As attorneys who represent families after catastrophic truck crashes, we see the same pattern far too often: a preventable collision, lives lost in seconds, and powerful companies scrambling to distance themselves from responsibility.
The wrongful death lawsuit filed after a fatal 18-wheeler crash in the Texas Panhandle is a textbook example of why accountability matters in commercial trucking cases.
What Happened on U.S. Highway 87
On November 5, 2025, around 1:00 p.m., four young women were traveling southbound on U.S. Highway 87, approximately ten miles south of Dalhart, Texas. They were returning home from a trip to Colorado when their vehicle—a Nissan Altima—experienced a flat tire.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and video evidence later released, the driver slowed and activated the vehicle’s hazard lights, in compliance with Texas traffic laws under those circumstances.
Moments later, a fully loaded 18-wheeler slammed into the back of their car.
The tractor-trailer was driven by Guadalupe Daniel Villarreal, who was hauling a load of potatoes for H-E-B through third-party contractors Parkway Transit Inc. and Scrappy Trucking LLC. The force of the impact caused the Nissan to spin across multiple lanes of traffic and into the median. The semi-truck overturned onto its side.
All four women were killed.
The Victims
The women who lost their lives were:
- Myunique Johnson, 20
- Lakeisha Brown, 18 or 19 (age varies by source)
- Breanna Brantley, 30 or 31
- Taylor White, 27 or 28
They were sisters, daughters, and friends—young women with their entire lives ahead of them. According to the lawsuit, none of them caused the crash.
Allegations of Speeding, Inattention, and Distraction
The lawsuit alleges that Villarreal was driving too fast for traffic conditions, failed to control his speed, and was inattentive behind the wheel. DPS has stated that the truck driver failed to control his speed, a critical finding in rear-end commercial vehicle collisions.
Video footage released by the families’ attorneys reportedly shows the 18-wheeler approaching the slowed vehicle with ample time and distance to react—yet failing to do so.
Early evidence also suggests the driver may have been distracted, possibly by a cell phone. Plaintiffs have asked the court to order the preservation and inspection of Villarreal’s mobile devices and any electronic data from the truck.
From a legal standpoint, distraction and inattention by a commercial driver can constitute gross negligence, especially when operating an 80,000-pound vehicle on a public highway.
Failure to Preserve Evidence Raises Serious Red Flags
One of the most troubling allegations in the case involves spoliation of evidence.
According to the lawsuit, attorneys for the victims’ families sent formal preservation letters on November 17, 2025—less than two weeks after the crash—demanding that the truck, its electronic data, dashcam footage, and related evidence be preserved.
Those requests were allegedly ignored.
Multiple follow-up emails and phone calls went unanswered. As a result, the plaintiffs are now seeking court orders, including a temporary restraining order and injunction, to prevent further loss or destruction of evidence.
In trucking litigation, failure to preserve evidence can significantly impact liability and may allow courts to impose sanctions or adverse inferences against the defendants.
Why H-E-B Is Named in the Lawsuit
H-E-B has publicly stated that Villarreal was not an H-E-B employee, but a third-party vendor driver. That distinction does not automatically shield a company from liability.
Under Texas law, companies can still be held responsible when:
- They exercise control over transportation operations
- They benefit directly from the перевозка of goods
- They hire or retain unsafe contractors
- They fail to enforce safety standards
The lawsuit alleges that H-E-B and the trucking companies involved share responsibility for the crash and its aftermath.
Damages Sought by the Families
The wrongful death lawsuit, filed in Bexar County District Court on December 23, 2025, seeks damages for:
- Mental anguish
- Loss of companionship and society
- Pecuniary losses
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Other wrongful death and survival damages
While the exact dollar amount has not been disclosed, early reports indicate damages exceeding $1 million.
Why This Case Matters
Weather, road conditions, or unavoidable circumstances did not cause this crash. Based on the allegations and video evidence, the incident was caused by human failure—speeding, inattention, and a breakdown in commercial safety responsibilities.
Truck drivers and the companies that profit from their labor have a legal duty to operate safely, remain attentive, and preserve evidence when tragedy occurs. When they don’t, families are left to seek justice through the courts.
A Broader Lesson About Commercial Truck Safety
At The Burkett Law Firm, we know that rear-end collisions involving 18-wheelers are almost always preventable. These cases are not “accidents.” They are the foreseeable result of negligence.
This lawsuit is about more than compensation—it’s about accountability, safety, and ensuring that trucking companies and large corporations cannot sidestep responsibility when lives are lost.
If you or someone you love has been harmed in a serious truck crash, understanding your rights early—and preserving evidence immediately—can make all the difference.
