Fatal 18-Wheeler and Tractor-Trailer Crashes in Scurry County, Texas: What Families Need to Know

You’re reading this because someone you love didn’t come home from a road most people in Snyder drive every day without thinking about it. Interstate 20 carries more eastbound freight through Scurry County before sunrise than the rest of the day combined, and the carriers running it count on the corridor’s familiarity to mask what the Texas Department of Transportation’s Crash Records Information System (CRIS) shows about fatal-crash density on the stretch through your county. When the 18-wheeler that changed everything for your family crossed onto I-20 near the FM 1606 interchange, the carrier’s safety record, the driver’s hours-of-service compliance, and the truck’s maintenance history all started writing the case whether you knew it or not.

We’ve handled hundreds of these cases across Texas since 1998. We know what’s at stake when an 80,000-pound tractor-trailer destroys a family’s life on a corridor that carries everything from Permian Basin oilfield equipment to Walmart distribution freight. Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 16.003 has already started a clock that doesn’t stop while you grieve. You have exactly two years from the date of the fatal injury to file a wrongful-death action under Section 71.001. Under Section 71.004, you—whether you’re the surviving spouse, child, or parent—hold an independent statutory claim. So does your loved one’s estate under Section 71.021, for the conscious pain and mental anguish they endured between injury and death. The carrier whose driver killed your family member has lawyers who’ve been working since the night of the crash. The longer you wait, the more evidence the carrier controls—the electronic logging device (ELD) under 49 C.F.R. Part 395, the dashcam footage, the maintenance records under Part 396, the driver qualification file under Part 391—and the more of it disappears.

We send the preservation letter that locks it down. We pull the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) Safety Measurement System (SMS) profile on the carrier and the Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP) record on the driver before discovery formally opens. We know what the Texas Pattern Jury Charge will ask in Scurry County’s 351st District Court, and we build the case for those questions from the first investigator we send to the scene.

The Reality of an 18-Wheeler Crash on Scurry County’s Freight Corridors

Scurry County sits at the crossroads of West Texas commerce. Interstate 20 is the dominant freight artery, carrying long-haul tractor-trailers between the Permian Basin and the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. U.S. Highway 84 and State Highway 350 serve as critical connectors for local and regional truck traffic, including oilfield service vehicles, agricultural haulers, and last-mile delivery trucks. The county’s proximity to the Permian Basin means that water-haul tankers, sand-haul flatbeds, and frac-spread mobilization convoys are a common sight on these roads.

When a fully loaded 18-wheeler loses control on I-20 near the Snyder exit, the physics of an 80,000-pound vehicle at highway speed leave no time for the driver of a passenger vehicle to react. A crash at those weights isn’t a fender-bender—it’s a closing-speed event that frequently produces fatalities and catastrophic injuries. Whether you call it a semi, a tractor-trailer, or an 18-wheeler, the legal exposure of the motor carrier under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) is identical, and the depth of investigation required to prove how the crash actually happened is the same.

The Texas Department of Transportation’s CRIS data for 2024 shows that Scurry County recorded 123 reportable crashes, with 5 of them resulting in fatalities. While this number may seem small compared to larger Texas counties, the fatality rate per crash in rural areas like Scurry County is 2.66 times higher than in urban areas. This disparity is driven by higher speeds, longer emergency response times, and limited access to Level I trauma centers. The nearest Level II trauma center is Covenant Medical Center in Lubbock, approximately 90 miles away, and the nearest Level I trauma center is University Medical Center in Lubbock. For families in Scurry County, this means that a crash on I-20 or SH 350 isn’t just a tragedy—it’s a logistical challenge that compounds the emotional and financial burden.

What Texas Wrongful-Death and Survival Statutes Give Your Family

Texas law provides two distinct legal pathways for families grieving the loss of a loved one in a commercial-vehicle crash: wrongful death claims under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Sections 71.001 through 71.004 and survival actions under Section 71.021.

Wrongful Death Claims

Under Section 71.004, the surviving spouse, children, and parents of the deceased each hold an independent wrongful-death claim. This means that if your loved one was survived by a spouse, two children, and both parents, there are five separate claims—one for each surviving family member. Each claim compensates for the pecuniary loss (financial support the deceased would have provided), mental anguish, loss of companionship and society, and loss of inheritance. The jury evaluates each claim independently, and the damages awarded reflect the unique relationship between the deceased and each claimant.

