Driver Critically Injured in Dallas 18-Wheeler Underride Crash on S.M. Wright Freeway

A critical crash involving a jackknifed 18-wheeler on southbound Interstate 345 at the connection to Interstate 30 shut down the affected southbound lanes in downtown Dallas Friday. Traffic information showed the collision as verified and classified as critical. The 18-wheeler reportedly jackknifed on or near the southbound I-345 connection to I-30, and all lanes on the affected roadway were closed while emergency crews responded. Motorists traveling south through downtown Dallas toward I-30 should expect significant delays until the truck is removed and the crash scene is cleared. What Happened in the I-345 18-Wheeler Crash? Initial information indicates that the commercial truck jackknifed and blocked the southbound connection between I-345 and I-30. Additional details about whether other vehicles were involved, whether anyone was injured, and what caused the truck to jackknife have not yet been released. Because this is a developing crash investigation, it is too early to determine whether speed, braking, roadway conditions, mechanical problems, another vehicle, or another factor contributed to the wreck. What Can Cause an 18-Wheeler to Jackknife? A jackknife occurs when the tractor and trailer move out of alignment and the trailer swings toward the side of the tractor. Possible contributing factors may include: Sudden or improper braking Loss of traction Excessive speed for roadway conditions Trailer brake problems Tire failure Driver overcorrection Improperly loaded or shifting cargo Another vehicle entering the truck’s lane Wet or slick pavement The fact that a truck jackknifed does not, by itself, establish why the crash occurred. Evidence That May Matter After a Dallas 18-Wheeler Jackknife Crash A serious commercial truck wreck may involve evidence that is not typically available in a passenger-vehicle collision. Potential evidence can include: Electronic control module data Dash-camera footage GPS and telematics records Driver hours-of-service information Dispatch communications Tractor and trailer maintenance records Brake and tire condition Cargo-loading and securement records Crash-scene photographs and measurements Traffic-camera footage Witness statements This evidence may help investigators determine when the truck began to lose control and what happened immediately before the trailer swung out. Injured in an 18-Wheeler Wreck in Dallas? The Wooley Law Firm represents people injured in serious commercial truck and 18-wheeler crashes throughout Dallas and North Texas. If you were injured in an 18-wheeler accident on I-345, I-30, or another Dallas highway, call (214) 699-6524 for a free consultation. You don’t pay unless we win. This article concerns a developing traffic incident. Information about the vehicles involved, injuries, and cause of the collision may change as authorities release additional details. Nothing in this article assigns fault before the investigation is complete. This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship.

A broken strap is suspected of contributing to an overturned truck crash on FM 244 between Anderson and Carlos, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. The truck was reportedly hauling a dumpster to a landfill when it overturned. DPS indicated that investigators believe a strap securing the dumpster may have broken before the crash. Additional information about injuries, the driver, and the precise sequence of events has not yet been released. How Could a Broken Strap Cause a Truck to Overturn? When a commercial truck is transporting a heavy container such as a dumpster, the load must remain properly positioned and secured during transportation. If a tie-down, strap, chain, binder, or other securement device fails, the load may shift suddenly. A significant shift in weight can affect the truck's center of gravity and handling, particularly during a curve, braking maneuver, or sudden steering movement. That does not necessarily mean the broken strap alone caused this crash. Investigators may need to determine: Whether the strap actually failed before the truck overturned What type and strength of securement equipment was being used Whether the strap was worn, damaged, or improperly installed Whether enough securement devices were being used How the dumpster was positioned on the truck Whether the load shifted before the rollover Whether speed or steering contributed to the loss of control Broken Cargo Securement Equipment Can Be Important Evidence If DPS ultimately determines that a failed strap played a role in the FM 244 wreck, the strap itself could become a significant piece of evidence. Investigators may want to preserve and inspect: The broken strap Other straps or chains used on the load Anchor points on the truck The dumpster and hauling equipment Photographs showing how the dumpster was secured Pre-trip and cargo inspection records Maintenance and replacement records for the securement equipment Dash-camera footage Electronic truck data A Texas appellate case involving cargo that fell from a commercial truck illustrates why preservation can matter: the broken securement strap later became a disputed piece of evidence after it was discarded. Justia Law Who Could Be Responsible if Cargo Securement Fails? A broken strap does not automatically establish that the truck driver or trucking company was negligent. The investigation may need to determine why the strap failed and who was responsible for selecting, inspecting, maintaining, and using it. Depending on the evidence, questions could involve the truck driver, motor carrier, company that loaded the dumpster, equipment owner, maintenance provider, or potentially the manufacturer of defective securement equipment. The condition of the failed strap and the way the load was secured before the truck left can therefore be important parts of the investigation. Injured in a Commercial Truck Wreck in Texas? The Wooley Law Firm represents people injured in serious commercial truck and 18-wheeler crashes throughout Texas. If you or a family member was injured in a truck wreck involving a shifted or unsecured load, call (214) 699-6524 for a free consultation. You don't pay unless we win. This article concerns a developing crash investigation. The reported cause is preliminary, and additional facts may become available as DPS continues its investigation. This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Major 18-Wheeler Jackknife Crash on Westbound I-20 at Spur 408 in Dallas Thursday, October 1, 2026 | Dallas, Texas A major 18-wheeler crash on westbound Interstate 20 at the northbound Spur 408 ramp in Dallas was causing serious traffic problems Thursday afternoon, October 1, 2026. The wreck was reported at approximately 1:45 p.m. The 18-wheeler reportedly jackknifed and left the roadway near the Spur 408 northbound ramp. Emergency crews were responding to the scene, and motorists traveling through this section of I-20 should expect significant delays while the truck is recovered and the crash is investigated. What Happened in the I-20 18-Wheeler Crash at Spur 408? Initial information indicates that the tractor-trailer jackknifed before leaving the roadway. Additional details about whether another vehicle was involved, possible injuries, and what caused the truck driver to lose control have not yet been released. Because this is a developing crash investigation, it is too early to determine whether speed, braking, roadway conditions, another vehicle, mechanical problems, or another factor contributed to the wreck. What Causes an 18-Wheeler to Jackknife? A jackknife occurs when the tractor and trailer move out of alignment and the trailer swings toward the side of the tractor. Possible factors in a jackknife crash may include: Sudden or improper braking Loss of tire traction Excessive speed for roadway conditions Trailer brake problems Tire failure Driver overcorrection Improperly loaded or shifting cargo Another vehicle cutting in front of the truck Wet or slippery pavement The fact that an 18-wheeler jackknifed does not, by itself, establish why the crash occurred. Why Investigators Should Examine the Tractor and Trailer When an 18-wheeler jackknifes and leaves the roadway, the physical condition of the tractor and trailer can become important evidence. Investigators may examine: Tractor and trailer brake systems Tires and tread condition Electronic control module data Dash-camera footage GPS and telematics information Driver hours-of-service records Maintenance and inspection records Cargo weight and loading information Vehicle damage and final resting positions Skid marks and other roadway evidence This information may help determine when the truck began to lose control and what occurred immediately before the trailer swung out. Trucking Company Evidence After a Dallas 18-Wheeler Wreck A serious commercial truck crash can involve evidence held by the trucking company that would not normally exist in a passenger-car collision. Potential records can include dispatch communications, electronic logging-device data, driver qualification records, inspection documents, maintenance history, onboard camera footage, and GPS information. Preserving that evidence can be especially important after a major jackknife crash because the truck may be repaired, moved, or returned to service after the investigation. Injured in an I-20 18-Wheeler Wreck in Dallas? The Wooley Law Firm represents people injured in serious commercial truck and 18-wheeler crashes throughout Dallas and North Texas. If you were injured in an 18-wheeler accident on I-20 or another Dallas highway, call (214) 699-6524 for a free consultation. You don't pay unless we win. This article concerns a developing traffic incident. Information about the cause, vehicles involved, and any injuries may change as authorities release additional details. Nothing in this article assigns fault before the investigation is complete. This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship.