One killed in Terry County, Texas crash at U.S. 385 and FM 2196; DPS investigating 18-wheeler collision

• What we know about the Terry County crash at U.S. Highway 385 and FM 2196
• Understanding the location: U.S. 385 and FM 2196 in Terry County
• What DPS typically examines after a fatal truck–car collision
• Evidence families often need in Texas truck crashes
• How to obtain key records in Texas
• Understanding potential civil liability under Texas and federal law
• Insurance considerations after a West Texas semi-truck collision
• Caring for our community: resources in and around Terry County
• Practical next steps: timelines and preserving your rights
• Additional context supported by government sources
• Commentary from Gosuits Terry County, Texas Personal Injury Attorney
• Action steps and timing

What we know about the Terry County crash at U.S. Highway 385 and FM 2196

On Tuesday afternoon, November 21, 2025, at approximately 2:38 p.m., a fatal collision occurred at the intersection of U.S. Highway 385 and Farm to Market Road 2196 in Terry County. According to information attributed to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), a 2016 International ProStar truck tractor towing a trailer was traveling east on FM 2196 and did not stop at the posted stop sign at U.S. 385. The truck collided with a northbound 2024 Kia Forte traveling along U.S. 385. The driver of the Kia was pronounced deceased at the scene. The 18-wheeler driver was transported to Brownfield Regional Medical Center with injuries reported as unknown. DPS indicated that the investigation is ongoing.

In serious crashes, investigators often take days or weeks to complete reconstruction and finalize the Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report (CR-3). When ready, the report typically includes a diagram, narrative, preliminary contributing factors, and witness information. That document becomes an anchor for understanding what happened.

Understanding the location: U.S. 385 and FM 2196 in Terry County

Local drivers know U.S. 385 as a major north–south corridor connecting the South Plains and the Permian Basin. It carries commuter traffic as well as agricultural and oilfield vehicles. FM 2196 is a rural Farm to Market route that feeds fields, homesteads, and smaller county roads into U.S. 385. The intersection sits within reach of Brownfield and the nearby communities of Meadow and Wellman. During harvest and post-harvest seasons around Terry County, heavy truck and farm equipment traffic increases, and stop-controlled crossings like FM 2196 can become more demanding for drivers not accustomed to rural highway speeds on U.S. 385.

Rural intersections don’t always have layered protections like signals, rumble strips in both directions, or lighting found on urban corridors. Long sight distances can be a blessing, but higher approach speeds, changing shoulder conditions, and West Texas wind or dust can affect visibility within minutes. A momentary lapse at a stop sign on an FM road can have devastating consequences when a vehicle on U.S. 385 is traveling at highway speeds. That observation doesn’t assign fault in this case; it acknowledges the reality of our regional roads.

What DPS typically examines after a fatal truck–car collision

In state highway fatalities, DPS usually leads or supports the investigation. Their work often includes:

• Scene documentation with photos, measurements, and drone or total-station mapping to reconstruct paths of travel, rest positions, and roadway evidence such as yaw marks, debris fields, and crush profiles.
• Vehicle inspections focusing on lights, braking components, tires, steering, coupling, underride/override areas, and required placards if applicable.
• Driver and witness statements along with available traffic or private video sources that may capture approach or impact sequences.
• Data downloads from passenger vehicle event data recorders (EDRs) where possible, and from commercial vehicles’ engine control modules (ECMs) and telematics, which may show pre-impact speed, throttle, braking, and fault codes.
• Environmental factors including sun angle, weather, roadway geometry, signage, and sight obstructions.

When an 18-wheeler is involved, a parallel review of federal motor carrier safety compliance may occur, including hours-of-service, electronic logging device (ELD) data, pre-trip inspections, and the carrier’s safety management practices. These issues don’t determine fault on their own, but they can matter in a civil analysis of whether reasonable care was used.

Evidence families often need in Texas truck crashes

After a catastrophic crash, several categories of information are commonly requested. Gathering them promptly can clarify what happened and help protect rights under Texas law.

• Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report (CR-3) including the narrative, diagram, roadway and weather conditions, and preliminary contributing factors.
• Autopsy and inquest records where required. In many Texas counties without a medical examiner’s office, a Justice of the Peace oversees the inquest and may order an autopsy.
• Death certificate needed for estate, benefits, and related matters.
• 911 audio, CAD logs, and radio traffic along with scene photos created by responding agencies, subject to legal disclosure rules.
• Commercial truck data such as ECM snapshots, ELD logs, GPS/telematics, dash camera footage, and bills of lading or dispatch records showing route, hours, and load details.
• Towing and storage records documenting chain-of-custody for both vehicles so that inspections and downloads can occur before data is altered or overwritten.
• Medical records for any survivors, and next-of-kin requests for postmortem records where permitted by law.

