J. Alexander Law Firm Represents Family of Gilbert Christian Castorena After Fatal Parmer County Truck Crash

The attorneys of J. Alexander Law Firm

Our firm has five attorneys. Each case is led by a senior attorney, supported by litigation paralegals, case managers and intake specialists, and families can put their questions to anyone on the team.

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  Josh Alexander

  Founder and Managing Attorney

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  Matthew Graham

  Managing Litigation Attorney

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  Laura Rivas

  Senior Associate Attorney

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  Sameer Assanie

  Associate Attorney

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  David Trosman

  Of Counsel Attorney

What happened at FM 1172 and State Highway 86?

The Lubbock Avalanche-Journal summarized the DPS account this way: “Investigators believe the tractor-trailer failed to yield the right of way at the stop sign and entered the path of the pickup truck, resulting in a crash.” The reported sequence describes the truck stopping first and then proceeding into the intersection, rather than driving through the stop sign without stopping.

The same report identified the Freightliner’s driver as Terrell Dwayne King, 57, of Arlington, and said he was not injured. Other contributing factors were not immediately available while the investigation continues, and these preliminary findings do not establish a final legal determination of liability.

The details above come from DPS information published on Oct. 30, 2026 by ABC 7 Amarillo and the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal.

Experience behind a $15 million fatal truck crash settlement

Recoveries for J. Alexander Law Firm clients and their families total more than $100 million. They include a $15 million wrongful death settlement after a fatal commercial truck crash on Interstate 45 in Ellis County, a separate case that resolved during litigation.

In that case, the driver of a tractor trailer dozed off on Interstate 45 near Palmer in 2024. The rig overturned and came to rest on its side, blocking two lanes, and a tradesman heading to work hit it in the dark and was killed. Matthew Graham represented the tradesman’s family and estate. That result is a concrete example of our experience representing a family after a fatal trucking collision.

The Ellis County settlement involved its own facts, evidence and damages. It does not establish the value or likely outcome of the Castorena family’s case. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome, and listed amounts reflect gross recoveries before attorney’s fees, expenses and liens.

How we build fatal trucking cases

Looking past the first crash report

We build fatal trucking cases by examining physical evidence, available video, witness accounts, vehicle data and relevant company records. Depending on the circumstances, that review may reach the carrier’s maintenance files, the driver’s logs, and the company’s hiring, training and safety records.

Some of that evidence has a short life. A truck’s engine control module can record over its crash data within weeks, and federal rules require motor carriers to keep hours of service records for six months (49 CFR § 395.8(k)). We send preservation letters on the day a family hires us.

From Josh’s attorney profile

“A commercial collision may involve a driver, a motor carrier, a trucking company, vehicle owner, broker, maintenance provider, cargo company, shipper, employer, and several layers of insurance. It may also involve evidence that is controlled by the company, not the injured person.”

Josh Alexander

Founder and Managing Attorney

Our goal is to establish what happened and identify every party the evidence shows may bear legal responsibility. The initial crash report is where our investigation begins. Its scope depends on the evidence in each case, and reviewing a company’s records does not, by itself, establish that the company violated a safety requirement or contributed to a collision.

Preparing for litigation from the beginning

Josh Alexander, who served in the Marines before becoming a trial lawyer, started the firm in 2017, and we prepare cases as though a jury may hear them. Between them, our attorneys have over 60 years of legal experience, and Matthew Graham’s years on the insurer side help us anticipate how insurance companies challenge fault, coverage and damages.

For families, this means our approach is not limited to submitting a claim and waiting for an offer. We develop the evidence and prepare to address the arguments that may stand between a family and a fair resolution.

Handling the legal work while keeping families informed

After a fatal collision, families should not have to manage an unfamiliar legal process on their own. Our wrongful death practice takes on the investigation, the records requests, court filings, negotiations and every exchange with the other side, and it keeps the family informed along the way.

We ask families for the information only they can provide, then take responsibility for moving the legal work forward. Our team works with families in English and Spanish, and families owe no attorney’s fee without a recovery.

Representing the Castorena family

Our responsibility is to advocate for the Castorena family while distinguishing preliminary reports from facts established through the legal process. We will not speculate about unresolved issues or suggest that a previous settlement determines what will happen in this case.

The available reporting does not identify a trucking company, announce criminal charges or establish a final determination of civil liability. We will share further information about the case only when it is verified and appropriate for public release.

If a truck crash took someone you love

If a commercial truck crash in Texas took a member of your family, you can call our team at any hour. We will listen, explain what happens next and tell you how our truck accident lawyers approach cases like yours.