Survival Actions

Under Section 71.021, the estate of the deceased holds a separate survival action for the damages the deceased would have been entitled to recover if they had survived. This includes compensation for the pain and suffering the deceased endured between the time of injury and death, as well as medical expenses incurred during that period. For example, if your loved one was conscious for several hours after the crash before succumbing to their injuries, the survival action compensates for that suffering.

The Two-Year Clock

Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 16.003 imposes a strict two-year statute of limitations on both wrongful-death and survival actions. The clock starts ticking on the date of the fatal injury—not the date of the funeral, not the date the autopsy report is released, and not the date the police report is finalized. Once the two-year window closes, the case dies procedurally, and the carrier walks away from a viable claim because the file was never opened. This is why acting quickly is so critical.

The Federal Regulations the Carrier Is Supposed to Operate Under

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) govern every aspect of commercial trucking operations in the United States. These regulations are designed to ensure the safety of both truck drivers and the motoring public. When a carrier violates these regulations, it can serve as evidence of negligence per se under Texas law, meaning the violation itself is proof of negligence. Below are the key FMCSR provisions that apply to your case:

Driver Qualification (49 C.F.R. Part 391)

Under 49 C.F.R. Part 391, motor carriers are required to ensure that their drivers are qualified to operate commercial vehicles. This includes verifying that the driver holds a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL), has passed a medical examination, and has no disqualifying criminal or traffic violations. The carrier must also maintain a driver qualification file (DQF) for each driver, which includes:

The driver’s application for employment
The driver’s motor vehicle record (MVR)
The driver’s medical examiner’s certificate
Records of any road tests or training

If the carrier failed to properly vet the driver or ignored red flags in the driver’s history, this can serve as evidence of negligent hiring or retention.

Hours of Service (49 C.F.R. Part 395)

Hours-of-service (HOS) regulations are among the most critical—and most frequently violated—rules in commercial trucking. Under 49 C.F.R. Part 395, property-carrying commercial drivers are limited to:

11 hours of driving within a 14-hour duty window
A mandatory 10 consecutive hours off duty before starting a new duty period
A 60-hour limit on driving over 7 consecutive days (or 70 hours over 8 days for carriers operating 7 days a week)

The ELD mandate, which took effect in December 2017, requires carriers to use electronic logging devices to track drivers’ hours. However, ELD data can be manipulated, and discrepancies between the ELD logs and other records (such as fuel receipts, toll records, or GPS data) can reveal falsified logs. If the driver was fatigued at the time of the crash, this can serve as evidence of negligence and may even support a claim for gross negligence under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Chapter 41.

Vehicle Maintenance and Inspection (49 C.F.R. Part 396)

Under 49 C.F.R. Part 396, motor carriers are required to systematically inspect, repair, and maintain all commercial vehicles under their control. This includes:

Pre-trip inspections before each trip
Periodic inspections at least once every 12 months
Immediate repairs for any defects that affect the safety of the vehicle

If the carrier failed to properly maintain the truck—such as neglecting brake inspections, tire tread depth, or lighting systems—this can serve as evidence of negligent maintenance. For example, if the crash was caused by a brake failure, we would subpoena the carrier’s maintenance records to determine whether the brakes were inspected and repaired as required.

Drug and Alcohol Testing (49 C.F.R. Part 382)

Under 49 C.F.R. Part 382, motor carriers are required to conduct drug and alcohol testing for their drivers. This includes:

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

If the driver tested positive for drugs or alcohol after the crash, this can serve as evidence of negligence and may support a claim for gross negligence under Chapter 41. Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, worked for years at a national defense firm where he reviewed hundreds of post-accident drug and alcohol test results. He knows how insurance companies try to downplay or dismiss positive test results, and he knows how to counter those arguments.

The Investigation We Begin Within 48 Hours

Evidence in commercial-vehicle crashes has a half-life measured in days, not months. Within hours of taking your case, we take the following steps to preserve critical evidence:

Preservation Letter

We send a preservation letter to the motor carrier, the broker, the shipper, and any third-party telematics provider. The letter identifies the evidence we need to preserve, including:

The truck’s electronic control module (ECM) data
The electronic logging device (ELD) logs
Dashcam footage (both forward-facing and driver-facing)
Dispatch communications and routing records
Qualcomm or PeopleNet telematics data
Maintenance and inspection records
The driver qualification file (DQF)
Prior preventability determinations
Post-accident drug and alcohol test results
Any Form MCS-90 endorsement on the policy

We put the carrier on notice that spoliation—the destruction or alteration of evidence—will be argued, and an adverse inference charge will be sought if any of this evidence disappears.

