Midland Personal Injury Lawyer

Midland Personal Injury Lawyer

When you or a loved one suffers an injury due to someone else’s negligence in Midland or Odessa, you need more than just any personal injury lawyer—you need a true litigation firm that understands the unique dangers of the Permian Basin and isn’t afraid to take on the oil companies, trucking firms, and insurance giants that dominate this region. At Harper Law Firm, our Midland personal injury lawyers are dedicated to standing by your side, fighting for the justice and compensation your family deserves.

The Permian Basin presents some of the most dangerous driving and working conditions anywhere in America. The region has been identified as twice as deadly as the rest of Texas, with US-285 earning the grim nickname “Death Highway” due to its alarming fatality rate. When 22% of all traffic consists of large commercial trucks and 106,000 truck trips occur daily, the risks to everyday drivers become catastrophically high.

Unlike large corporate law firms or billboard lawyers focused on quick settlements, Harper Law Firm is a true litigation firm. We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial, which gives us leverage in negotiations and ensures we fight for maximum compensation—not just the fastest payout.

Why Choose Harper Law Firm as Your Midland Personal Injury Attorney?

Choosing the right personal injury lawyer can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. When you work with Harper Law Firm, you’re not just another case number—you’re a client who deserves personalized attention and aggressive advocacy.

Not Intimidated by Big Oil

When you’re injured in the Permian Basin, you’re often going up against some of the wealthiest and most powerful companies in the world. These corporations have armies of lawyers and insurance adjusters working to minimize your claim. Harper Law Firm isn’t intimidated. We have the resources, experience, and determination to take on major oil companies and their insurers.

A True Litigation Firm, Not a Settlement Mill

Many personal injury firms prioritize volume over value, pushing clients toward quick settlements that benefit the firm’s bottom line rather than the client’s recovery. Harper Law Firm takes the opposite approach. We thoroughly investigate every case, build strong legal strategies, and pursue the full compensation you deserve.

Our litigation-focused approach includes:

• Comprehensive case investigation with accident reconstruction experts familiar with oilfield accidents
• Thorough medical documentation of your injuries and future needs
• Aggressive negotiation backed by trial preparation
• Willingness to go to trial against major oil companies and their insurers
• Focus on case value over case volume

Understanding Permian Basin Dangers

The Midland-Odessa region presents dangers unlike anywhere else in Texas. Our attorneys understand the specific risks associated with:

• Heavy truck traffic on highways never designed for current volume
• Oilfield workers facing industrial hazards daily
• Infrastructure struggling to keep pace with rapid development
• Fatigued drivers working demanding schedules
• Dangerous intersections where rural roads meet heavy industrial traffic

Local Midland-Odessa insights include US-285 corridor patterns and its 400% accident surge since 2015, Highway 191 traffic between Midland and Odessa, Loop 250 around Midland and its commercial intersections, I-20 interchange congestion points, and local hospital networks including Midland Memorial and Medical Center Hospital in Odessa.

No Fee Unless We Win

We believe that quality legal representation should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation. That’s why we handle all personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront, and we only collect a fee if we successfully recover compensation on your behalf. This levels the playing field, allowing injured workers and accident victims to access quality legal representation regardless of their financial situation.

Dangerous Roads in Midland-Odessa

Understanding the dangerous roads in your community is essential for both prevention and for building strong legal cases when accidents occur. The Permian Basin contains some of the most dangerous highways in the nation.

US-285 – America’s “Death Highway”

US Highway 285 running through the Permian Basin has earned the notorious designation as one of America’s deadliest highways. Since 2015, accident rates on this corridor have surged by 400% as oil and gas activity brought an unprecedented volume of commercial truck traffic to roads that were never designed to handle such loads. In 2013, US-285 had the highest fatality rate of any road in the nation.

Contributing factors to US-285 accidents include:

• Overwhelming commercial truck traffic serving oilfield operations
• Two-lane sections struggling with high-speed traffic
• Limited passing opportunities leading to dangerous maneuvers
• Driver fatigue among workers operating on demanding schedules
• Poorly maintained vehicles being pushed to meet production demands
• Infrastructure that hasn’t kept pace with the oil boom’s traffic increases

Our attorneys have extensive experience handling the catastrophic injury cases that result from US-285 accidents.

