Midland Commercial Truck & Bus Accident Lawyer

Injured by a Commercial Truck or Bus in Midland or West Texas?

If a commercial truck or bus crash on I-20, Highway 285, SH 191, or an oilfield lease road has left you or someone in your family with serious injuries, the trucking company’s legal team is already working against you. Midland Truck Accident Attorney, led by Erik Garza, handles commercial vehicle accident cases across the Permian Basin and nothing else. Midland County recorded 560 truck accidents in 2025 alone, and evidence from these crashes (black box data, driver logs, onboard video) can be destroyed within 72 hours after an accident.

Call (432)201-8424 now for a 100% free consultation, 24/7/365, in English or Spanish. $0 upfront; no fees unless we win. Every case is backed by our $1,000 Texas Performance GUARANTEE.

Why Midland Trusts Midland Truck Accident Attorney After Commercial Truck & Bus Crashes

Families across Midland County and West Texas rely on this firm for truck accident cases because the results and credentials are verifiable, not vague.

• $20 Million+ recovered for truck accident victims and their families
• 30+ years combined team experience across commercial truck and bus litigation
• 99% case success rate (past results do not guarantee future outcomes; every case depends on its specific facts)
• Erik Garza: 12+ years fighting trucking and transportation companies on behalf of crash victims; he has never represented a trucking company
• National Trial Lawyers and Super Lawyers recognitions
• Local office: 203 W Wall St Suite 615, Midland, TX 79701; serving Midland, Odessa, Andrews, Big Spring, Stanton, Crane, and surrounding oilfield communities
• Se Habla Español: Spanish-speaking staff available for every step of your case

Why Injured Drivers Choose Erik Garza for Commercial Truck & Bus Accidents

Not every personal injury lawyer understands the federal regulations, corporate liability structures, and oilfield logistics behind commercial truck crashes and bus collisions in the Permian Basin. Erik Garza’s practice is built around these cases specifically.

• 100% focus on commercial vehicle and truck-related cases. No slip-and-falls, no general personal injury claims. This means every resource goes toward understanding FMCSA regulations, ELD data, and the tactics insurance companies use in truck accident cases.
• Insider oilfield background. Erik worked with ExxonMobil and Noble Energy legal teams before founding this firm. He knows how oilfield contractors structure master services agreements to limit liability, and he uses that knowledge to identify every liable party in a crash involving oilfield commercial vehicles.
• Permian Basin truck-type expertise. Water haulers, frac sand trucks, crude oil tanker trucks, crew buses, and employee shuttles each fall under different regulatory frameworks. Erik’s legal team knows which FMCSA and Texas Transportation Code provisions apply to each vehicle type and builds cases accordingly.
• Evidence preserved within 24 hours. The firm sends spoliation letters to the trucking company or bus operator the same day a case is accepted, demanding preservation of ELD data, black box records, maintenance records, driver qualification files, and dashcam footage.
• $0 upfront, contingency fee basis. Legal fees come only from the recovery. Every client also receives the firm’s $1,000 Texas Performance GUARANTEE before signing.

Our Midland Commercial Truck & Bus Accident Legal Services

The firm handles every category of commercial truck and bus accident case across Midland and West Texas. Each case includes a full investigation, direct handling of insurance adjusters and defense lawyers, and preparation as if the case will go to trial.

18-Wheeler, Semi-Truck & Tractor-Trailer Crashes

Large commercial trucks dominate the freight corridors through Midland County. Over 10,000 trucks use U.S. Route 285 daily, and I-20 alone accounted for 6,267 crashes in the Permian Basin between 2019 and 2023. When a semi truck or tractor trailer collides with a smaller vehicle, the occupants of the smaller vehicle bear the worst of it: 80% of fatalities in large truck crashes are non-truck occupants.

The firm investigates hours-of-service violations (FMCSA rules cap property-carrying truck drivers at 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty), black box data showing speed and braking patterns, and driver fatigue. Distracted driving contributes to 70% of commercial trucking accidents. Whether you were driving, riding as a passenger, on a motorcycle, or walking, this service covers your claim.

