Vehicle turned onto U.S. 60 and tractor-trailer struck it
January 11, 2026 | Parmer, TX
The Texas Department of Public Safety is investigating a deadly tractor-trailer accident in Parmer County that resulted in two fatalities and one serious injury early Sunday morning.
Jesus Osuna, 24, of Friona, was seriously injured when a GMC Yukon was struck by an eastbound Freightliner tractor-trailer at U.S. 60 and FM 3140 in Parmer County.
What Happened in the Crash?
A 2018 GMC Yukon was turning from FM 3140 onto the eastbound lane of U.S. 60, intending to head west, when it was hit by an eastbound 2026 Freightliner tractor-trailer around 1 a.m. The crash caused one passenger in the Yukon to be ejected from the vehicle.
Key details include:
- Location: Intersection of U.S. 60 and FM 3140, Parmer County, Texas
- Date and Time: Jan. 11, approximately 1 a.m.
- Vehicles Involved: 2018 GMC Yukon and 2026 Freightliner tractor-trailer
- Contributing Factors Under Review: Vehicle maneuver, visibility, and road conditions
Who Were the Victims?
- Jesus Osuna, 24, of Friona, a passenger in the Yukon, suffered serious injuries and was airlifted to Northwest Texas Hospital in Amarillo for treatment.
- The Yukon's driver, a 26-year-old man from Firebaugh, California, was declared deceased at the scene.
- Another passenger, a 25-year-old man from Friona, also died at the crash site.
- The tractor-trailer driver escaped unharmed.
Why Do Tractor-Trailer Accidents Happen?
Tractor-trailer crashes often stem from factors like improper turns, fatigue, or mechanical issues. According to the Federal Highway Administration, large trucks were involved in 4,842 fatal crashes in 2021, highlighting the severity of such incidents.
Statistic |
Data |
Source |
|---|
Fatal Crashes Involving Large Trucks |
4,842 (2021) |
Federal Highway Administration |
Percentage of Fatalities in Truck Crashes |
16% of all traffic deaths |
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration |
Common Causes |
Driver error (30%), vehicle defects (10%) |
CDC Traffic Safety Facts |
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities continue to examine the scene, including witness statements and vehicle data, to determine the exact cause. No charges have been filed as of the latest updates.
Legal Insights
In cases such as this involving tractor-trailer collisions, national legal analysts emphasize the need for thorough, independent investigations to safeguard those affected.
“Tractor-trailer crashes are often complex, and many factors can play a role in these types of accidents,” said Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal. “A skilled attorney can protect victims from trucking companies, which often send their own investigators to crash sites and possess a variety of resources they can utilize to defend a negligent truck driver. Your lawyer can advocate for you by hiring witnesses, conducting drivers’ background checks, locating witnesses to the crash, and reviewing applicable insurance coverage, while carefully guiding a victim through the legal process.”
Key takeaways:
- Independent investigations help counter corporate defenses in truck accidents.
- Legal representation ensures access to professional analysis and insurance reviews.
- Victims may pursue claims for medical costs, lost wages, and emotional distress.
“Injured victims involved in a collision often seek a personal injury claim to cover the cost of medical bills, future medical care, loss of income, emotional trauma, and pain and suffering,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal. “Insurance companies can be notoriously unconcerned with the mounting costs that an injured party may accrue. An attorney can help. We protect the victims of these tragedies daily, forcing the insurance companies to pay for their mistakes.”
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Candice Bond, national legal analyst for Newsline, is experienced in serious auto accidents. She offers free consultations for those in need of help.
(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).