Terry County fatal semi-truck crash at U.S. 385 and FM 2196; DPS investigating

• 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

• Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report (CR-3)
• Autopsy, inquest findings, and death certificate
• 911 audio, radio traffic, and scene records
• Trucking company and vehicle records

• Understanding potential civil liability under Texas and federal law

• Stop sign and right-of-way duties
• Commercial carrier responsibilities
• Wrongful death and survival claims in Texas

• 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
• 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.

Details beyond those facts weren’t released at the time of reporting. That’s not unusual. In serious crashes, troopers often take days or weeks to complete their reconstruction and finalize the Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report (CR‑3). When that report is ready, it can answer many foundational questions about the crash sequence, diagramming, contributing factors, and identifying witnesses.

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

Local drivers know U.S. 385 as a major north–south corridor running between the South Plains and the Permian Basin, carrying a mix of commuter, agricultural, and oilfield traffic. FM 2196 is a rural Farm to Market roadway connecting fields, homesteads, and small county roads to U.S. 385. The intersection sits within easy reach of Brownfield and the surrounding communities of Meadow and Wellman. During harvest and post-harvest months, large truck and farm equipment traffic tends to increase around Brownfield and outlying roads. That can make stop-controlled crossings like FM 2196 more demanding for drivers unfamiliar with rural speeds on U.S. 385.

Rural intersections often lack the layered protections of urban corridors. There may be long sight distances, but also higher approach speeds, variable shoulder conditions, and wind or dust that can change visibility in minutes. Even a brief lapse at a stop sign on an FM road can have devastating consequences when a vehicle on a U.S. highway is traveling at highway speeds. None of that assigns fault in this specific crash—only recognizes the conditions our community faces on these roads year-round.

What DPS typically examines after a fatal truck–car collision

In fatal motor vehicle crashes on state highways, DPS typically leads or supports the investigation. Their work often includes:

• Scene documentation with photos, measurements, and drone or total-station mapping to reconstruct the collision path, rest positions, and roadway evidence like yaw marks, debris fields, and vehicle damage profiles.
• Vehicle inspections to check lighting, braking components, tire conditions, steering, coupling, underride/override zones, and compliance placards where applicable.
• Driver and witness statements, including any traffic camera or third-party video available nearby.
• Data downloads from passenger vehicle event data recorders (EDRs) when possible, and, in commercial vehicles, engine control module (ECM) or telematics data that can show speed, braking, throttle, and fault codes immediately before impact.
• Environmental factors such as sun angle, weather, roadway geometry, and signage condition.

When a semi-truck is involved, a parallel review of federal motor carrier safety compliance may occur. That can involve driver hours-of-service, logbooks or electronic logging device (ELD) data, pre-trip inspections, and the carrier’s safety management practices. Those topics matter later if a civil claim is pursued.

Evidence families often need in Texas truck crashes

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

• The Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report (CR‑3) including the narrative, diagram, road and weather conditions, and any preliminary contributing factors documented by the investigating officer.
• Autopsy and inquest records where an inquest is required. In many Texas counties without a medical examiner’s office, a Justice of the Peace conducts inquests. The records can include cause and manner of death and any tox screens that were ordered.
• Death certificate which is needed for estate matters, insurance, and certain legal filings.
• 911 audio and CAD logs as well as radio traffic and scene photos created by responding agencies, subject to applicable disclosure rules.
• Commercial truck data such as ECM snapshots, ELD logs, GPS/telematics, dash-camera footage, and bill of lading or dispatch records that show the driver’s route, hours, and load.
• Towing and storage records including chain-of-custody for both vehicles, so that inspections and downloads can be performed before data is overwritten.
• Medical records for any injured survivors, and next-of-kin requests for postmortem records, where permitted by law.

Time is a factor with several of these items. For example, federal rules allow motor carriers to dispose of some driver logs and supporting documents after a relatively short retention period. Acting sooner helps ensure critical evidence is preserved.

REQUEST NOW

How to obtain key records in Texas

Below are general pathways for records families often seek after a serious crash. Every case is different, so the exact steps may vary by agency and the status of the investigation.

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

Texas law governs who can access a crash report and when it becomes available. The disclosure rules are laid out in the Texas Transportation Code, which limits release to certain parties and their representatives. See Texas Transportation Code § 550.065. When the report is ready, it’s typically obtained through the Texas Department of Transportation’s crash records system. TxDOT provides public guidance on how crash reports are collected and released. Families can review TxDOT’s crash records information on the agency’s website at TxDOT.

In many highway fatalities, DPS is the investigating agency. The report number, date, location (U.S. 385 at FM 2196, Terry County), and the names of involved drivers are commonly needed to locate the CR‑3 in the TxDOT system when it becomes available.

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 for inquests and autopsies are detailed in the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 49. See Code of Criminal Procedure, Chapter 49. Terry County does not have a large medical examiner office like some metropolitan counties, 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. Instructions for ordering are available at Texas DSHS Vital Statistics. Next of kin can use those records for estate and benefits matters. Some autopsy records are restricted; a Justice of the Peace or medical examiner’s office can explain availability and any limitations.

911 audio, radio traffic, and scene records

Audio recordings of 911 calls, computer-aided dispatch (CAD) logs, and radio traffic may be subject to release under the Texas Public Information Act with certain exceptions for active investigations or privacy protections. The governing provisions are found in Texas Government Code Chapter 552. Requests generally go to the agency that holds the records (for example, the sheriff’s office, DPS, or the local 911 district). If an agency claims a statutory exception, the Attorney General’s Office may review the decision on 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 per 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, preservation requests are often time-sensitive. Data on engine control modules and dash cameras can also be overwritten if vehicles are put back into service. Coordinated requests through counsel can help ensure that relevant evidence is preserved and produced in an orderly way.

Understanding potential civil liability under Texas and federal law

It’s too early to draw conclusions about liability in the November 21 crash. However, Texas law sets duties for drivers at stop signs and for commercial carriers operating on our roads. Understanding those standards can help families make sense of the investigative process.

Stop sign and right-of-way duties

Texas law requires drivers to stop at stop signs and yield the right-of-way to vehicles that constitute an immediate hazard in the intersection or so close as to be an immediate hazard. The duties are outlined in Texas Transportation Code § 544.010 and in the right-of-way provisions at § 545.151. When a driver fails to stop or yield as required and a collision results, those statutes can be relevant in a civil claim’s analysis of negligence.

Commercial carrier responsibilities

Motor carriers and their drivers must comply with federal safety regulations, including hours-of-service, qualification, inspection and maintenance, and post-crash procedures. Several rules often examined after a serious crash include:

• Accident recordkeeping and post-crash information retention (49 C.F.R. § 390.15).
• Hours-of-service and RODS/ELD retention for drivers of property-carrying commercial motor vehicles (49 C.F.R. § 395.8).
• Systematic inspection, repair, and maintenance of commercial vehicles (49 C.F.R. § 396.3).

These rules don’t resolve fault by themselves, but they set a baseline for safe operation. If evidence shows violations that contributed to a collision, those facts can matter in civil proceedings.

Wrongful death and survival claims in Texas

Texas law allows certain family members to bring a wrongful death claim, and the decedent’s estate may bring a survival claim. The foundational statutes are found in the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code:

• Wrongful death statute at CPRC Chapter 71, including who may bring a claim and recoverable categories of damages in appropriate cases.
• Survival statute at CPRC § 71.021, allowing the estate to pursue claims that the decedent could have brought had they lived.
• Limitations period generally two years for wrongful death and personal injury claims, set out in CPRC § 16.003, with some exceptions that can affect timing.

If a governmental entity is potentially involved, separate notice rules may apply, often within a short timeframe. See CPRC § 101.101 for the Texas Tort Claims Act notice provision. Nothing here suggests government involvement in this crash; this is general information about timelines that sometimes arise in roadway claims.

Insurance considerations after a West Texas semi-truck collision

Insurance companies deploy adjusters and investigators quickly after serious crashes. With commercial carriers, multiple policies may be in play, including motor carrier liability, excess or umbrella coverage, cargo, and sometimes shipper or broker policies depending on the facts. Interactions with insurers can influence the trajectory of a claim.

• Recorded statements can be requested early. What someone says to an insurer can be used later, sometimes out of context. It’s prudent to speak with a seasoned attorney before making any statement or signing any authorization.
• Preservation letters are often necessary to prevent the premature loss of logs, ELD data, dashcam video, and maintenance files. As noted above, some records may be discarded after six months under federal rules without a preservation request.
• Coverage minimums for interstate motor carriers are governed by federal regulations. See 49 C.F.R. Part 387 for financial responsibility requirements. Actual available coverage in a case can vary based on the carrier and policy structure.

A careful, documented approach helps ensure that all potentially responsible parties and coverages are identified. That can include the driver, motor carrier, equipment owner, and—in some circumstances—others with control over the load or route. Each case is fact-dependent.

REQUEST NOW

Caring for our community: resources in and around Terry County

In the wake of a fatal crash, neighbors often rally to support one another. Terry County is a place where folks know the courthouse square, Friday night lights, and the rural stretches that connect families across farm roads. Practical information can help during the hardest moments.

• Brownfield Regional Medical Center. This is where the truck driver in this incident reportedly received treatment. For medical records, hospitals typically require a HIPAA-compliant authorization from the patient or personal representative.
• Terry County Sheriff’s Office and local DPS. Non-emergency lines can provide general information about which agency is lead on the investigation and how to request public records when eligible. The county seat in Brownfield is the hub for many county services.
• TxDOT Lubbock District. U.S. 385 falls within a TxDOT district that oversees roadway maintenance and safety improvements across the region. While TxDOT doesn’t investigate fault in crashes, they can provide roadway inventory and traffic control information as public records.
• Area faith and community groups. Local churches, civic groups, and school counselors in Brownfield, Meadow, and Wellman often help families with meals, memorials, and emotional support.

