Midland County, TX — November 1, 2024, Steven Basden was killed following a wheel-off accident at approximately 2:15 p.m. along State Loop 250.
According to authorities, 45-year-old Steven Basden was traveling in an eastbound Ford F-150 pickup truck on State Loop 250 in the vicinity northwest of East Highway 80 when the accident took place.
At the same time, a Ford F-350 pickup truck with a trailer in tow was heading westbound. Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, the rear-right tire of the pickup’s trailer came off. It reportedly traveling over the westbound lanes of the highway, went over the cable barrier separating the east and westbound lanes of the highway, and entered the eastbound lanes. There, it apparently crashed through the front windshield of the F-150, causing it to lose control. Reports state that the F-150 came to a stop after crashing into the cable barrier in the median.
Basden suffered critical injuries as a result of the wreck; he was transported to a local medical facility by EMS in order to receive immediate treatment. However, he was ultimately unable to overcome the extent of his injuries, having been declared deceased the day following the accident. Additional details pertaining to this incident are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
When accidents like this occur, many assume they’re simply the result of random bad luck. However, in my experience, incidents involving wheel-off events often reveal preventable underlying issues. These crashes demand a thorough investigation to determine not just what happened, but why.
How does a trailer wheel detach in the first place? Was the trailer improperly maintained, or could there have been a defect in the wheel, hub, or axle assembly? Was the wheel inadequately secured or not inspected as part of regular maintenance? These questions are critical because wheel-off incidents are rarely purely accidental; they’re often symptoms of negligence somewhere in the chain of responsibility.
Even if the F-350 wasn’t a commercial vehicle, that doesn’t mean it’s free from scrutiny. Operators of vehicles hauling trailers, whether private or professional, have a duty to ensure their equipment is roadworthy. This includes routine maintenance and verifying that all components—like wheels—are properly secured. If these steps were overlooked or improperly performed, they might point to a failure to take reasonable precautions.
Additionally, if the F-350 was owned or operated by a company, it’s worth examining whether the organization played any role. Did they enforce proper safety checks, or could a lapse in their procedures have contributed to this incident? Investigating the vehicle’s ownership and maintenance history could be key to determining accountability.
Ultimately, the goal is to uncover the truth and provide answers to those affected by the accident. 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.
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