Undefeated Odessa Truck Accident Lawyers
An Odessa man was tragically killed and two others were injured in a deadly collision involving an 18-wheeler and two passenger vehicles in Ector County.
Large Truck Collides With First Vehicle While Turning
The accident occurred at approximately 6:00 a.m. on Monday, January 12th, on Farm to Market Road 866 at West University Boulevard. According to Texas Department of Public Safety officials, a tractor‑trailer traveling southbound on FM 866 collided with a GMC Sierra while turning onto West University. The force of the impact then sent the Sierra careening into a Ford F‑150 that was stopped at the intersection.
Tragically, the driver of the GMC Sierra was pronounced dead at the scene. A passenger inside the vehicle was also seriously injured and transported to a local hospital; the driver of the pickup also sustained minor injuries and declined treatment.
What Caused the Fatal Truck Crash on FM 866?
Authorities continue to investigate what led to the collision, and no charges have been announced.
A closer look at recent TxDOT crash data just how dangerous Odessa’s roadways have become for truck accidents, driven by the area’s booming oilfields and heavy freight traffic.
Congested two-lane highways never meant to handle such heavy truck traffic — such as FM 866 — are persistently high-risk, particularly for commercial trucks navigating tight turns, stop-and-go traffic, and ongoing roadwork projects. Intersections and active construction zones alone contributed to roughly 150 truck-involved incidents in 2025, accounting for nearly half of all truck accidents in the area.
In addition to these roadway hazards, drivers are often rushing from site to site, hauling crude, equipment, or materials under intense deadlines. Long hours behind the wheel, fatigue, distracted driving, inexperience, and the constant pressure to meet time-sensitive deliveries all compound the risk.
For residents and truckers alike, these factors create a daily environment where even a small mistake can have devastating consequences.
Odessa’s Ongoing Truck Crash Surge
This crash is part of a broader, alarming trend in Odessa and Ector County. Here’s what our team uncovered about truck crashes in Odessa in 2025:
- At least 295 large trucks with a U.S. DOT number were involved in collisions.
- These crashes claimed 8 lives and injured more than 100 people.
- Smaller highways and farm-to-market roads accounted for the majority of fatal incidents.
- FM 866 alone was the site of two fatalities last year.
The data shows that Odessa’s roadways, heavily trafficked by 18-wheelers, tractor-trailers, tankers, dump trucks, and other commercial motor vehicles serving the oilfield industry, continue to pose a serious and persistent risk for drivers.
What To Do If You Were Injured in an Odessa Truck Accident
After a serious truck accident, going up against billion-dollar trucking or oilfield companies can feel impossible. These corporations often deny fault, discredit injuries, and shift blame while their legal teams work to protect their bottom line by paying you as little as possible.
Act quickly to protect your rights:
- Call 911 and seek medical attention immediately.
- Move your vehicle to a safe location if possible.
- Render aid to others if necessary.
- Exchange contact information with the other driver.
- Notify your insurance company.
- Document the scene and your injuries thoroughly.
Most importantly, contact an experienced Odessa 18-wheeler accident attorney as soon as possible and never speak to the trucking company or their insurance company without consulting with a legal professional. Doing so ensures your rights are fully protected and that you have guidance before providing any statements that could be used against you.
At Zehl & Associates, we prepare every case for trial, refuse to settle for less than the full compensation you deserve, make sure you see the best medical doctors and specialists at no upfront cost to you, and fight to ensure clients in Ector County receive maximum compensation.
With Billions recovered for victims across Texas, our Odessa truck accident lawyers are undefeated — for good reason.
Undefeated Odessa Truck Accident Lawyers: 1-888-603-3636
Our odessa truck accident lawyers have seen firsthand how devastating catastrophic 18-wheeler crashes are for West Texas families. That’s why we never back down against the biggest trucking companies in the world. With Billions won for accident victims across Texas, our recent victories include the #1 Largest Truck Accident Verdict in Texas and the #1 Largest Truck Accident Settlement in Texas.
If you or a loved one were injured by a big rig in Odessa or Ector County, call us now at 1-8888-603-3636 or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation.
We’ll answer your questions, explain your options, and provide you with the information you need to decide what’s best for you and your family.
You’ll owe nothing unless we win your case.