A Garland 18-wheeler crash on Interstate 30 closed the highway before lanes reopened, according to NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth. The outlet, citing Garland police, reported that the crash involved an 18-wheeler and resulted in injuries. Readers who want the original traffic details can review NBC 5’s coverage of the I-30 crash in Garland.
For drivers and families in North Texas, a situation like this raises practical questions: Who may be responsible, how does insurance work, and what should you do if a commercial truck crash disrupts your life?
Why 18-Wheeler Crashes Can Be More Complicated Than Other Wrecks
A crash involving a passenger vehicle and an 18-wheeler is often more complex than a typical two-car collision. That is not because every truck crash is the truck driver’s fault. It is because more people, companies, records, and insurance questions may be involved.
In a Texas truck accident claim, the facts may require looking at:
- The actions of each driver
- The trucking company’s safety practices
- The truck’s onboard electronic data, often called the ECM or “black box”
- The driver’s logs, including hours-of-service records
- Maintenance and inspection records
- Whether cargo was loaded and secured properly
- Road conditions, traffic patterns, and witness information
- More than one possible insurance policy
The possible parties can also be broader than in a regular crash. Depending on the facts, questions may involve the truck driver, trucking company, cargo loader, maintenance provider, another driver, or another business connected to the trip.
Federal rules can also matter. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s cargo securement regulations require commercial motor vehicle cargo to be secured so it does not shift or fall from the vehicle under ordinary driving conditions, as reflected in 49 CFR §393.100 on cargo securement. If cargo or debris becomes part of a crash, that rule may be one of several issues an investigation reviews.
That said, a cargo spill or multi-vehicle chain reaction does not automatically answer the legal question of fault. Evidence is what matters.
How Fault Works in a Texas Truck Accident Claim
Texas uses a proportionate responsibility system. Under the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, a person generally cannot recover damages if they are more than 50 percent responsible, and any recovery may be reduced by that person’s share of responsibility, as set out in Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Chapter 33.
In plain English, that means fault can be divided among more than one person or company. For example, a claim may involve questions about whether a driver made an unsafe lane change, whether a commercial vehicle was properly maintained, whether cargo was secure, or whether another driver contributed to the crash.
Insurance companies often focus heavily on fault because it affects what they may owe. If you are dealing with a truck accident claim, it is important to avoid guessing or accepting blame before the evidence has been reviewed.
Insurance Issues After a Commercial Truck Crash
The Texas Department of Insurance explains that auto liability insurance generally pays for another person’s injuries or property damage when the insured driver is legally responsible, as described in TDI’s guide to auto insurance.
In an 18-wheeler crash, there may be more than one insurance policy. A commercial truck may be covered by a trucking company policy, and other vehicles may have their own coverage. Depending on the facts, there may also be policies related to a trailer, cargo, or another business involved in the trip.
This can make the claims process slower and more document-heavy. You may be contacted by more than one insurer. You may also be asked for recorded statements, medical authorizations, or quick settlement paperwork. Before signing anything that affects your rights, it is wise to understand what the document does and whether your injuries, bills, lost wages, and future needs are fully known.
Practical Steps to Take After a Texas Truck Wreck
If you are in a crash involving a commercial truck, your first priority is safety and medical care. Follow emergency instructions at the scene and consult a medical professional about any symptoms or concerns.
Once immediate safety is addressed, these steps can help protect your ability to understand what happened:
Preserve Evidence Early
Truck-crash evidence can include electronic data from the truck, driver logs, maintenance records, inspection records, cargo documents, photos, witness information, and the vehicle itself. Some of that evidence may not be in your possession.
This matters because key evidence can be repaired, overwritten, or lost. For example, electronic data may not be kept forever, records can become harder to locate, and a damaged vehicle may be repaired or moved. That is one of the strongest reasons to talk with a lawyer early. A lawyer can often send a preservation letter asking that relevant evidence be kept rather than destroyed or overwritten.
Document What You Can
If it is safe, take photos or videos of the vehicles, road conditions, debris, skid marks, traffic signals, and visible damage. Save dashcam footage if you have it. Write down what you remember while it is fresh.
Keep Medical and Expense Records
Save discharge paperwork, bills, receipts, pharmacy records, and appointment notes. If you miss work, keep track of the dates and any communication from your employer about lost time or pay.
Be Careful With Insurance Communications
You can report a crash to your own insurer, but be cautious about giving a recorded statement to another party’s insurance company before you understand your rights. Stick to basic facts and avoid speculation.
Ask About the Crash Report
Texas law limits who can obtain a peace officer’s crash report and for what purposes. Texas Transportation Code §550.065 explains crash report access rules in the state crash report statute. If a report exists, eligible people may be able to request it, but the report is only one piece of the evidence.
When It May Be Worth Talking With a Texas Truck Accident Lawyer
Not every crash requires a lawyer. But it may be worth getting professional guidance if:
- A commercial truck was involved
- More than one vehicle or insurer is part of the claim
- Fault is disputed
- You needed medical treatment
- You are missing work or facing ongoing symptoms
- Cargo, debris, or roadway cleanup is part of the crash
- An insurance company is asking for a quick settlement
A consultation does not require you to file a lawsuit. It can simply help you understand the process, the deadlines, and the questions to ask before making decisions.
One deadline is especially important. Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code §16.003 generally gives two years to file many personal injury lawsuits, as shown in the Texas statute of limitations for injury claims. Some circumstances can change how deadlines apply, so do not wait to ask questions if you are unsure.
Talk With Snellings Injury Law About Your Options
A truck crash can create medical, financial, and insurance problems all at once. You do not have to sort through those questions alone.
Snellings Injury Law offers a free strategy session with no out-of-pocket cost. The firm can help investigate what happened, preserve key evidence, identify available insurance coverage, and deal with the insurance companies. You can call 214-387-0387 or reach out through the firm’s online consultation form. The goal is to help you understand your options and decide what next step makes sense for your situation.
This article is general information, not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws change and every situation is different, so consult a licensed Texas attorney about your specific circumstances.
