When you think of personal injury law in West Texas, a few things come to mind: oilfield accidents, busy highways filled with speeding trucks, and hard-working people who rely on their jobs and vehicles to support their families.
Midland-Odessa may not have the population of San Antonio or Houston, but the risks are just as real, and the impact of a serious accident can be just as devastating.
In 2024 alone, Midland and Ector counties reported more than 8,800 crashes, many involving alcohol, speed, or distracted driving. Combine that with the dangers of oilfield work and ongoing construction throughout the Permian Basin, and you’ve got a region where personal injury claims are not only common but critical to helping injured Texans recover.
If you’ve been hurt in an accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to compensation. Below, we explore the most common types of personal injury claims in Midland-Odessa and how a skilled Odessa personal injury attorney can help you pursue justice.
Type of Personal Injury Claims in Midland-Odessa
Not all injuries are the same. Some occur on the road, others on job sites. Some cause short-term pain, while others permanently change the course of a person’s life. No matter the circumstances, personal injury claims fall into a few major categories, each with its own legal standards, time limits, and compensation potential.
Let’s take a closer look at the most common claims we see in the Midland-Odessa area.
Related Reading: Evidence for Personal Injury Claims
Auto Accidents
Car Accidents
Midland-Odessa is a driver’s city. From commuting to work, transporting goods, or running errands, you rely on your vehicle and other drivers to get where you’re going safely. Unfortunately, that trust is often broken.
In 2024, Ector County reported 4,617 crashes, while Midland County saw 4,226. Speed was a contributing factor in nearly 2,500 of those. Add in hundreds of distracted and alcohol-related incidents, and it’s clear how common car accidents are in the region.
These accidents can lead to serious injuries like whiplash, broken bones, brain trauma, and more. Many victims struggle to get fair treatment from insurance companies that downplay injuries or blame the crash on the victim.
A car accident lawyer can help you recover the compensation you need for medical bills, vehicle repairs, lost income, and pain and suffering, especially when the crash wasn’t your fault.
Rideshare Accidents
Uber and Lyft are becoming more popular in Midland-Odessa, especially as the region grows. But with more rideshare drivers on the road comes a greater risk of accidents, like during oilfield shift changes or busy weekend nights.
In rideshare injury claims, insurance coverage can be complicated. Was the driver “on the app?” Was a passenger onboard? These details matter when it comes to determining liability and recovering compensation.
Pedestrian Accidents
Getting hit by a car is one of the most traumatic ways to be injured. Pedestrian accidents often result in catastrophic injuries, and they’re more common than you might think, even in cities designated for drivers.
Texas law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, but many fail to do so. Add in distracted driving, speeding, and poor visibility, and the result can be tragic.
If you’re walking, running, or crossing a street and are struck by a vehicle, you may be eligible for a personal injury claim, even if the driver insists you were at fault.
Drunk Driving Accidents
There were over 600 alcohol-involved crashes in Midland and Ector Counties in 2024. Drunk drivers continue to pose a major threat to public safety, especially on rural roads with fewer patrols and poor lighting.
If you were injured in a crash caused by someone under the influence, you may be able to recover compensation not just from the driver but, in some cases, from establishments that overserved them.
Holding drunk drivers accountable is not just about your compensation. It’s about making the roads safer for everyone.
Truck Accidents
Oilfield operations, agriculture, and industrial supply chains fuel the local economy, so large commercial trucks are a familiar sight on West Texas highways. Unfortunately, they also pose a significant danger to other road users.
Truck accidents are often far more severe than typical car crashes due to the size and weight of the vehicles involved. These cases often involve multiple parties: drivers, trucking companies, and insurers, and require an in-depth investigation into logbooks, vehicle maintenance, and federal safety regulations.
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycles offer freedom but not much protection. Even when wearing a helmet, riders are at risk of serious injury when hit by a larger vehicle. With over 160 motorcycle-involved crashes in the Midland-Odessa region in 2024, these types of injuries are unfortunately common.
Motorcycle claims often face unfair bias. Insurance companies may try to paint the rider as reckless or at fault. These drivers must make sure their side of the story is heard.
Related Reading: The Many Negligent Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Workplace Accidents
Oilfield Accidents
The Permian Basin accounts for nearly a third of the nation’s oil production. But behind those numbers are real workers exposed to some of the most hazardous conditions in any industry. Oilfield workers face dangers from
- Explosions and fires
- Falling equipment
- Chemical exposure
- Faulty machinery
- Negligent safety protocols.
Employers may push production at the expense of safety, and when they do, workers pay the price.
Texas is the only state that doesn’t require employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance. If your employer doesn’t subscribe and you’ve been hurt on the job, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit if negligence played a role. And even if your employer does have workers’ comp, you may be entitled to additional damages if a third party (like an equipment manufacturer or contractor) was responsible.
Construction Accidents
Midland-Odessa is growing, and with that growth comes construction: residential, commercial, and infrastructure. But, construction sites are full of hazards: scaffolding collapses, electrical injuries, and falling tools are just a few of the risks workers face.
As with oilfields, construction accidents may fall under workers’ compensation if your employer subscribes. But, negligence from subcontractors, suppliers, or property owners can still lead to a personal injury claim.
Other Workplace Injuries
Not every work injury happens in the field. Slips-and-falls, repetitive strain injuries, and unsafe office conditions can all lead to claims, depending on the circumstances.
We assess every case carefully to determine all routes to compensation, whether through workers’ comp, third-party claims, or direct personal injury lawsuits.
Catastrophic Injury Claims
Some injuries are so severe that they affect every part of your life. These are known as catastrophic injuries and may include:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
A blow to the head from a fall, car crash, or explosion can cause lasting damage. Victims may struggle with memory, motor functions, speech, or even personality changes. TBIs often require long-term care and rehabilitation.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord damage can result in paralysis, loss of sensation, and severe mobility challenges. These injuries are often permanent and require extensive medical treatment, home modifications, and lifestyle adjustments.
Burns
Burn injuries, common in oilfield and industrial accidents, can cause extreme pain, scarring, disfigurement, and psychological trauma. Victims may need surgery, grafting, and long-term care.
Broken Bones and Facial Injuries
Fractures and facial injuries may seem minor compared to TBIs, but they can lead to chronic pain, loss of function, and emotional distress, especially when they affect appearance or daily activities.
No matter the type of injury, our team builds strong, evidence-backed cases that reflect the full scope of your suffering, past, present, and future.
Related Reading: Long-Term Injuries: The Consequences of Car Accidents
Wrongful Death
Losing a loved one because of someone else’s negligence is devastating. Whether the result of a car crash, an oilfield explosion, or a construction accident, the loss can leave families struggling emotionally and financially.
Texas law allows spouses, children, and parents to file wrongful death claims to recover compensation for:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Lost income and benefits
- Medical expenses prior to death
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of companionship and guidance.
It’s best to approach wrongful death cases with compassion and care while fighting aggressively to hold the responsible party accountable. It’s not just about compensation; it’s about justice.
Injured in Midland-Odessa? Get Legal Help
Suffering a serious injury can leave you overwhelmed — physically, emotionally, and financially. From going through medical bills and insurance paperwork to understanding your legal rights, the aftermath of an accident is rarely straightforward. Knowing your options is the first step toward recovery, whether your injury happened on the road, at work, or elsewhere.
If you need help pursuing a claim in West Texas, the team at Patino Law Firm proudly serves the Midland-Odessa area. We’re here to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve so you can focus on what matters most: healing and moving forward.
Learn more about how we can help.
