Midland Woman Killed, Truck Driver Hurt in I-20 Crash at Loop 250

Texas Transportation Code Section 544.007 requires a driver facing a steady red traffic signal to stop and remain stopped until the signal changes, a rule that applies equally to commercial trucks and passenger vehicles. Troopers say the semi in this crash allegedly disregarded a red light before striking Archuleta’s car, the kind of violation this statute exists to prevent. A citation or finding of fault under this section can be central evidence in a wrongful death or injury claim arising from an intersection crash. Commercial carriers can also face added liability under federal motor carrier safety rules when their drivers run red lights.

Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 71.002 allows the surviving spouse, children, and parents of someone killed by another party’s wrongful act, negligence, or default to bring a wrongful death claim. In a fatal traffic crash like this one, that can include a negligence claim against the truck driver and the trucking company that owned the vehicle. Damages under this statute can cover the family’s loss of companionship, mental anguish, and loss of the earnings the victim would have contributed. Only certain family members named in the statute may bring this type of claim.