Highway 191 and Regional Road Hazards

Highway 191 connects Midland and Odessa and sees heavy commercial and passenger vehicle traffic daily. The combination of oilfield traffic, commuters traveling between the twin cities, and trucks serving industrial operations creates dangerous conditions.

Additional dangerous roads in the Midland-Odessa area include:

• Loop 250 around Midland with its heavy commercial traffic
• Interstate 20 through both cities
• Business 20 through downtown areas
• Highway 349 north toward Andrews
• FM 1788 serving oilfield operations

Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle in Midland-Odessa

Our Midland personal injury lawyers have extensive experience handling the unique accident and injury claims common in the Permian Basin. No matter how your injury occurred, if it was caused by someone else’s negligence, we’re here to help.

Car Accidents

The Permian Basin’s traffic challenges make driving here particularly hazardous. Our Midland car accident lawyers handle all types of automotive accidents, including:

• Collisions with commercial trucks on US-285 and other highways
• Intersection accidents on Loop 250 and Highway 191
• Multi-vehicle crashes involving oilfield traffic
• Accidents caused by fatigued or distracted drivers
• Rear-end collisions in heavy traffic areas
• Accidents involving improperly maintained commercial vehicles

18-Wheeler and Oilfield Truck Accidents

With 106,000 truck trips daily and 22% of all traffic consisting of large commercial trucks, the Permian Basin sees devastating truck accidents regularly. Our Midland truck accident lawyers understand the unique factors contributing to these crashes including:

• Federal trucking regulation violations
• Hours of service violations leading to fatigued driving
• Improperly loaded or secured cargo
• Inadequate vehicle maintenance
• Pressure to meet production quotas compromising safety

When serious truck accidents occur, multiple parties may be liable including the driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, and vehicle maintenance providers.

Oilfield Injuries and Industrial Accidents

The Permian Basin accounts for approximately 30% of all Texas oilfield injuries, with severe injury rates increasing 36% since 2022. Oilfield workers face dangers including:

• Drilling rig accidents and equipment failures
• Explosion and fire injuries
• Chemical exposure and toxic inhalation
• Struck-by accidents involving heavy equipment
• Falls from heights on drilling platforms
• Vehicle accidents traveling to and from remote work sites

Our attorneys understand the complex liability issues in oilfield injury cases and know how to hold negligent parties accountable.

Pipeline Explosion Injuries

Pipeline accidents can cause catastrophic injuries including severe burns, blast injuries, and wrongful death. These cases often involve complex liability questions and multiple potentially responsible parties. Our attorneys have experience investigating pipeline incidents and pursuing claims against negligent operators.

Additional Practice Areas

Beyond our primary focus areas, Harper Law Firm handles various other personal injury cases affecting Permian Basin residents:

• Premises liability accidents at local businesses
• Product liability claims involving defective equipment
• Construction accidents
• Motorcycle accidents on West Texas roads
• Drunk driving accident cases
• Dog bite injuries

Understanding Texas Personal Injury Law

Navigating personal injury law requires knowledge of Texas’s specific statutes and legal principles. Here are key concepts that may affect your Midland case.

Oilfield Injury Legal Options

Many oilfield workers are surprised to learn they may have options beyond workers’ compensation. In Texas, many oil and gas employers are non-subscribers to workers’ compensation, meaning injured workers can pursue full personal injury claims. Even when employers carry workers’ comp, third-party claims against equipment manufacturers, site owners, or other contractors may be available. Our attorneys thoroughly investigate to identify all potential sources of compensation.

Statute of Limitations

In Texas, personal injury victims generally have two years from the date of their accident to file a lawsuit. For oilfield workers, workers’ compensation deadlines may be different, and third-party claims may have separate timelines. Don’t wait to seek legal advice—evidence disappears, witnesses move to other job sites, and companies begin destroying records as soon as legally permitted.