Time matters. Some federally regulated logs and supporting documents can be discarded after relatively short retention periods. Acting sooner increases the chances that critical evidence is preserved.

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How to obtain key records in Texas

Below are general pathways for records families often seek after a serious crash. The exact steps can vary by agency and the status of the investigation.

Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report (CR-3)

Texas law limits who can access crash reports and when. The disclosure framework appears in Texas Transportation Code § 550.065. When the report is released, it’s typically available through the Texas Department of Transportation’s crash records system. TxDOT provides guidance on the process at TxDOT Crash Records.

For a crash like this, helpful details include the report number, date and time, location (U.S. 385 at FM 2196, Terry County), and names of involved drivers. In many highway fatalities, DPS is the investigating agency.

Autopsy, inquest findings, and death certificate

In Texas, inquests into certain deaths are conducted by a county medical examiner if one exists, or by a Justice of the Peace where there is no medical examiner’s office. Procedures are outlined in Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 49. Terry County does not maintain a large standalone medical examiner office, so in practice, a Justice of the Peace typically oversees the inquest and may direct an autopsy at an authorized facility.

Certified death certificates are issued through the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Vital Statistics Unit. Ordering instructions appear at DSHS Vital Statistics. Some autopsy and inquest records are restricted; the Justice of the Peace or the designated pathology provider can explain availability and any limitations.

911 audio, radio traffic, and scene records

Audio of 911 calls, computer-aided dispatch (CAD) logs, and radio traffic may be subject to the Texas Public Information Act, with exceptions for active investigations and privacy. The governing provisions are in Texas Government Code Chapter 552. Requests usually go to the agency that created or holds the records, such as the Terry County Sheriff’s Office, DPS, or the regional 911 authority. If an agency withholds records, the Texas Attorney General’s Office can review the decision upon request.

Trucking company and vehicle records

Key evidence in commercial vehicle cases resides with the motor carrier. Federal rules require carriers to maintain certain records for defined periods, including:

• Accident register and related materials under 49 C.F.R. § 390.15.
• Driver records of duty status (RODS) and supporting documents retention generally for six months under 49 C.F.R. § 395.8.
• Vehicle inspection, repair, and maintenance files under 49 C.F.R. § 396.3.

Because some records can be lawfully discarded after short retention windows, targeted preservation requests are time-sensitive. Data on ECMs, ELDs, and dash cameras can also be overwritten if vehicles return to service. Coordinated requests through counsel can help ensure relevant evidence is preserved and produced in an orderly way.

Understanding potential civil liability under Texas and federal law

It’s early to assign fault in the November 21 crash. That said, Texas statutes and federal motor carrier rules establish duties that often frame the civil analysis after a truck–car collision.

Stop sign and right-of-way duties

Texas law requires drivers approaching a stop sign to stop and yield the right-of-way to vehicles that constitute an immediate hazard in or approaching the intersection. See the stop sign rule at Transportation Code § 544.010 and related right-of-way provisions at Transportation Code § 545.151. In civil cases, an alleged failure to stop or yield can be examined as evidence of negligence, alongside all other facts.

Commercial carrier responsibilities

Motor carriers and their drivers must comply with federal safety regulations governing driver qualifications, hours-of-service, inspection and maintenance, and post-crash recordkeeping. Commonly reviewed rules include:

• Accident recordkeeping at 49 C.F.R. § 390.15.
• Hours-of-service and RODS/ELD retention at 49 C.F.R. § 395.8.
• Systematic inspection, repair, and maintenance at 49 C.F.R. § 396.3.

Evidence of noncompliance, if any, doesn’t automatically decide a case, but it can be relevant if it contributed to the collision or affected stopping distance, driver alertness, or vehicle readiness.

Wrongful death and survival claims in Texas

Texas law allows certain family members to bring a wrongful death claim and allows the decedent’s estate to bring a survival claim. Key statutes include:

• Wrongful death at Civil Practice and Remedies Code (CPRC) Chapter 71, which addresses who may bring a claim and categories of recoverable damages in appropriate cases.
• Survival at CPRC § 71.021, allowing the estate to pursue claims the decedent could have brought.
• Limitations generally two years for wrongful death and personal injury at CPRC § 16.003, with exceptions that can affect timing.

If a governmental entity is potentially involved, separate notice rules may apply within shorter windows. See the Texas Tort Claims Act notice provision at CPRC § 101.101. Nothing here suggests government involvement in this crash; this information is general context that sometimes arises in roadway claims.

Insurance considerations after a West Texas semi-truck collision

Insurers and corporate carriers often deploy adjusters quickly after a fatal crash. With commercial vehicles, multiple policies may be in play, such as motor carrier liability, excess or umbrella coverage, cargo coverage, and sometimes shipper or broker policies depending on the facts. Interactions at this stage can influence the trajectory of a civil case.

• Recorded statements are frequently requested early. What someone says can be used later, sometimes out of context. It’s prudent to speak with a seasoned attorney before providing statements or signing authorizations, because what is said to the insurance company can be used against the speaker later.
• Preservation letters are often necessary to prevent premature loss of logs, ELD data, dashcam video, and maintenance files. As federal rules allow some records to be discarded after six months, timely requests are important. See 49 C.F.R. § 395.8.
• Coverage minimums for interstate motor carriers are governed by 49 C.F.R. Part 387. Actual available coverage can vary based on the carrier and the policy structure.

A careful, documented approach helps identify all potentially responsible parties and coverages, which can include the driver, the motor carrier, the tractor or trailer owner, and, in some circumstances, parties involved in the load or route. Each case is fact-specific.

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Caring for our community: resources in and around Terry County

In the wake of a fatal crash, neighbors across Brownfield, Meadow, and Wellman tend to step up, whether that’s through church meal trains, school counselor support, or quiet acts of service. Practical information can also help when everything feels overwhelming.

• Brownfield Regional Medical Center. This is where the truck driver reportedly received treatment. Hospitals typically require a HIPAA-compliant authorization from the patient or a personal representative for medical records.
• Terry County Sheriff’s Office and DPS. Non-emergency lines can clarify which agency is lead in the investigation and how to request public records when eligible. The county seat in Brownfield is the hub for many county services, close to the courthouse square many of us know well.
• TxDOT Lubbock District. U.S. 385 falls within this district, which maintains roadway inventory and traffic control data. While TxDOT doesn’t investigate who’s at fault, public records can include signage plans and maintenance logs. See TxDOT Lubbock District.
• Justice of the Peace offices. In counties without a full medical examiner system, a Justice of the Peace oversees inquests and can explain the availability of inquest findings and autopsy-related documentation authorized under Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 49.
• Texas DSHS Vital Statistics. For certified death certificates used in estate, insurance, and benefits matters, see DSHS Vital Statistics.
• Local faith and civic groups. Churches and community organizations across Terry County frequently help with memorials and emotional support, especially during the busy agricultural seasons when extended families are spread across farm roads.

Practical next steps: timelines and preserving your rights

Paperwork is hard to face when grief is fresh. A few focused steps, taken calmly and in order, can make a real difference.

• Start with the official report. Note the agency, report number, location, and date. When the CR-3 is finalized, request a copy through TxDOT’s system. The disclosure framework appears at Transportation Code § 550.065.
• Preserve vehicles and data. If a family vehicle was towed, find the storage location and hold status. Avoid authorizing disposal until inspections and data downloads are complete. For commercial carriers, send a prompt preservation notice for ECM, ELD, dashcam, and maintenance records. See federal retention guidance at 49 C.F.R. § 395.8.
• Coordinate inquest and vital records. The Justice of the Peace or medical examiner can explain which records will be available and when. Order certified death certificates through DSHS Vital Statistics.
• Document losses. Keep organized records of funeral expenses, medical bills, employment documents, and communications. If a civil claim is considered, documentation helps establish legally recognized categories of damages under CPRC Chapter 71.
• Be cautious with insurers. Speak with an attorney before giving statements or signing authorizations. What’s said to an insurance company can be recorded and used later.
• Track deadlines. Most wrongful death and personal injury claims are subject to a two-year limitations period in Texas. See CPRC § 16.003. Some notices, such as those related to government entities, can have much shorter deadlines. See CPRC § 101.101.

Breaking the process into manageable steps, and getting guidance early, can help ensure key facts are preserved and timelines aren’t missed.