FMCSA Records Pull

We pull the following records from the FMCSA:

The carrier’s Safety Measurement System (SMS) profile by USDOT number
The driver’s Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP) record
The carrier’s SAFER profile

These records reveal the carrier’s safety history, including any prior violations, crashes, or out-of-service orders. For example, if the carrier has a history of hours-of-service violations or brake-system failures, this can serve as evidence of a pattern of negligence.

Accident Reconstruction

We deploy an accident reconstruction expert to the scene to document the crash dynamics. This includes:

Measuring skid marks and debris fields
Analyzing the vehicles’ final resting positions
Downloading and interpreting the ECM and ELD data
Reconstructing the sequence of events leading up to the crash

Accident reconstruction is critical for proving liability, especially in cases where the carrier disputes fault.

Medical Documentation

We work with your loved one’s treating physicians to document the extent of their injuries and the pain and suffering they endured before their death. This includes:

Medical records from the ambulance, emergency room, and hospital
Autopsy reports
Testimony from treating physicians

This documentation is essential for proving the survival action under Section 71.021.

Witness Interviews

We interview witnesses to the crash, including:

Other drivers on the road at the time
Passengers in your loved one’s vehicle
First responders
Bystanders

Witness testimony can corroborate your account of the crash and refute the carrier’s defenses.

The Defendants Beyond the Driver

In a fatal 18-wheeler crash, the driver is rarely the only defendant. The carrier that employed the driver, the broker that arranged the load, the shipper that directed the haul, and even the manufacturer of a defective part can all share liability. Below are the most common defendants in these cases:

The Motor Carrier

The motor carrier is liable for the driver’s negligence under the doctrine of respondeat superior, which holds employers responsible for the actions of their employees within the course and scope of employment. The carrier can also be directly liable for its own negligence, such as:

Negligent hiring (failing to properly vet the driver)
Negligent training (failing to provide adequate training)
Negligent supervision (failing to monitor the driver’s compliance with HOS regulations)
Negligent maintenance (failing to properly maintain the truck)

The Freight Broker

Freight brokers arrange loads for motor carriers, but they can also be liable for negligent selection if they dispatch a load to a carrier with a documented safety record. Under cases like Miller v. C.H. Robinson, brokers have a duty to vet carriers before entrusting them with loads. If the broker failed to check the carrier’s SMS profile or ignored red flags in the carrier’s safety history, they can share liability for the crash.

The Shipper

The shipper can be liable if they directed unsafe loading or scheduling practices. For example, if the shipper pressured the carrier to meet an unrealistic delivery deadline, this can serve as evidence of negligence. Similarly, if the shipper loaded the cargo improperly (e.g., failing to secure a load or overloading the truck), they can share liability for the crash.

The Maintenance Contractor

If the carrier outsourced maintenance to a third-party contractor, the contractor can be liable for any negligent repairs. For example, if the contractor failed to properly inspect or repair the truck’s brakes, they can share liability for a brake-failure crash.

The Parts Manufacturer

If the crash was caused by a defective part—such as a failed tire, brake system, or steering component—the manufacturer of the part can be liable under product liability law. This includes both design defects (flaws in the product’s design) and manufacturing defects (flaws in the product’s production).

The Government Entity

If the crash was caused in part by a roadway defect—such as a missing guardrail, pothole, or malfunctioning traffic signal—the government entity responsible for maintaining the road can be liable under the Texas Tort Claims Act. This includes the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), the county, or the municipality. However, the Texas Tort Claims Act imposes strict notice requirements (6 months) and damages caps ($250,000 per person and $500,000 per occurrence for municipalities).

How Texas Pattern Jury Charges Submit Damages to a Jury

In a Texas wrongful-death or survival action, the jury evaluates damages based on the questions submitted under the Texas Pattern Jury Charges (PJC). Below are the key PJC submissions for these cases:

Wrongful Death Damages (PJC 71.1)

For each wrongful-death claimant (spouse, child, or parent), the jury evaluates the following damages:

Pecuniary loss: The financial support the deceased would have provided to the claimant. This includes lost wages, benefits, and household services.
Mental anguish: The emotional pain and suffering the claimant has endured as a result of the loss.
Loss of companionship and society: The loss of the deceased’s love, comfort, and companionship.
Loss of inheritance: The amount the claimant would have inherited from the deceased if they had lived a normal life expectancy.

Survival Action Damages (PJC 71.2)

For the survival action, the jury evaluates the following damages:

Pain and suffering: The physical pain and mental anguish the deceased endured between the time of injury and death.
Medical expenses: The reasonable and necessary medical expenses incurred by the deceased before their death.
Funeral and burial expenses: The reasonable and necessary expenses for the deceased’s funeral and burial.

Exemplary Damages (PJC 41.1)

If the carrier’s conduct rises to the level of gross negligence, the jury can award exemplary (punitive) damages. Gross negligence is defined as an act or omission that involves an extreme degree of risk, of which the defendant was aware, and which the defendant proceeded with conscious indifference to the rights, safety, or welfare of others. For example, if the carrier knowingly hired a driver with a history of DUI convictions or ignored repeated hours-of-service violations, this can support a claim for exemplary damages.

The punitive damages cap in Texas is the greater of:

$200,000, or
Two times the amount of economic damages plus the amount of non-economic damages (capped at $750,000 for the non-economic portion).

However, the cap does not apply if the underlying act is a felony, such as intoxication manslaughter or intoxication assault. In those cases, the jury can award punitive damages with no statutory limit.

The Defense Playbook in Scurry County Trucking Cases—and Our Answer

The carrier’s defense lawyer has a script, and we’ve heard every line of it before. Below are the most common defenses and how we counter them:

“The Driver Did Nothing Wrong”

The carrier will argue that the driver was professional, the crash was unavoidable, and the injured plaintiff was partly at fault. They’ll point to the driver’s clean record, the favorable dashcam footage, and the lack of prior violations.

Our Answer: We pull the driver’s Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP) record, the carrier’s Safety Measurement System (SMS) profile, and the driver’s prior preventability determinations. If the driver had a history of hours-of-service violations, brake-system failures, or prior crashes, this can serve as evidence of negligent hiring or retention. We also cross-reference the ELD logs with fuel receipts, toll records, and GPS data to identify any discrepancies that suggest falsified logs.

“You Were Partially at Fault”

Texas follows modified comparative negligence under Chapter 33 of the Civil Practice and Remedies Code. This means that if you were 50% or less at fault, you can still recover damages, but your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you were 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing.

The carrier will try to shift blame to your loved one by arguing that they were speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, or changed lanes unsafely.

Our Answer: We develop evidence that pushes fault back where it belongs. For example, if the carrier argues that your loved one was speeding, we’ll pull the ECM data to show that the truck was traveling above the speed limit. If the carrier argues that your loved one wasn’t wearing a seatbelt, we’ll work with accident reconstruction experts to show that the seatbelt wouldn’t have prevented the fatal injuries.

“Your Injuries Aren’t Serious Enough”

The carrier will argue that your loved one’s injuries weren’t severe enough to justify the damages you’re seeking. They’ll point to the lack of immediate hospitalization or the absence of visible injuries.

Our Answer: Adrenaline masks pain, and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can take days or weeks to manifest. We work with medical experts to document the full extent of your loved one’s injuries, including any delayed-onset symptoms. We also explain that the damages in a wrongful-death case aren’t just about the injuries—they’re about the loss of financial support, companionship, and inheritance.

“The Evidence Was Destroyed”

The carrier will claim that critical evidence—such as ELD data, dashcam footage, or maintenance records—was accidentally lost or destroyed.

Our Answer: We file spoliation preservation letters within 24 hours of taking the case. We also send investigators to the scene to document the evidence before it disappears. If the carrier destroys evidence after receiving our preservation letter, we’ll argue for an adverse inference charge, which allows the jury to assume the destroyed evidence would have been unfavorable to the carrier.

“We’ve Made You a Fair Offer”

The carrier’s first offer is always a lowball settlement designed to be accepted before you talk to a lawyer. They’ll pressure you to sign a release before you know the full value of your case.

Our Answer: We never advise a client to sign a release in the first 96 hours. We calculate the full value of your case—including future medical needs, lost earning capacity, and pain and suffering—before responding to any offer. We also explain that the carrier’s “fair offer” is based on their algorithmic valuation system (Colossus), which doesn’t account for the full human cost of your loss.

The Two-Year Clock Under Section 16.003

Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 16.003 gives you exactly two years from the date of the fatal injury to file a wrongful-death action. The clock runs whether or not the carrier’s insurer is returning your calls. Once it runs, the case dies procedurally, and the carrier walks away from a viable claim because the file was never opened.

For families in Scurry County, this clock is especially critical because of the rural nature of the county. The nearest courthouse is in Snyder, and the nearest major legal hub is Lubbock, approximately 90 miles away. This distance can create logistical challenges for filing a lawsuit, especially if you’re dealing with funeral arrangements, medical bills, and the emotional aftermath of the crash.

We file lawsuits early to force discovery and set depositions. We make the carrier carry the cost of delay. And we never let the two-year clock run out on a family that deserves justice.

How Attorney 911 Approaches Your Scurry County Case

Since 1998, we’ve represented families like yours in commercial-vehicle crashes across Texas. Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, has 27 years of experience fighting for injury victims, including federal court admission to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas. Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, worked for years at a national defense firm, where he learned how insurance companies value claims and deploy their playbook. Together, we bring a unique advantage to your case: we know how the defense thinks because we’ve been on their side.

Here’s what we do for you in Scurry County:

We Preserve Evidence Before It Disappears

Within 48 hours of taking your case, we send preservation letters to the carrier, the broker, the shipper, and any third-party telematics provider. We identify the evidence we need to preserve, including:

The truck’s electronic control module (ECM) data
The electronic logging device (ELD) logs
Dashcam footage
Dispatch communications and routing records
Qualcomm or PeopleNet telematics data
Maintenance and inspection records
The driver qualification file (DQF)
Prior preventability determinations
Post-accident drug and alcohol test results

We put the carrier on notice that spoliation will be argued, and an adverse inference charge will be sought if any of this evidence disappears.

We Pull Federal Records Before Discovery Formally Opens

We pull the following records from the FMCSA:

The carrier’s Safety Measurement System (SMS) profile by USDOT number
The driver’s Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP) record
The carrier’s SAFER profile

We Build the Case for Trial While Negotiating from Strength

We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This includes:

Hiring accident reconstruction experts to document the crash dynamics
Working with medical experts to document the extent of your loved one’s injuries
Calculating the full value of your damages, including future medical needs and lost earning capacity
Deposing the driver, the dispatcher, the safety manager, and the maintenance personnel
Filing motions to compel discovery and limit overbroad requests

We build the case so that the carrier knows we’re ready for trial. This creates negotiating strength and increases the likelihood of a fair settlement.

We Pursue Every Liable Party

We don’t stop at the driver. We sue the carrier, the broker, the shipper, the maintenance contractor, the parts manufacturer, and any government entity that contributed to the crash. For example:

If the carrier hired a driver with a history of DUI convictions, we’ll pursue a claim for negligent hiring.
If the broker dispatched a load to a carrier with a documented safety record, we’ll pursue a claim for negligent selection.
If the shipper directed unsafe loading or scheduling practices, we’ll pursue a claim for negligence.
If the maintenance contractor failed to properly inspect or repair the truck, we’ll pursue a claim for negligent maintenance.
If the government entity failed to maintain the roadway, we’ll pursue a claim under the Texas Tort Claims Act.

We Fight for Maximum Compensation

We calculate the full value of your damages, including:

Past and future medical expenses: The reasonable and necessary medical expenses incurred by your loved one before their death, as well as any future medical needs for surviving family members.
Lost earning capacity: The financial support your loved one would have provided to the family if they had lived a normal life expectancy.
Pain and suffering: The physical pain and mental anguish your loved one endured before their death.
Mental anguish: The emotional pain and suffering you’ve endured as a result of the loss.
Loss of companionship and society: The loss of your loved one’s love, comfort, and companionship.
Loss of inheritance: The amount you would have inherited from your loved one if they had lived a normal life expectancy.
Exemplary damages: If the carrier’s conduct rises to the level of gross negligence, we’ll pursue exemplary damages to punish the carrier and deter future misconduct.

We Handle Everything So You Can Focus on Your Family

We know that dealing with a legal case is the last thing you want to do while grieving the loss of a loved one. That’s why we handle everything for you:

We communicate with the insurance companies so you don’t have to.
We gather and preserve evidence so you don’t have to worry about it disappearing.
We work with medical experts to document the extent of your loved one’s injuries.
We calculate the full value of your damages so you know what your case is worth.
We negotiate with the carrier to get you the compensation you deserve.
We file a lawsuit if necessary and take your case to trial if that’s what it takes.

