Undefeated Texas Truck Accident Lawyers
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has opened an investigation into the fatal I-35 pileup that tragically killed five people, including a child and infant, last Thursday night.
Intoxicated Amazon Truck Driver Failed to Stop in a Work Zone
According to NTSB investigators, preliminary information shows the driver of the semi-truck — who Austin police believe was driving under the influence of drugs — failed to slow down when approaching a work zone where traffic was consolidating from three lanes into one because of a resurfacing project by the Texas Department of Transportation.
The NTSB is now analyzing key factors that contributed to the crash, including the truck’s speed at the time of impact. Investigators will review footage from the scene, as well as data from the truck’s black box and engine control module.
A preliminary report is expected to be released within 30 days, but a final report could take up to two years.
18 Vehicles Involved in Massive Chain Reaction Crash
The crash occurred around 11:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 13, along I-35 southbound near Parmer Lane. Witnesses reported that the semi-truck driver was potentially traveling over 80 mph when he slammed into traffic that had slowed for the active work zone. The impact was so severe, the truck was able to plow into vehicles for a tenth of a mile (500 feet).
In total, up to 19 vehicles were involved, including one box truck, two truck tractors, and two other 18-wheelers. The five fatalities—all occupants of two passenger vehicles—included a child and an infant. At least 17 others sustained injuries, with a dozen transported to the hospital. Two victims are facing potential life-threatening injuries.
“This is a difficult situation, and my heart and prayers go out to everyone involved,” said NTSB Vice Chairman Alvin Brown during a press conference on Tuesday.
Truck Driver Was Arrested and Charged for Fatal Truck Crash
Austin police arrested the truck driver on Friday, March 14, charging him with five counts of intoxication manslaughter and two counts of intoxication assault. He remains in the Travis County Jail.
Although the driver registered 0.00 on a breath test, officers suspected impairment from depressants due to observed signs of intoxication, including swaying, bloodshot eyes, and slurred speech. He is being held on a collective bond of $1.2 million. Court records show he was already due in court next week in Dallas for a prior speeding violation—doing 63 mph in a 30 mph zone.
Speeding and intoxicated driving are among the leading causes of fatal truck crashes, dramatically increasing the risk of devastating collisions. Fully loaded 18-wheelers can take twice as long to stop as passenger vehicles, and impaired drivers have even slower reaction times. In construction zones—where traffic patterns shift and lanes narrow—the consequences can be catastrophic.
NTSB Investigators announced they will also look into the driver’s employment history as a commercial driver, his crash history, traffic and federal safety violations, and medical factors that may have impacted his driving.
Undefeated Austin Truck Accident Lawyers: Call 1-888-603-3636 for Free Consult
Our Undefeated Texas 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers continue to monitor the fatal I-35 pileup and will provide more updates as they become available. Having won Billions, including the Largest Truck Accident Settlement in Texas, for crash victims across the United States, we do whatever it takes to ensure our clients have the financial resources to care for themselves and their families for the rest of their lives.
If you have legal questions related to the I-35 Austin Amazon truck crash, please call 1-888-603-3636 or send us a confidential email through our Contact Us page.
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