Sheri Centner critically hurt in two-vehicle crash at Interstate 40

Semi-truck turning north onto Bushland Road was struck by the southbound pickup truck

March 24, 2026 | Potter, TX

A tragic collision in Potter County claimed the life of a 71-year-old woman from Bushland and left two others with serious injuries on a Tuesday morning. 

The Texas Department of Public Safety is leading the investigation into the incident that occurred near the Interstate 40 Service Road.

Sheri Ann Centner, 69, was seriously injured after a crash involving a pickup and an 18-wheeler at Bushland Road and the Interstate 40 Service Road in Potter County.

What Happened in the Crash?

The accident unfolded around 8:39 a.m. when a 2009 Peterbilt semi-truck, stopped at a stop sign on the I-40 Service Road at its junction with Bushland Road (RM 2381), began turning north. At the same time, a 2019 Ford F-150 pickup truck was heading south on Bushland Road and entered the intersection, resulting in a severe crash.

• Location: Intersection of Interstate 40 Service Road and Bushland Road, Potter County, Texas
• Date and Time: March 24, approximately 8:39 a.m.
• Vehicles Involved: 2009 Peterbilt truck tractor towing a semi-trailer and 2019 Ford F-150 pickup
• Outcome: One fatality and two serious injuries, and both vehicles sustained heavy damage

The driver of the Ford F-150, the 71-year-old Bushland resident, succumbed to her injuries at the scene. Her passenger, 69-year-old Sheri Ann Centner from Wiley, Colorado, was airlifted to Northwest Texas Hospital in critical condition. The semi-truck driver was transported to a local medical facility with serious injuries.

Why Do Semi-Truck Crashes Often Result in Severe Outcomes?

Semi-truck accidents frequently lead to higher rates of injury and death due to the significant weight disparity between large commercial vehicles and passenger cars. A fully loaded semi can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, compared to about 4,000 pounds for a standard pickup or sedan, giving trucks a decisive advantage in collisions.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 2.2 million people were injured in motor vehicle crashes nationwide in 2023. The Federal Highway Administration reports that intersection-related crashes account for a substantial portion of these incidents, often involving failures to yield or improper turns.

This ongoing investigation by the Texas Department of Public Safety aims to determine factors such as right-of-way violations or visibility issues at the rural intersection.

Legal Insights on Crash Investigations and Personal Injury Claims

In cases such as this involving commercial vehicles, thorough independent investigations are essential to uncover liabilities and support affected families. National legal analyst Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal, emphasizes the value of detailed reviews beyond initial police reports.

“In addition to the diligent work of law enforcement, an attorney can re-interview important witnesses, analyze any surveillance video from the scene of the crash, and obtain phone and texting records of the liable party,” said Bond, a national analyst for Newsline. “Time is of the essence in cases such as this, and the victim’s family must ensure that evidence is reviewed efficiently.”

• Independent attorneys can access critical evidence like dashcam footage or communication logs.
• Prompt action preserves vital details that may fade over time.
• Comprehensive investigations help establish fault in complex truck accident scenarios.

For those pursuing personal injury claims after serious crashes, partnering with legal counsel is crucial to navigate insurance negotiations. Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal, highlights the emotional and financial toll of such incidents.

“It is vital for victims to hire an attorney when filing a personal injury claim, which allows them to negotiate with an insurance company on behalf of a client,” Formica added. “Insurance companies often try to pressure victims to settle for a quick payout for far less than the case is worth. However, an attorney will vigorously advocate for their client to ensure that they are treated with respect and compensated fairly.”

• Legal representation counters lowball settlement offers from insurers.
• Attorneys manage the stress of claims, focusing on fair compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and pain.
• In truck crash cases, multiple liable parties (e.g., drivers, companies) may increase recovery potential.

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