What This Means for Your Family

No amount of money can replace your loved one. But holding the trucking company accountable can protect other families on Scurry County’s highways. It can also provide the financial security your family needs to move forward.

Here’s what you can expect when you work with us:

A Free Case Evaluation

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free case evaluation. In 15 minutes, we’ll tell you exactly what your case may be worth—with no obligation.

A Contingency Fee Structure

We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we recover compensation for you. Our fee is 33.33% of the recovery if the case settles before trial and 40% if it goes to trial. You may still be responsible for court costs and case expenses, but we’ll discuss those with you upfront.

24/7 Availability

We’re available 24/7 to answer your questions and provide updates on your case. You’ll never have to deal with an answering service—you’ll always speak to a live member of our team.

Bilingual Services

Hablamos Español. Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, is fluent in Spanish, and our staff includes bilingual team members. You’ll never need an interpreter.

A Team That Cares

We treat our clients like family. Here’s what some of them have said about us:

“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

“Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer…Ralph reached out personally.” — Dame Haskett

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

What to Do Next

The evidence is disappearing right now. The ELD data is being overwritten. The dashcam footage is being deleted. The maintenance records are at risk. The two-year clock is ticking.

Here’s what you need to do:

Call 1-888-ATTY-911. We’ll answer 24/7, and you’ll speak to a live member of our team—not an answering service.
Preserve the evidence. Don’t let the carrier destroy critical evidence. We’ll send preservation letters immediately.
Get a free case evaluation. In 15 minutes, we’ll tell you exactly what your case may be worth—with no obligation.
Focus on your family. We’ll handle everything else.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will my case take?

Every case is different, but most trucking cases settle within 6 to 12 months. If the case goes to trial, it can take longer. We’ll push for resolution as quickly as possible without sacrificing value.

How much is my case worth?

The value of your case depends on several factors, including:

The extent of your loved one’s injuries
The pain and suffering they endured before their death
The financial support they would have provided to the family
The carrier’s history of negligence
The strength of the evidence

We’ll calculate the full value of your damages and fight for maximum compensation.

What if the trucking company says the crash was my loved one’s fault?

Texas follows modified comparative negligence, which means you can still recover damages even if your loved one was partly at fault. We’ll develop evidence that pushes fault back where it belongs.

What if the trucking company offers me a settlement?

The carrier’s first offer is always a lowball settlement designed to be accepted before you know the full value of your case. We’ll evaluate every offer against the full value of your claim—including future medical needs you haven’t thought of yet.

Do I need a lawyer for this?

Most trucking cases settle without going to court, but that doesn’t mean you don’t need a lawyer. The carrier has a team of adjusters and lawyers working against you 24/7. You need a team working for you.

Scurry County’s Freight Reality: Why This Happens Here

Scurry County is a microcosm of Texas’s commercial-vehicle risk environment. The county’s economy is driven by agriculture, oil and gas, and transportation, all of which rely heavily on trucking. Here’s why commercial-vehicle crashes are a daily reality in Scurry County:

Oil and Gas Industry

Scurry County sits near the eastern edge of the Permian Basin, one of the most productive oil and gas regions in the world. The county is home to numerous oil and gas wells, as well as supporting industries like frac sand mining and water hauling. This means a constant flow of oilfield service vehicles, water-haul tankers, and sand-haul flatbeds on county roads and highways.

The Permian Basin’s boom-and-bust cycles create a volatile environment for trucking. During boom periods, carriers hire inexperienced drivers and push them to work long hours to meet demand. During bust periods, carriers cut corners on maintenance and training to save costs. Both scenarios increase the risk of crashes.

Agricultural Industry

Scurry County is a major agricultural producer, with cotton, wheat, and cattle among its top commodities. This means a steady flow of grain trucks, livestock haulers, and farm equipment on county roads. Agricultural trucks are often older, poorly maintained, and overloaded, increasing the risk of mechanical failures and rollovers.

Transportation Hub

Scurry County’s location on Interstate 20 makes it a critical transportation hub for freight moving between the Permian Basin and the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. The county is also served by U.S. Highway 84 and State Highway 350, which carry local and regional truck traffic. This high volume of commercial vehicles increases the risk of crashes, especially at intersections and during peak travel times.

Rural Road Conditions

Scurry County’s rural roads are often narrow, poorly lit, and lacking in safety features like guardrails and rumble strips. These conditions increase the risk of run-off-road crashes, especially for commercial vehicles traveling at high speeds.

Limited Trauma Access

The nearest Level II trauma center is Covenant Medical Center in Lubbock, approximately 90 miles away. The nearest Level I trauma center is University Medical Center in Lubbock. This distance means longer emergency response times and increased risk of fatal outcomes in serious crashes.

The Carriers Operating in Scurry County

Scurry County sees freight from every category of motor carrier operating in Texas. Below are some of the major carriers with a presence in the county:

Long-Haul Interstate Carriers

Werner Enterprises: One of the largest truckload carriers in the U.S., with a significant presence in Texas.
J.B. Hunt Transport Services: A major intermodal and truckload carrier serving the Permian Basin and beyond.
Schneider National: A diversified carrier with operations in oilfield services, intermodal, and truckload.
Swift Transportation (Knight-Swift): The largest truckload carrier in the U.S., with a strong Texas presence.
Heartland Express: A regional and national truckload carrier with operations in West Texas.

Oilfield Service Trucking

Halliburton: One of the world’s largest oilfield service companies, with a significant Permian Basin presence.
Schlumberger: A global oilfield services provider with operations in the Permian Basin.
Baker Hughes: A major oilfield services company with a strong Texas footprint.
Liberty Energy: An oilfield services provider specializing in hydraulic fracturing.
ProPetro: A Permian Basin-focused oilfield services company.

Agricultural Trucking

Regional grain haulers: Numerous local and regional carriers transport grain, cotton, and other agricultural products from Scurry County to processing facilities and markets.
Livestock transporters: Carriers specializing in livestock transport move cattle, sheep, and other animals to auction yards and processing plants.

Last-Mile Delivery

Amazon Logistics: Amazon’s delivery service partners (DSPs) operate in Scurry County, delivering packages to homes and businesses.
FedEx Ground: FedEx Ground contractors deliver small packages and freight in the county.
UPS: UPS operates a significant last-mile delivery network in Scurry County.

Government and Municipal Fleets

Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT): TxDOT operates maintenance vehicles, snowplows, and other commercial vehicles on Scurry County’s roads.
Scurry County Sheriff’s Office: The sheriff’s office operates patrol vehicles and other commercial vehicles.
City of Snyder: The city operates garbage trucks, utility vehicles, and other commercial vehicles.

The Dangerous Intersections and Corridors in Scurry County

Scurry County’s freight corridors and intersections are among the most dangerous in West Texas. Below are some of the high-risk areas:

Interstate 20

Interstate 20 is the dominant freight corridor in Scurry County, carrying long-haul tractor-trailers between the Permian Basin and the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. The stretch of I-20 through Scurry County is particularly dangerous due to:

High speeds: The speed limit on I-20 is 75 mph, which increases the severity of crashes.
Heavy truck traffic: I-20 carries a high volume of commercial vehicles, increasing the risk of multi-vehicle pileups.
Limited shoulders: The narrow shoulders on I-20 make it difficult for disabled vehicles to pull over safely.
Fatigued drivers: Long-haul drivers on I-20 are often fatigued, increasing the risk of crashes.

U.S. Highway 84

U.S. Highway 84 is a critical connector for local and regional truck traffic, including oilfield service vehicles and agricultural trucks. The highway is particularly dangerous due to:

Narrow lanes: US 84 has narrow lanes and limited shoulders, increasing the risk of run-off-road crashes.
High speeds: The speed limit on US 84 is 70 mph, which increases the severity of crashes.
Intersections: US 84 intersects with several county roads and state highways, creating high-risk areas for crashes.

State Highway 350

State Highway 350 is a major north-south route in Scurry County, carrying local and regional truck traffic. The highway is particularly dangerous due to:

Rural road conditions: SH 350 is a rural road with narrow lanes, limited shoulders, and poor lighting.
High speeds: The speed limit on SH 350 is 70 mph, which increases the severity of crashes.
Intersections: SH 350 intersects with several county roads and state highways, creating high-risk areas for crashes.

FM 1606 and I-20 Interchange

The interchange between FM 1606 and I-20 is a high-risk area for crashes due to:

Heavy truck traffic: The interchange carries a high volume of commercial vehicles entering and exiting I-20.
Merging lanes: The merging lanes at the interchange create high-risk areas for side-impact crashes.
Limited visibility: The interchange is poorly lit, increasing the risk of crashes at night.

