Annette Fielden, 1 Injured in Truck Accident on I.H. 20 in Eastland County, TX
Eastland County, TX — December 30, 2024, Annette Fielden and another person were injured in a truck accident at approximately 1:30 p.m. on Interstate Highway 20.
According to authorities, 64-year-old Annette Fielden and an 82-year-od woman were traveling in an eastbound Dodge Ram 1500 pickup truck on I.H. 20 in the vicinity east of Tudor Road when the accident took place.

The cause of the accident remains unclear. Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, an eastbound Peterbilt 18-wheeler with a trailer in tow failed to safely maintain its lane of travel. This reportedly resulted in a sideswipe collision between the Peterbilt and the pickup truck. Fielden and the other woman who was with her in the pickup truck suffered serious injuries over the course of the accident, according to reports. Additional details pertaining to this incident are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.
Commentary
When accidents like this occur, it’s easy to focus on the immediate collision, but as someone with extensive experience handling commercial vehicle cases, I’ve found that the underlying factors in such incidents are often more complex. A sideswipe collision between a semi-truck and a passenger vehicle raises many critical questions that deserve closer scrutiny.
A key question here is why the Peterbilt failed to safely maintain its lane. Was the driver distracted, fatigued, or operating under unsafe conditions? Did the truck’s equipment—such as its steering or brakes—play a role? Investigating these possibilities will be essential to understanding whether this incident was the result of human error, mechanical failure, or a combination of factors.
Equally important is the role of the trucking company. Companies have a legal and ethical responsibility to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy and their drivers are adequately trained and rested. Was this driver following hours-of-service regulations to prevent fatigue? Did the company provide regular maintenance for the truck to address potential mechanical issues? If a company prioritized profit over safety, it could share responsibility for what occurred.
Another area of concern is the truck itself. Commercial vehicles are required to meet specific safety standards, including functioning mirrors, lane assist systems, and proper lighting. Investigators should examine whether the truck was equipped with and using these features, as well as whether poor visibility or other environmental factors might have contributed to the collision.
Ultimately, the goal is to uncover the truth and provide answers to those affected by the crash. Even if it requires conducting an independent investigation to obtain critical evidence, it’s essential to examine every factor to ensure those impacted by the incident receive the clarity and closure they deserve.
“These are essential reads for anyone dealing with the aftermath of a truck wreck”– Attorney Cory Carlson