Additional context supported by government sources

Because this incident involves a large truck on a rural route, broader safety data may be useful. National analyses indicate that a significant share of fatal large-truck crashes occur on rural roads and often away from interstates, highlighting the risks at rural intersections with high approach speeds. See NHTSA data.

Federal motor carrier rules also explain why early evidence preservation is crucial, given short retention periods for specific records such as hours-of-service documentation. See 49 C.F.R. § 395.8 and accident record requirements at 49 C.F.R. § 390.15.

Texas statutes referenced in this article are accessible at the Legislature’s official site: stop sign duties at Transportation Code § 544.010, right-of-way at § 545.151, crash report disclosure at § 550.065, wrongful death and survival at CPRC Chapter 71, the general two-year limitations period at CPRC § 16.003, and public information rules at Government Code Chapter 552. For vital records, see Texas DSHS Vital Statistics.

Commentary from Gosuits Terry County, Texas Personal Injury Attorney

Our hearts are with the family grieving this loss and with everyone affected by the collision at U.S. 385 and FM 2196. The thoughts below are shared for educational purposes and general information for our neighbors in Terry County.

From a civil standpoint, rural stop-controlled intersections can be unforgiving. When a vehicle on an FM road doesn’t stop or fails to yield to highway traffic, the margin for error is almost zero given U.S. 385 speeds. Investigators will focus on whether a full stop was made, the visibility at the approach, relative speeds, and objective data from both vehicles. With an 18-wheeler, it’s also standard to examine hours-of-service, ELD logs, dash or inward-facing camera footage, maintenance condition, and any issues with braking or lights. The goal in the early days is preserving truth: making sure logs, electronic data, and physical evidence are secured before ordinary business practices or software overwrite them.

Insurance companies and commercial carriers typically move quickly after a fatal crash. Adjusters may ask for recorded statements or broad medical authorizations and may suggest informal resolutions before the facts are fully known. Key evidence—ELD data, ECM snapshots, dashcam clips—can be subject to short retention periods, which can work against people who don’t know to act immediately. A free consultation can help level the playing field, identify time-sensitive evidence, and clarify responsibilities among the driver, carrier, and equipment owners, without pressure to make a decision before you’re ready.

Action steps and timing

Below are focused steps that should be considered to protect information and options following a serious crash at a rural intersection like U.S. 385 and FM 2196. The intent here is to emphasize urgency and explain why timing matters.

• Request the official crash report when it’s released. The CR-3 anchors the known facts, lists involved parties, and identifies witnesses and officers. Benefit: accurate starting point for all later decisions. Urgency: DPS reconstructions can take time, but once posted, the report guides preservation requests and follow-up.
• Send preservation notices immediately. Ask the motor carrier to preserve ELD/RODS, ECM data, dashcam footage, bills of lading, dispatch records, and maintenance files. Benefit: prevents loss of crucial electronic evidence. Urgency: some records can be discarded after six months, and video can overwrite within days.
• Secure the vehicles for inspection

• Main point: Confirm storage locations and place a hold to prevent repair, salvage, or disposal until inspections and data downloads occur. Benefit: preserves physical evidence and integrity of data modules. Urgency: tow yards and insurers may move quickly to clear space or mitigate storage fees.

• Coordinate with the inquest authority and order vital records. Identify the Justice of the Peace handling the inquest and ask what records will be released and when. Benefit: official findings support estate matters and can clarify medical mechanisms relevant to causation. Urgency: having certified death certificates early helps with benefits, insurance, and necessary filings.
• Be deliberate with insurers. Before any recorded statement or broad authorization, consult counsel to understand scope and implications. Benefit: prevents inadvertent waivers and protects privacy. Urgency: adjusters often call within days; early decisions shape the claim’s trajectory.
• Organize documents and communications. Keep funeral expenses, medical bills, employment records, and a log of contacts. Benefit: reduces friction later and supports categories of damages allowed by Texas law. Urgency: contemporaneous records are more complete and credible than reconstructions months later.
• Calendar critical deadlines. Note the general two-year limitations period for wrongful death and personal injury and evaluate whether any shorter notice requirements might apply in special contexts. Benefit: preserves the ability to bring claims if pursued. Urgency: time passes quickly amid grief and recovery; early calendaring reduces risk.

Acting on these steps promptly improves the chances that key records are preserved, facts are accurately documented, and the path forward is guided by complete information rather than assumptions. For insurance communications in particular, it’s wise to speak with an attorney first; what’s said to an insurer can be used later and may affect available options.