U.S. 84 and SH 350 Intersection

The intersection of U.S. 84 and SH 350 is a high-risk area for crashes due to:

Heavy truck traffic: The intersection carries a high volume of commercial vehicles, including oilfield service trucks and agricultural haulers.
Limited traffic control: The intersection is controlled by stop signs, which are less effective at preventing crashes than traffic signals.
High speeds: The speed limit on both highways is 70 mph, which increases the severity of crashes.

The Weather and Climate Risks in Scurry County

Scurry County’s climate and weather patterns create unique risks for commercial-vehicle crashes. Below are some of the key risks:

High Winds

Scurry County is located in a region prone to high winds, especially during the spring and summer months. High winds can cause:

Rollovers: High winds can destabilize high-profile vehicles like tractor-trailers, leading to rollovers.
Jackknifes: High winds can cause trailers to swing out of control, leading to jackknifes.
Loss of control: High winds can make it difficult for drivers to maintain control of their vehicles, especially on rural roads.

Dust Storms

Scurry County is located in a region prone to dust storms, especially during the spring and summer months. Dust storms can cause:

Reduced visibility: Dust storms can reduce visibility to near-zero, increasing the risk of crashes.
Multi-vehicle pileups: Dust storms can cause chain-reaction crashes involving multiple vehicles.
Loss of control: Dust storms can make it difficult for drivers to maintain control of their vehicles, especially on high-speed roads.

Ice and Snow

Scurry County experiences occasional ice and snow during the winter months. Ice and snow can cause:

Jackknifes: Ice and snow can cause trailers to swing out of control, leading to jackknifes.
Loss of control: Ice and snow can make it difficult for drivers to maintain control of their vehicles, especially on rural roads.
Multi-vehicle pileups: Ice and snow can cause chain-reaction crashes involving multiple vehicles.

Heat and Drought

Scurry County experiences high temperatures and drought conditions during the summer months. Heat and drought can cause:

Tire blowouts: High temperatures can cause tires to overheat and blow out, especially on poorly maintained vehicles.
Brake failures: High temperatures can cause brake systems to overheat and fail.
Driver fatigue: High temperatures can increase driver fatigue, especially for long-haul drivers.

Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Scurry County Case

We’re not like other personal injury firms. Here’s what sets us apart:

We Know the Trucking Industry Inside and Out

Ralph Manginello has been representing injury victims in commercial-vehicle crashes since 1998. Lupe Peña worked for years at a national defense firm, where he learned how insurance companies value claims and deploy their playbook. Together, we bring a unique advantage to your case: we know how the defense thinks because we’ve been on their side.

We Pursue Every Liable Party

We don’t stop at the driver. We sue the carrier, the broker, the shipper, the maintenance contractor, the parts manufacturer, and any government entity that contributed to the crash. We build the case so that the carrier knows we’re ready for trial, and we negotiate from a position of strength.

We Preserve Evidence Before It Disappears

We send preservation letters within 48 hours of taking your case. We pull federal records before discovery formally opens. We deploy accident reconstruction experts to the scene to document the crash dynamics. We work with medical experts to document the extent of your loved one’s injuries. We handle everything so you can focus on your family.

We Fight for Maximum Compensation

We calculate the full value of your damages, including future medical needs, lost earning capacity, pain and suffering, and exemplary damages where applicable. We fight for every dollar you deserve.

We’re Available 24/7

We’re available 24/7 to answer your questions and provide updates on your case. You’ll never have to deal with an answering service—you’ll always speak to a live member of our team.

We Speak Spanish

Hablamos Español. Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, is fluent in Spanish, and our staff includes bilingual team members. You’ll never need an interpreter.

We Treat Our Clients Like Family

We treat our clients like family. Here’s what some of them have said about us:

“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

“You know if TraeAbn tells you it’s the right way to go best attorney out here you can’t go wrong.” — Erica Perales

“They make you feel like family and even though the process may take some time, they make it feel like a breeze. They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” — Glenda Walker

Final Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

Losing a loved one in a commercial-vehicle crash is one of the hardest things a family can go through. The legal process can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re grieving. But you don’t have to do this alone.

We’re here to help. We’ll handle everything for you—preserving evidence, pulling federal records, building the case, negotiating with the carrier, and fighting for the compensation you deserve. We’ll be with you every step of the way.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today for a free case evaluation. In 15 minutes, we’ll tell you exactly what your case may be worth—with no obligation. The evidence is disappearing right now. The two-year clock is ticking. Don’t wait. Call us today.