Oilfield & Energy Service Truck Accidents

The oil and gas industry generates a constant stream of water haulers, crude oil tanker trucks, frac sand trucks, pipe haulers, and cementing trucks on county and lease roads across the Permian Basin. These roads are often unpaved, unlit, and lack shoulders or signage adequate for large commercial trucks.

Driver fatigue is a major cause of truck accidents in the oilfield sector, where 15-to-20-hour shifts are routine. Overloaded trucks with worn brakes and tires are common. Crash statistics indicate a 160% rise in commercial vehicle crashes in the Midland-Odessa region recently, driven largely by energy sector traffic. The firm represents oilfield workers, contractors, and local drivers hurt by these vehicles.

Commercial Bus, Crew Shuttle & Company Van Collisions

Commercial bus and crew shuttle accidents in the Permian Basin often involve oilfield crew buses transporting workers to and from well sites, charter buses, and company passenger vans. Under Texas law, a “motor bus” is a vehicle carrying more than 15 passengers (including the driver) used for compensation. Employee shuttles and company vans sometimes fall outside that formal definition but still carry liability under general negligence principles.

Negligent hiring, inadequate driver training, overcapacity, and failure to inspect seat belts are recurring issues in these cases. The firm represents injured passengers and people in other vehicles struck by buses or vans. Texas allows lawsuits against both the drivers and the companies that employ them.

Delivery Trucks, Box Trucks & Utility Service Vehicles

Delivery trucks from carriers like FedEx and UPS, box trucks, and telecom or utility service vehicles operate throughout Midland and Odessa neighborhoods daily. Rushed delivery schedules, distracted driving in residential areas, and improper backing or turning maneuvers are frequent causes of such accidents.

These cases often involve corporate dispatch policies, telematics data from the vehicle, and multiple insurance layers. The firm identifies all liable parties, including the driver, the company responsible for dispatch, maintenance providers, and insurance carriers covering different layers of the policy.

Catastrophic Injury & Fatal Commercial Vehicle Crashes

Texas averages nearly 700 deaths annually from large truck accidents. When a crash involving a commercial truck or bus results in wrongful death, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputations, crush injuries, or permanent disability, the stakes demand a legal team that coordinates with medical specialists and financial planners.

The firm helps families pursue wrongful death claims after fatal truck accidents on I-20, U.S. 285, and other West Texas corridors. For injured victims who require extensive medical treatment and long-term rehabilitation, the firm works with life care planners to document future medical costs and lost earning capacity so that the settlement or verdict reflects the full scope of the harm.

How the Process Works When You Call Our Midland Office

The process starts fast because evidence preservation cannot wait. Every step is designed to reduce your burden while building the strongest possible truck accident claim.

Step 1: 24/7 Free Case Review and Emergency Evidence Protection

Call (432)201-8424 or contact the firm online at any hour for an initial consultation. On that call, the legal team listens to the details of the crash, reviews available police report information, photos, and your medical status.

If the firm accepts your case, spoliation letters go out to the trucking company or bus operator within 24 hours. These letters demand preservation of ELD data, driver logs, onboard video, maintenance records, and the vehicle’s electronic control module (“black box”). Trucking companies often deploy rapid response teams following accidents to mitigate liability; the firm’s early action ensures the evidence they might prefer to lose stays intact.

Step 2: Investigation, Medical Coordination & Claim Building

The firm obtains black box data, driver qualification files, FMCSA inspection and safety records, and internal company policies. When needed, accident reconstruction experts visit the accident scene to document road conditions, sight lines, and vehicle dynamics.

Medical coordination runs in parallel. The team works with your treating physicians and, when injuries are catastrophic, with specialists to document the full trajectory of recovery. Every element of compensation is calculated: medical bills (past and projected), lost wages, lost future earning capacity (especially for oilfield workers who can no longer perform heavy labor), pain and suffering, disability, and property damage.

Step 3: Negotiation, Litigation & Resolution

The firm handles all communication with insurance adjusters and defense attorneys. Trucking companies often spend $50K to $200K on legal defense for a single case; having a midland truck accident attorney who prepares every case for trial changes the calculus for insurers.

