Fatal 18-Wheeler Crash at US 84 and US 259 in Mount Enterprise, Texas

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.

The Wooley Law Firm is pleased to announce that Dallas personal injury attorney Andrew J. Wooley has been selected to America’s Top 100 High Stakes Litigators® for 2026. Selection to America’s Top 100 High Stakes Litigators® is by invitation only. According to the organization, the recognition is intended to identify trial attorneys who handle high-value, high-stakes legal matters. Selection Reserved for High-Stakes Litigation Attorneys must first satisfy a significant threshold before they can be considered for membership. According to America’s Top 100 High Stakes Litigators®, an attorney must have litigated, on behalf of either a plaintiff or defendant, a matter involving either: At least $2 million in alleged damages; or The fate of a business valued at $2 million or more. Meeting this threshold only qualifies an attorney for consideration. It does not guarantee selection. After identifying qualifying attorneys, the organization states that candidates undergo additional research and analysis based on numerous factors, including professional and litigation experience, significant case results, representative high-stakes matters, peer reputation, client satisfaction, other professional honors, and community impact. The organization ultimately limits membership to 100 qualifying attorneys within each designated state or regional group. Texas is divided into Northern Texas and Southern Texas for purposes of the selection process. Recognizing Andrew Wooley’s High-Stakes Personal Injury Litigation Practice Andrew Wooley founded The Wooley Law Firm, PLLC, a Dallas personal injury law firm representing people and families throughout Texas in serious injury and wrongful-death cases. Andrew Wooley works in high-stakes litigation involving car wrecks, 18-wheeler and commercial truck wrecks, wrongful-death claims, and other serious personal injury matters. These cases can involve catastrophic injuries, substantial medical expenses, significant lost income, permanent impairment, and other substantial damages. His practice includes representing individuals and families in complex personal injury cases involving substantial damages and disputed liability. Serious car and truck wreck cases may also require extensive investigation, expert testimony, accident reconstruction, analysis of corporate and insurance records, and litigation against defendants and insurance companies with significant resources. Before representing injured Texans, Andrew worked in insurance defense, where he gained experience representing companies and insurers. He later founded The Wooley Law Firm to focus his practice on representing individuals and families pursuing personal injury claims. Andrew has tried numerous cases and has represented clients in significant personal injury litigation throughout Texas. His professional background and current practice are available on his attorney profile. Less Than 0.5% of Active U.S. Attorneys Receive the Recognition America’s Top 100 High Stakes Litigators® states that less than one-half of one percent (0.5%) of active attorneys in the United States receive the honor. The organization uses a multi-phase selection process that includes third-party research and a Qualitative Comparative Analysis of qualifying candidates. More information about the criteria is available through the America’s Top 100 High Stakes Litigators® selection methodology. Andrew is honored to be selected for the 2026 America’s Top 100 High Stakes Litigators® recognition and remains focused on representing people and families in high-stakes personal injury litigation involving serious injuries and substantial damages. About The Wooley Law Firm The Wooley Law Firm, PLLC is a Dallas personal injury law firm representing clients throughout Dallas–Fort Worth and across Texas. Attorney Andrew J. Wooley represents individuals and families in high-stakes personal injury litigation, including serious car wrecks, commercial truck and 18-wheeler wrecks, wrongful-death cases, and other significant personal injury matters. To learn more about Andrew Wooley and The Wooley Law Firm, visit Andrew Wooley’s attorney profile or explore the firm’s personal injury practice. This article is for general informational purposes. Selection to America’s Top 100 High Stakes Litigators® is made by that independent organization. No award or recognition guarantees a particular result in any legal matter. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

A major 18-wheeler wreck on westbound Interstate 20 near FM 2965 was causing a long traffic backup Friday between the Canton and Terrell areas. The crash happened near the westbound weigh station west of FM 2965. Initial reports indicated that the trailer of a tractor-trailer sustained severe damage, with debris or wreckage affecting the roadway. The right westbound lane was blocked, and traffic was reportedly backed up toward the Van Zandt County line. FM 2965 intersects I-20 near the Kaufman–Van Zandt County area, along the major commercial trucking corridor between Canton and Terrell. Arcsnet Wiki What Happened in the I-20 18-Wheeler Crash Near FM 2965? At this time, additional details about how the crash occurred and whether another vehicle was involved have not been released. Based on initial observations, the trailer portion of the big rig appeared to have suffered extensive damage. It is not yet known whether the trailer was struck by another vehicle, whether the truck lost control, whether cargo shifted, or whether another event caused the trailer damage. Because this is a developing incident, no conclusions should be drawn about fault until investigators determine how the wreck occurred. Why Severe Trailer Damage Can Be Important in an 18-Wheeler Investigation When a tractor-trailer sustains major damage to the trailer, investigators may need to examine more than just the tractor and driver. Potentially important evidence may include: Damage patterns on the trailer Trailer frame and suspension components Tires and wheels Rear underride guards Cargo and cargo-securement equipment Tractor and trailer brake systems Electronic control module data Dash-camera footage GPS and telematics records Driver hours-of-service records Maintenance and inspection records Crash-scene debris and tire marks The location and type of damage can sometimes help investigators determine where an impact occurred and how the vehicles moved afterward. I-20 Near FM 2965 Has Seen Serious Truck Crashes This section of I-20 has experienced other serious commercial vehicle collisions. In June 2026, a chain-reaction crash on westbound I-20 near FM 2965 involved 13 vehicles and four 18-wheelers, with nine people transported to hospitals. That crash was a separate incident and does not establish anything about the cause of Friday's wreck. CBS News The I-20 corridor east of Dallas carries substantial commercial truck traffic between Terrell, Canton, and East Texas. Evidence May Need to Be Preserved Quickly After a Truck Wreck Commercial trucking companies may possess evidence that can help explain a serious collision, including: Driver logs Dispatch communications Dash-camera footage GPS records Electronic truck data Driver qualification records Tractor and trailer inspection records Maintenance history Cargo documents Preserving the damaged trailer itself may also be important before repairs are made or components are removed. Injured in an I-20 18-Wheeler Wreck Near Dallas? The Wooley Law Firm represents people injured in serious commercial truck and 18-wheeler crashes throughout Dallas, Kaufman County, and Texas. If you or a family member was injured in an I-20 truck wreck between Terrell and Canton, call (214) 699-6524 for a free consultation. You don't pay unless we win. This article concerns a developing traffic incident. Details about the vehicles involved, injuries, and cause of the collision may change as authorities release additional information. 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.