Plains, TX – Manuel Rafael Ortega Killed in Truck Crash on US-380

Plains, TX (December 10, 2022) – A man from the Midland area lost his life following a truck crash that took place on Wednesday morning in Yoakum County. At around 6:40 a.m., on December 7, the Texas Department of Public Safety responded to a traffic accident on US Highway 380.

According to DPS reports, 40-year-old Manuel Rafael Ortega was driving a 2014 International DuraStar truck on the westbound side of US Highway 380. For reasons unknown, his vehicle became involved in a collision just eight miles west of Plains, Texas.

Ortega was fatally injured due to the crash and pronounced dead at the scene by the justice of the peace.

A second person involved in the collision, 37-year-old José Antonio Perez Ramirez, was injured in the crash. He was transported to Yoakum County Hospital, where he received medical treatment.

At this time, the incident remains under investigation.

We hope José Antonio Perez Ramirez recovers quickly following this accident.

Our condolences are with the family of Manuel Rafael Ortega.

Fatal Truck Accidents in Texas

In Texas, hundreds of people die every year as a result of truck accidents that take place. A significant number of these accidents are caused by driver negligence. We see countless people lose their lives as a result of drivers who are speeding while operating their vehicles. Speeding in a semi-truck can have severe consequences. These trucks often take more time to slow down or come to a stop. When drivers are speeding, the amount of time and distance that it takes to come to a complete stop is dramatically increased.

In addition to speeding, we see many accidents take place as a result of impaired drivers. When drivers are unable to focus on the road ahead, they can cause severe injury accidents. Unfortunately, impairment prevents drivers from being able to focus and make sound decisions. As a result, we see this as a contributing factor to many fatal crashes in our state.

Distractions are also a very common cause of fatal truck accidents here in Texas. Drivers who are texting, messing with their radios, or even eating while behind the wheel are not paying attention to the road ahead. When drivers are not paying attention to the road, they can crash into other vehicles or even objects on the roadway.

If you have lost a loved one as a result of a fatal truck crash, you may be able to recover financial compensation for some of the damages that you face. This can include compensation for funeral expenses, burial costs, and more. A wrongful death lawyer in Plains can help your family seek compensation from the responsible party after enduring the loss of a loved one.

If you have lost a loved one as a result of a fatal truck accident, it is important to seek legal counsel as soon as possible. The Texas truck accident lawyers at Goudarzi & Young have a proven track record of success and offer free consultations to potential clients. They will fight tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact them today at 800-256-5169 to discuss your case.

Notes: Our team of dedicated writers created this post through the use of secondary sources; therefore, we have not independently verified all of the facts surrounding this truck accident. If you locate incorrect information, please contact Goudarzi & Young, L.L.P. so that we can update the post with the most accurate information available. This post will be removed if requested. 

Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice. If you are injured in an accident, seek medical attention immediately, then speak to a lawyer as soon as possible. The photograph used in this post is not representative of this accident. This post is not a solicitation for business.