A tragic incident unfolded along Interstate 20 in Reeves County, Texas, on April 3, 2025, when a young construction worker was killed after being struck by a semi-truck in an active work zone. The collision occurred in the westbound lanes near mile marker 28 during the afternoon hours, leading to criminal charges against the driver of the truck.
According to information released by Texas authorities, the driver of a 2005 Freightliner semi-truck was traveling westbound when he swerved to avoid a vehicle that had slowed near the construction zone. In doing so, the truck veered off course and hit a roadside worker before rejoining the highway and continuing westbound. The driver did not initially stop after the collision and was later flagged down by a construction zone supervisor.
The victim, 24-year-old Patrick Daniel Purdon of Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, was on duty as part of the roadwork crew at the time of the crash. Emergency personnel pronounced him deceased at the scene. The driver of the truck has since been charged with failure to stop and render aid in a fatal crash—a serious felony under Texas law.
Work Zone Crashes: A Persistent and Preventable Danger
Work zones are inherently dangerous environments where workers are often just feet from high-speed traffic. Despite safety barriers, signage, and reduced speed limits, many drivers fail to exercise the caution required to protect construction personnel. Incidents like this are stark reminders of how a single moment of distraction or poor decision-making behind the wheel can result in irreversible harm.
Commercial drivers in particular have a heightened duty to operate their vehicles safely, especially near construction areas. Large trucks like the Freightliner involved in this crash have long braking distances and limited maneuverability. Swerving to avoid traffic without accounting for roadside activity places both workers and other drivers at risk. Texas has implemented stricter penalties for violations in construction zones, especially when injuries or fatalities occur. Failure to obey traffic laws in these areas can result not only in fines and license suspension, but also in criminal charges when a driver leaves the scene of a fatal accident.
Legal Rights After a Work Zone Fatality
When a worker is killed on the job due to the actions of a third-party driver, their family may be entitled to pursue compensation beyond workers’ compensation benefits. A wrongful death claim can be filed against the responsible party to seek damages for:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of companionship and emotional suffering
- Pain and suffering experienced by the deceased prior to death
Investigations into liability will often examine whether traffic control measures were adequate, if the truck driver was following all regulations, and whether safety protocols were followed.
Contact a Texas Work Zone Accident Lawyer
At Spagnoletti Law Firm, we represent families and workers affected by catastrophic highway and workplace accidents. Our team of accident lawyers understands the emotional toll and legal complexities that come with losing a loved one due to preventable negligence.
📞 If your family has suffered a loss in a work zone accident, contact a Texas wrongful death attorney at 713-804-9306 for a free consultation. We are here to help you pursue justice and compensation with no legal fees unless we recover on your behalf.