A fatal early morning crash on Interstate 40 in Gray County, Texas, left two young men dead after a disabled car was struck by a passing semi-truck in the dark hours of Saturday, April 26, 2025. According to authorities, the crash occurred shortly after 2:15 a.m., roughly three miles west of Alanreed. A Chevrolet Camaro, which had been involved in a separate earlier incident, was disabled and stationary in the roadway. Reports indicate visibility was limited due to nighttime conditions and severe weather.
As the disabled Camaro sat in the eastbound lane, a 2020 Freightliner semi-truck traveling in the same direction approached the area. The 18-wheeler struck the disabled vehicle on its passenger side. The two victims have been identified as Bryan Ordaz-Reyes and Braxton Amador, both from Dumas.
Safety Concerns and Contributing Factors
The deadly collision on I-40 that claimed the lives of two young men highlights the dangers of large commercial vehicles failing to respond appropriately to roadway hazards. The 18-wheeler driver had a duty to operate the vehicle with caution, especially under low-visibility and severe weather conditions. Professional truck drivers are trained to anticipate potential obstacles and adjust their speed accordingly. Whether the semi was traveling too fast for conditions, failed to maintain a proper lookout, or was distracted remains a key part of the investigation.
Large trucks have longer stopping distances than passenger vehicles, particularly when roads are slick or visibility is compromised. In this case, the 18-wheeler collided directly with the side of a stationary vehicle — a situation that should trigger questions about driver attentiveness and reaction time. Federal and state regulations require commercial drivers to exercise “extreme caution” in poor weather, including reducing speed and increasing following distances. A failure to do so may indicate negligence or a breach of those safety obligations.
Commercial drivers are expected to scan far ahead and anticipate stalled vehicles or other hazards, especially during overnight hours when such incidents are more likely to go unnoticed. If the semi-truck operator failed to take reasonable precautions or was not traveling at a safe speed for conditions, those actions could significantly contribute causing the crash.
Legal Guidance After Fatal Highway Accidents
Crashes involving commercial vehicles often raise complex questions about liability, especially when road hazards, prior incidents, and weather conditions are involved. Even when a vehicle is disabled from an earlier wreck, families still have legal options to pursue compensation, particularly if a trucking company’s actions contributed to the outcome.
If you have lost a loved one in a highway crash involving a commercial truck, speaking with a qualified personal injury or wrongful death attorney is an important first step in understanding your legal rights. At Spagnoletti Law Firm, we assist families navigating these tragic events and work to hold responsible parties accountable.
For a free consultation following an 18-wheeler accident, contact our firm at 713-804-9306. There are no legal fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf.