GMC Yukon struck by eastbound tractor-trailer during turn on FM 3140
January 11, 2026 | Parmer, TX
A devastating two-vehicle accident in Parmer County claimed the lives of two men and left another with serious injuries early Sunday morning.
Freddy Alexander Chocoj-Garcia, 25, of Friona, died at the scene after being ejected from a GMC Yukon that was struck by a Freightliner tractor-trailer on U.S. 60 and FM 3140.
What Happened in the Crash?
The incident unfolded around 1 a.m. at the intersection of U.S. 60 and FM 3140. A 2018 GMC Yukon traveling on FM 3140 attempted a turn into the eastbound lanes of the highway to head west. In the process, it was broadsided by an eastbound 2026 Freightliner tractor-trailer.
- Date and Time: Jan. 11, early morning at approximately 1 a.m.
- Location: Intersection of U.S. 60 and FM 3140, Parmer County, Texas
- Vehicles Involved: 2018 GMC Yukon and 2026 Freightliner tractor-trailer
- Fatalities: Freddy Alexander Chocoj-Garcia, 25, of Friona— passenger in Yukon, ejected and pronounced dead at the scene, and Unnamed 26-year-old driver from Firebaugh, California
- Injuries: 24-year-old passenger from Friona with serious injuries, airlifted to Northwest Texas Hospital in Amarillo
- Other Details: Freightliner driver uninjured— Only the drivers were wearing seatbelts
The Texas Department of Public Safety is leading the ongoing investigation into the causes and circumstances surrounding the collision.
Why Do Tractor-Trailer Crashes Occur?
Tractor-trailer accidents often stem from factors like improper turns, fatigue, or road conditions. According to the Federal Highway Administration, large trucks were involved in over 4,000 fatal crashes nationwide in recent years, highlighting the severity of such incidents.
Factor |
Contribution to Crashes |
Source |
|---|
Improper Lane Changes/Turns |
25% of truck accidents |
Federal Highway Administration |
Driver Fatigue |
13% of fatal incidents |
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration |
Speeding |
20% of large truck crashes |
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention |
Lack of Seatbelt Use |
Increases injury risk by 50% |
CDC |
This table summarizes common contributors to tractor-trailer collisions, underscoring the need for vigilance on highways like U.S. 60.
Legal Insights
In cases such as this involving tractor-trailers and passenger vehicles, independent investigations are crucial to uncover fault and support affected parties.
"Tractor-trailer crashes are often complex, and many factors can play a role in these types of accidents," said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal. "A thorough review can help identify negligence from trucking operations."
Key takeaways from legal analysis:
- Trucking firms may deploy their own teams to sites, potentially influencing evidence.
- Professionals can examine driver histories, witness accounts, and insurance details.
- Prompt action preserves rights and aids in securing fair outcomes.
For wrongful death scenarios:
"The loss of a loved one in a crash brings immense emotional and financial burdens," noted Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. "Families face grief alongside costs like lost earnings and medical bills."
- Compensation may cover funeral expenses, income loss, and emotional distress.
- Legal guidance navigates complex claims against commercial entities.
- Early consultation with professionals ensures comprehensive protection.
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If you or a family member has been affected by a similar incident, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation. Use the contact information provided on this page.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).