Families sometimes also contact funeral homes for guidance on coordinating with a Justice of the Peace regarding inquest documentation and transfer of remains. Those providers are accustomed to the steps required in Texas after a sudden loss.

Practical next steps: timelines and preserving your rights

It’s hard to focus on paperwork when grief is fresh. A few steps, taken calmly and in order, can make a real difference.

• Start with the official report. Note the report number, agency, location, and date. When the CR‑3 is finalized, request a copy through TxDOT’s system. The report provides a baseline understanding and contact information for involved parties and witnesses. See the disclosure framework at Transportation Code § 550.065.
• Preserve vehicles and data. If a family vehicle was towed, find out the storage location and hold status. Avoid authorizing disposal until an inspection and any data downloads are complete. Commercial carriers should receive a prompt preservation notice regarding ECM, ELD, dashcam, and maintenance records. Federal retention rules like 49 C.F.R. § 395.8 make time of the essence.
• Coordinate inquest and vital records. The Justice of the Peace or medical examiner can explain what records will be available and when. Order certified death certificates via DSHS Vital Statistics for estate and benefits needs.
• Document losses. Keep organized records of funeral expenses, medical bills, employment documents, and communications. If a civil claim is pursued, documentation helps establish damages categories permitted under CPRC Chapter 71.
• Be cautious with insurers. Before giving statements or signing medical or employment authorizations, consult counsel. What someone says to an insurer may be recorded and used in ways they didn’t anticipate later on.
• Track deadlines. Most wrongful death and personal injury claims have a two-year limitations period under CPRC § 16.003. Government-related claims can involve shorter notice windows like CPRC § 101.101 in some instances.

Nothing about these steps is easy, but the process becomes more manageable when it’s broken down and guided by clear information.

Commentary from Gosuits Terry County, Texas Personal Injury Attorney

Our hearts are with the family mourning this loss and with everyone affected by the crash at U.S. 385 and FM 2196. This note is shared for educational purposes and general information for our neighbors navigating an unimaginably difficult time.

From a civil perspective, rural stop-controlled intersections can be unforgiving when a driver on an FM road doesn’t stop or yield to highway traffic. Investigators will focus on whether a complete stop was made, what the sight lines and speeds were, and what objective data from the truck and the passenger car show in the seconds before impact. In cases involving an 18-wheeler, it’s also common to review hours-of-service, maintenance, ELD data, and dashcam footage to see if operational issues played a role. The early days of a case are about preserving truth: collecting accurate records before time and routine business practices erase them.

Insurance companies and corporate carriers typically move quickly after a fatal crash. Adjusters may ask for recorded statements, broad medical authorizations, or informal “releases” that sound helpful but can narrow future options. It’s not uncommon for key evidence—like electronic logs or camera footage—to be subject to short retention periods, which can work against families who don’t know to act early. A free consultation can level the playing field, help identify what should be preserved immediately, and explain who’s responsible for what without pressure or commitments.

Action steps and timing

Here 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:

• Request the official crash report when available. The CR‑3 anchors the facts, lists involved parties, and identifies witnesses and investigating officers.
• Send preservation notices fast. Time-sensitive data such as ELD logs, ECM snapshots, and dashcam video can be overwritten or deleted under ordinary retention schedules without a prompt, specific request.
• Secure vehicle inspections. Arrange for qualified inspections and data downloads before vehicles are altered, repaired, or auctioned. Chain-of-custody matters for accuracy.
• Coordinate with the inquest authority. Confirm which office handled the inquest and autopsy and what records may be requested. Obtain certified death certificates early for administrative needs.
• Be deliberate with insurers. Avoid recorded statements and broad authorizations until there’s clarity on the scope of coverage and the evidence that needs to be preserved. Statements can be used later.
• Calendar the deadlines. Two-year limitations for wrongful death and personal injury are common benchmarks in Texas, with shorter notice rules potentially applying in specific contexts. Early planning reduces the risk of missed timelines.

Acting on these steps promptly improves the chances that key records are preserved, the facts are accurately documented, and the path forward is guided by complete information rather than assumptions.

Additional context supported by government sources

Because this incident involves a large truck in a rural county, it helps to know that national data reflect similar risks. NHTSA has reported that more than half of fatal crashes involving large trucks occur on rural roads and often on non-interstate routes, underscoring the severity of collisions at rural intersections where speeds are high. See NHTSA’s traffic safety analyses at NHTSA Data. Federal motor carrier rules also explain why early evidence preservation is crucial, given short retention periods for certain 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 cited in this article are accessible at the Legislature’s website: 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 the Texas Department of State Health Services at DSHS Vital Statistics.