UPDATE (January 13, 2026): Further statements from officials say that the pickup driver injured in the crash was 84-year-old Rex Maxwell. It appears Rex Maxwell succumbed to fatal injuries. The 18-wheeler driver, identified as 50-year-old Martin Ceballos-Almanza, had incapacitating injuries, authorities said. The crash remains under investigation.

Decatur, TX — January 12, 2026, one person was injured as the result of an 18-wheeler accident at around 3:00 p.m. along FM 51.

According to initial details about the accident, it took place off the corner of FM 51 and Charlie's Road, just outside the Decatur Livestock Market.

Investigators said that an "elderly" man was in a Ford F-150. The pickup was apparently entering traveling lanes of FM 51 at the time. While doing so, a southbound 18-wheeler struck the Ford. The Ford driver reportedly was seriously injured due to the accident.

No other injuries were confirmed. At this time, additional details about the accident are unavailable.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

A crash this severe will call for a far more in-depth investigation than just a typical car wreck investigation. As such, it may be important for independent investigators to have a look at the details.

In my more than 30 years experience handling hundreds of commercial vehicle accident cases, there are just too many variables to simply wait around hoping authorities get all the facts. Not all departments have the tools or time to dedicate to such a delicate accident reconstruction. That's why families sometimes find themselves weeks or months down the line still asking the same questions they had on day one.

With independent investigators, though, there can be a dedicated analysis from professionals with years of experience and state-of-the-art tools. It's why I and many others in my profession—and even the authorities themselves—rely on professional accident reconstructionists. At the end of the day, victims and families deserve to have their side of the story told fairly. The more evidence they have, the more effectively they can do that.