If a fair settlement cannot be reached, Erik Garza files suit in West Texas courts and presents the case to a jury. Many cases settle, but the ones that reach the best outcomes are the ones where the other side knows trial is a real possibility. Throughout the legal process, clients receive transparent updates on case status and strategy. There are no upfront costs; the firm collects fees only if it wins or settles the case.

Real Results for Commercial Truck & Bus Accident Victims

Past case results reflect the firm’s experience in these cases but do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is different and depends on its specific facts and injuries.

• Substantial recovery for an oilfield worker rear-ended by a water hauler on Highway 285, covering multiple surgeries, extensive medical treatment, and lost future earning capacity after the client could not return to field work.
• Settlement for a family struck by a fatigued 18-wheeler driver on I-20 near Midland, including wrongful death damages, funeral costs, and loss of financial support. Investigation revealed the truck driver had exceeded federal hours-of-service limits by over four hours.
• Resolution for multiple passengers injured when an employee shuttle bus rolled over on a county road after the driver completed a consecutive overnight shift; the case involved negligent hiring, lack of driver training documentation, and mechanical failure in the braking system.

Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is different and depends on its specific facts and injuries.

What Our Clients Say

Real reviews from West Texas clients injured in commercial truck and bus crashes. The firm values every client’s willingness to share their experience.

Shaletha Dixon

“ERIK IS A VERY GREAT LAWYER, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND, HE REALLY FIGHTS HARD WITH YOUR CASE HE IS ALSO CARING ! And The staff is AMAZING OVERALL VERY POLITE ! And they WILL GET YOU MORE THAN EXPECTED 🙌🏾”

Leslie German

“This was my first time being in a car wreck being young and not really knowing what to do , my first lawyers dropped my case and i came to them and they said they would take it and ended up getting me more than i even hoped or expected , also made it really easy for me and checked in on me a lot , would recommend them to anyone!”

Mario Torres

“Great service. All staff is kind. We received more than expected from my accident.”

Where Commercial Truck & Bus Crashes Happen Around Midland

Midland’s unique traffic patterns contribute to a high number of commercial vehicle accidents concentrated on specific corridors. The Permian Basin sees heavy commercial truck traffic, including oilfield vehicles, and understanding local traffic hazards and infrastructure is vital for handling these cases.

• Interstate 20 through Midland County recorded 6,267 crashes between 2019 and 2023, making it the single highest-crash corridor in the Permian Basin.
• U.S. Route 285, often called “Death Highway,” carries over 10,000 trucks daily. Heavy oilfield truck and crew bus traffic creates persistent risk for local drivers.
• State Highway 191 logged 2,947 crashes in the same period; U.S. 385 had 1,849.
• Loop 250, Highway 158, and common routes into Odessa, Andrews, and Big Spring carry constant commercial vehicle traffic.
• County and lease roads serving drilling sites see water haulers, frac sand trucks, and crew buses running long hours with poor lighting, no shoulders, and deferred maintenance.

The Permian Basin region accounts for 10% of all Texas roadway fatalities despite only housing 2% of the state’s population. These numbers are not abstract; they represent the daily conditions on roads where Midland families drive to work and school.

Compensation You Can Pursue After a Midland Commercial Truck or Bus Accident

Every case is different. The value of a truck accident claim depends on the injuries sustained, the liable parties involved, and the available insurance. Below are the categories of damages that Texas law allows injured victims to pursue:

• Medical expenses: Emergency room care, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, prescription medications, assistive devices, and projected future medical costs for injuries that require extensive medical treatment.
• Lost income: Past lost wages, missed oilfield shifts, and loss of future earning capacity if injuries prevent return to heavy labor or prior occupation.
• Pain and suffering and mental anguish: Physical pain, PTSD, anxiety, depression, diminished quality of life, and loss of enjoyment of daily activities.
• Property damage: Vehicle repair or replacement, towing costs, and rental car expenses.
• Permanent disability and disfigurement: Amputations, scarring, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, and chronic functional limitations.
• Wrongful death damages: Available to surviving family members after fatal truck or bus crashes. Covers funeral and burial costs, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship.
• Punitive damages: Texas law permits exemplary damages in cases of gross negligence, such as a commercial driver operating a vehicle while knowingly exceeding hours-of-service limits or driving under the influence.