Comparative Negligence

Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning you can recover compensation as long as you are less than 51% at fault for the accident. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. Insurance companies often try to blame workers for their own injuries, making experienced legal representation essential.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

Texas law allows personal injury victims to recover both economic and non-economic damages:

Economic Damages:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Property damage
• Rehabilitation and therapy expenses
• Home and vehicle modifications for disabilities

Non-Economic Damages:

• Physical pain and suffering
• Mental anguish and emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of consortium
• Disfigurement and scarring

What to Do After an Accident in the Permian Basin

The steps you take immediately after an accident can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation. Here’s what we recommend:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention:
   Even if injuries don’t seem severe, get evaluated by medical professionals. Oilfield and industrial injuries can have delayed symptoms that worsen over time.
2. Report the Accident:
   Report workplace injuries to your supervisor immediately. For vehicle accidents, file a police report. Document everything in writing.
3. Document Everything:
   Take photographs of the accident scene, your injuries, equipment involved, and any hazardous conditions. Collect contact information from witnesses.
4. Preserve Evidence:
   Don’t allow equipment to be repaired or moved until it’s been documented. Request copies of any incident reports filed by your employer.
5. Limit Your Statements:
   Be cautious about what you say to insurance adjusters or company representatives. Politely decline to give recorded statements until you’ve consulted with an attorney.
6. Contact a Personal Injury Attorney:
   The sooner you contact an experienced attorney, the better. Evidence in oilfield and trucking cases disappears quickly—equipment gets repaired, electronic logs get overwritten, and witnesses transfer to other locations.

Frequently Asked Questions About Midland Personal Injury Claims

I was injured on an oilfield. Do I have to file a workers’ comp claim?

Not necessarily. Many Texas oil and gas employers are non-subscribers to workers’ compensation, which means you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit that could result in significantly higher compensation. Even if your employer has workers’ comp, you may have third-party claims against other companies. Our attorneys will investigate all your options.

Can you really take on the big oil companies?

Yes. Harper Law Firm has the resources, experience, and determination to stand up to major corporations. We’re a true litigation firm that prepares every case for trial, and we won’t be intimidated by well-funded legal teams working to minimize your claim.

How much is my personal injury case worth?

Every case is unique, and the value depends on several factors including the severity of your injuries, the extent of your medical treatment, lost wages, impact on your quality of life, and the degree of the defendant’s negligence. Oilfield injury cases often involve significant damages due to the serious nature of the injuries. During your free consultation, our attorneys will evaluate your case and provide an honest assessment.

How long does a personal injury case take to resolve?

The timeline varies significantly depending on the complexity of your case and the severity of your injuries. Cases involving major oil companies or complex liability questions may take longer to resolve. We prioritize getting you fair compensation as efficiently as possible without sacrificing the value of your claim.

Serving Midland-Odessa and the Permian Basin

Harper Law Firm proudly serves accident victims throughout the Midland-Odessa metropolitan area and surrounding Permian Basin communities, including:

• Midland and Midland County
• Odessa and Ector County
• Andrews, Big Spring, and Pecos
• Remote oilfield locations throughout the region

Transportation corridors we cover include:

• US Highway 285 through the Permian Basin
• Highway 191 between Midland and Odessa
• Interstate 20 through West Texas
• Loop 250 around Midland
• Highway 349 toward Andrews

Contact Harper Law Firm for a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident anywhere in Midland, Odessa, or the Permian Basin, Harper Law Firm is here to help. Evidence in oilfield and trucking cases disappears quickly—equipment gets repaired, electronic logs get overwritten, and witnesses transfer to other locations.

We understand the devastating impact accidents have on victims and families. You’re facing medical challenges, financial stress, and the daunting prospect of taking on powerful corporations. Let us handle the legal battle while you focus on healing and recovery.

Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation. We’ll answer your questions, explain the legal process, and help you understand your rights. There’s no obligation and no cost for the initial consultation.

Don’t let insurance companies or big oil take advantage of you during this difficult time. Time is critical in personal injury cases—evidence disappears, witnesses forget details, and statutes of limitations can bar your claim. Contact Harper Law Firm today to protect your rights and begin your journey toward justice and recovery.