Undefeated Midland-Odessa Truck Accident Lawyers
U.S. Route 285 serves as a crucial lifeline for the transportation of oilfield equipment and materials in the heart of Permian Basin. However, locals know it as Death Highway for a reason.
What appears as a simple rural road is actually one of the most dangerous thoroughfares in the nation, especially for anyone navigating the bustling oil and gas producing region of West Texas and southeastern New Mexico.
Why Route 285 Is Called “Death Highway”
The origins of Route 285’s ominous nickname stem from the Permian Basin town of Loving, Texas, which has seen a staggering 400% surge in accidents since 2015 due to the area’s ongoing oilfield boom. This prompted residents to coin the term “Death Highway.”
A decade later, the number of deadly truck accidents in the region is not only the worst in Texas, but in the nation.
The two-lane stretch of Death Highway that extends from the towns of Pecos, TX to Carlsbad, NM remains ill-equipped to handle the congestion and chaos caused by 10,000 semi-trucks, oil tankers, and other vehicles on the road every day.
Why Is Route 285 So Dangerous?
The exponential growth in oil and gas production continues to strain the infrastructure of the Permian Basin and has contributed to a perilous surge in truck traffic.
Coupled with a shortage of skilled drivers, the result is an alarming increase in truck accidents caused by inexperienced, untrained drivers who are far more likely to speed, drive distracted, or act recklessly to make up time.
Shockingly, truck-related collisions now comprise half of all motor vehicle accidents in the Permian Basin, with Reeves County earning the dubious distinction as the nation’s most dangerous county for truck accidents.
The consequences are stark: in 2022 alone, the Permian Basin witnessed over 26,000 crashes, claiming 394 lives and leaving 889 individuals with serious injuries, according to The Texas Department of Transportation.
And though the Basin saw a 16% decline in fatal accidents in 2023, they are still more severe than in any other part of Texas. In fact, a recent study commissioned by the Permian Road Safety Coalition found that West Texas motor vehicle crashes are twice as deadly as those occurring anywhere in the rest of the state.
The Unique Challenges of Driving on Route 285: A Closer Look
Though vital for the transportation needs of the Permian Basin, U.S. 285 presents a unique set of challenges that contribute to its bad reputation. These challenges include:
Geographical Constraints: Unlike major highways in Houston, Dallas, or other urban centers, Route 285 is a rural road that traverses varied terrain, including stretches of unforgiving desert landscape. When truck drivers arrive from elsewhere, they are hardly ever prepared for driving safely on unfamiliar roads and in conditions that can change at the drop of a hat.
Infrastructure Limitations: The infrastructure along Route 285 was not designed to accommodate the exponential increase in traffic brought about by the oil and gas industry’s boom. It is not uncommon for trucks to be backed up for miles along some stretches during rush hour, and for impatient drivers to veer into the oncoming traffic lane in an attempt to pass.
Driver Fatigue and Inexperience: The demanding nature of the oil and gas sector often leads to extended work hours for truck drivers, increasing the likelihood of fatigue-related accidents. Moreover, the shortage of experienced drivers has led to an influx of novice operators on Route 285, further compounding safety concerns.
Community Impact: The impact of Route 285 accidents also reverberates throughout the communities nestled along its path. In Pecos, for instance, TxDOT reports that traffic on the highway adds up to 20 minutes in travel at peak traffic times, and by 2045, it estimates that this time could double.
Economic Disruption: Accidents on Route 285 disrupt the flow of commerce vital to the livelihoods of communities dependent on the oil and gas industry. Delays in transportation can ripple through supply chains, affecting businesses and local economies.
Environmental Concerns: The environmental consequences of Route 285 accidents extend beyond immediate property damage and personal injuries. Spills of hazardous materials from oilfield trucks pose significant risks to local ecosystems, water sources, and wildlife habitats, necessitating costly cleanup efforts.
Emotional Toll: For residents and families residing near Route 285, the constant threat of accidents casts a shadow over daily life. The fear of encountering a devastating collision, coupled with the trauma of witnessing or experiencing accidents firsthand, takes a significant emotional toll on individuals and communities alike.
With these challenges in mind, The Texas Department of Transportation has invested billions into safety improvements across the Permian Basin, including U.S. 285, over the next ten years. However, a decade is a long time to wait for wider roads and better pavement when thousands of oilfield workers continue to flock to the area and stress the infrastructure each passing year — and especially as tragic truck accident fatalities continue to skyrocket.
What to Do After an Oilfield Truck Accident on Route 285
In the aftermath of an oilfield truck accident on Route 285, you must act quickly to safeguard your rights. From the moment of impact, the insurers of the oil and gas operator or trucking company will already be working overtime to pay you as little as possible for the harm they’ve caused. They may very well even place the blame on you.
Follow these essential steps can mean the difference between recovering the full compensation you deserve or substantially less:
- Contact 911 right away to ensure prompt medical assistance and give the police your statement. A comprehensive crash report can serve as valuable evidence in your case.
- Seek medical attention without delay, as injuries may not be immediately apparent. Shock can often mask symptoms, and undiagnosed injuries can have long-term repercussions.
- Preserve evidence at the scene, including witness statements and photographic documentation.
- NEVER speculate about fault with police, your own insurers, or anyone else.
- NEVER talk to an oil and gas company or trucking company’s insurers, who will call you after the accident hoping to “make things right” (they won’t). NEVER SIGN anything they send you.
- Contact the best team of truck accident attorneys you can find. A truck accident is far more complex than a car accident, and you need a team with the knowledge, experience, and resources needed to stand up to the biggest trucking and oil and gas companies in the nation — and a track record that proves they know exactly how to win.
At Zehl & Associates, we don’t just win — we set records. Our Undefeated Texas Truck Accident Lawyers protect your rights before the trucking company starts getting rid of the evidence you need to prove they are at fault.
Undefeated Midland-Odessa Truck Accident Lawyers: Call 432-220-0000 For a Free Consult
Our Undefeated Midland-Odessa Truck Accident Lawyers continue to closely monitor the fatal truck accident crisis occurring in the Permian Basin and throughout Texas.
With Billions won and decades of experience, we have successfully represented thousands of individuals and families in Texas, Louisiana, New Mexico, and across the United States in connection with catastrophic truck and oilfield accidents. Our recent victories include a record-setting $32 million settlement won for a West Texas family injured by a fatigued oilfield truck driver.
Have questions about your rights and options after an oilfield truck accident? Call our West Texas office today at 432-220-0000 or Click Here to send us a confidential email via our “Contact Us” form.
All consultations are free, and you’ll pay nothing unless we win your case.