Areas We Serve in Midland, Odessa & the Permian Basin

The firm’s office is in Midland, and its practice covers the full West Texas oilfield region where commercial truck crashes and bus collisions happen most often.

• Midland
• Odessa
• Andrews
• Big Spring
• Stanton
• Crane
• All surrounding West Texas oilfield communities across the Permian Basin, including rural county and lease roads

Clients can meet with the legal team in person at the Midland office or arrange virtual consultations if travel is difficult due to injuries.

Frequently Asked Questions About Midland Commercial Truck & Bus Accidents

These are questions that often delay people from calling a lawyer after a midland truck accident. Direct answers below.

How long do I have to file a commercial truck or bus accident claim in Texas?

Texas has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death claims, measured from the date of the crash or the date of death. However, evidence can disappear long before that deadline; ELD data overwrites, dashcam footage gets deleted, and maintenance records vanish if no one demands their preservation. Some narrow exceptions can shorten or extend the deadline, which makes an early free consultation important.

What should I do right after a Midland truck or bus crash?

Report the accident to law enforcement immediately. Seek medical attention even if you feel fine; some injuries, including traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries, do not produce obvious symptoms right away. If you are physically able, gather evidence like photos and witness contact information at the accident scene.

Do not talk to the trucking company’s insurance adjusters, sign any documents, or give recorded statements before consulting an attorney. Avoid discussing the accident on social media. Adhere to your treatment plan for recovery documentation. Contact Midland Truck Accident Attorney as soon as possible to protect critical evidence and your rights.

How much does it cost to hire Midland Truck Accident Attorney?

Midland truck accident lawyers offer 100% free consultations, and there is $0 upfront cost. The firm works on a contingency fee basis: legal fees are a percentage of the recovery and are collected only if the case results in a settlement or verdict. Fee terms are discussed in detail before you sign anything. Contingency fee arrangements can alleviate upfront financial stress for clients pursuing truck accident claims.

What if I was partially at fault for the crash?

Texas follows the modified comparative fault rule (called “proportionate responsibility” under Texas law). You can still recover compensation as long as you are not more than 50% at fault, but your recovery is reduced by your percentage of responsibility. Trucking companies often try to shift blame to victims to reduce payouts; an attorney can counter those tactics with black box data, driver logs, accident reconstruction, and witness evidence.

What makes commercial truck and bus cases different from regular car accidents?

Truck and bus accidents involve complex liability considerations not found in standard auto accidents. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations govern commercial vehicle operations, including hours-of-service limits, ELD requirements, driver qualification standards, and vehicle maintenance schedules. Multiple parties can share liability: the truck driver, the trucking company, the cargo loader, vehicle manufacturers, and maintenance providers. Insurance limits are higher, and the volume of evidence (ELD data, driver qualification files, training records, corporate safety policies) is far larger. Accidents involving commercial trucks require attorneys to have specialized knowledge of federal regulations; that is why having a midland truck accident lawyer with specific experience in these cases matters.

Will my case go to trial?

Many commercial truck and bus accident cases settle before trial. The firm prepares every case as if it will go before a jury, because being trial-ready produces better settlement offers. Insurance companies and defense attorneys adjust their calculations when they know the opposing attorney will file suit and present evidence to a West Texas jury. If a fair offer does not come, Erik Garza takes the case to court.

Ready to Speak With a Midland Commercial Truck & Bus Accident Lawyer?

Every hour you wait, the trucking or bus company and its insurers are building a defense, collecting statements, and positioning to limit what they pay. Navigating a commercial truck or bus accident case requires specialized legal representation, and the firm’s local Midland presence, 100% commercial vehicle focus, insider oilfield knowledge, and same-day evidence preservation give clients a concrete advantage.

Midland Truck Accident Attorney · Call (432)201-8424 · 203 W Wall St Suite 615, Midland, TX 79701 · Serving Midland, Odessa, and all West Texas oilfield communities.

Phones answered 24/7/365. English and Spanish-speaking staff ready to help. $0 upfront; no fees unless we win.