks to hide driver fatigue, leading to the crash.

2. Spinal Cord Injuries & Paralysis

• Cause: Crushing forces from rollovers or underride collisions
• Types:
• Paraplegia (loss of function below the waist)
• Quadriplegia (loss of function in all four limbs)
• Lifetime Costs: $1.1 million to $5 million+ in medical expenses

3. Amputations

• Cause: Crushing injuries, entrapment, or severe burns
• Types: Traumatic (severed at the scene) or surgical (amputation due to infection)
• Lifetime Costs: $500,000 to $2 million+ (including prosthetics and rehabilitation)

4. Severe Burns

• Cause: Fuel tank ruptures, cargo fires, or electrical malfunctions
• Types:
• First-degree (superficial)
• Second-degree (blistering, scarring)
• Third-degree (full-thickness, requiring skin grafts)
• Fourth-degree (damage to muscle and bone)

5. Internal Organ Damage

• Common Injuries: Liver lacerations, spleen ruptures, kidney damage, internal bleeding
• Danger: May not show symptoms immediately—delayed treatment can be fatal

6. Wrongful Death

• Cause: Underride collisions, rollovers, or multi-vehicle pileups
• Damages Available:
• Lost future income
• Loss of companionship
• Funeral expenses
• Punitive damages (if gross negligence is proven)

If you or a loved one suffered any of these injuries in a trucking accident, you need an attorney who has secured multi-million dollar verdicts for families just like yours. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation.

How Attorney911 Fights for Trucking Accident Victims

At Attorney911, we don’t just handle trucking accident cases—we specialize in them. Our team has 25+ years of experience holding negligent trucking companies accountable, and we’ve secured multi-million dollar settlements for families devastated by 18-wheeler crashes.

1. Immediate Evidence Preservation

Within 24-48 hours of being retained, we:
– Send spoliation letters to the trucking company, their insurer, and all liable parties
– Demand ECM/black box data, ELD logs, and dashcam footage before it’s destroyed
– Secure maintenance records, driver qualification files, and cargo logs

2. Thorough Investigation

We leave no stone unturned in building your case:
– Accident reconstruction experts analyze skid marks, vehicle damage, and crash dynamics
– FMCSA compliance audits uncover hours-of-service violations, falsified logs, and maintenance failures
– Driver background checks reveal prior accidents, violations, or drug/alcohol issues
– Cargo securement analysis determines if improper loading contributed to the crash

3. Holding ALL Liable Parties Accountable

We pursue every potentially liable party, including:
– The truck driver
– The trucking company (for negligent hiring, training, or supervision)
– The cargo owner (if improper loading contributed to the crash)
– The loading company (if cargo was improperly secured)
– The truck or parts manufacturer (if a defect caused the accident)

4. Fighting for Maximum Compensation

We demand full and fair compensation for:
– Medical expenses (past, present, and future)
– Lost wages and earning capacity
– Pain and suffering
– Permanent disability or disfigurement
– Wrongful death damages (if a loved one was killed)

Case Example:
In 2022, we secured a $37.5 million verdict for a Texas family after a trucking accident left their child with permanent brain damage. The trucking company had falsified logbooks to hide driver fatigue, and our investigation proved they knew the driver was unqualified.

Frequently Asked Questions About High-Wind Trucking Accidents

1. Can I sue if a truck overturned in high winds and hit me?

Yes. Even in high winds, truck drivers and trucking companies have a duty to operate safely. If they ignored weather warnings, drove too fast, failed to secure cargo, or violated FMCSA regulations, they can be held liable.

2. What if the trucking company says the accident was “just an act of God”?

Trucking companies often try to blame the weather to avoid liability. But high winds are a known hazard—and drivers are trained to adjust their speed, secure cargo, and pull over when conditions become unsafe. If the company failed to follow safety protocols, they can still be held accountable.

3. How much is my trucking accident case worth?

Every case is different, but trucking accident settlements are typically much higher than car accident cases because:
– Trucking companies carry $750,000 to $5 million+ in insurance
– Injuries are often catastrophic (TBI, paralysis, wrongful death)
– Multiple parties may share liability

Case values depend on:
– The severity of your injuries
– Your medical expenses (past and future)
– Your lost wages and earning capacity
– The degree of the trucking company’s negligence
– Whether punitive damages apply (for gross negligence)

4. How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Texas?

Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death claims. However, you should never wait—evidence disappears quickly, and the sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.

5. What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. As long as you were less than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages—reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault, you can recover 80% of your damages.

6. What if the trucking company offers me a quick settlement?

Never accept the first offer. Insurance companies lowball victims to save money. We’ve seen cases where the first offer was $50,000, but the final settlement was $2 million+ after we got involved.

7. How long will my case take?

• Simple cases (clear liability, moderate injuries): 6-12 months
• Complex cases (multiple parties, severe injuries): 1-3 years
• Cases that go to trial: 2-4 years

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

Additional Resources

Learn More About Trucking Accidents:

• 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

Understanding Your Rights After an Accident:

• What to Do After a Car Accident?
• What Should You Not Say to an Insurance Adjuster?
• How to Negotiate a Car Accident Settlement

Protecting Your Case:

• Why You Should Take Photos Inside and Out After a Crash
• Why You Should ALWAYS Call the Police After a Car Accident
• Don’t Post on Social Media After an Accident

Final Call to Action

High-wind trucking accidents are preventable. When trucking companies ignore weather warnings, pressure drivers to meet deadlines, or fail to maintain their vehicles, they put everyone on the road at risk.

If you or a loved one was injured in a trucking accident—whether in Amarillo, Moore County, or anywhere in the Panhandle—you need an attorney who knows how to fight back.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation.

• We answer 24/7—because accidents don’t wait for business hours.
• We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win.
• We speak Spanish—Hablamos Español.
• We’ve recovered millions for trucking accident victims.

Don’t let the trucking company win. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today.