Major 18-Wheeler Crash on Northbound I-35E at Colorado Boulevard Closes Three Lanes in Dallas

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 crash involving an 18-wheeler that struck a bridge on southbound Interstate 35 in Austin shut down nearly the entire roadway Friday, October 2, 2026. According to the Austin Police Department, the crash happened around 11:00 a.m. near 11th and 12th Streets. All southbound lanes were closed, with traffic initially able to pass only along the far-right shoulder. FOX 7 Austin By approximately 1:00 p.m., police said the roadway would remain shut down for another couple of hours because of significant debris from the crash. I-35 was expected to remain closed until the Texas Department of Transportation determined that the roadway was safe. FOX 7 Austin What Happened in the Austin I-35 18-Wheeler Crash? Authorities said the 18-wheeler struck a bridge while traveling southbound on I-35 near 11th and 12th Streets. The impact created significant debris and resulted in an extended highway closure. The cause of the crash remains under investigation. FOX 7 Austin Additional information about injuries, the truck's cargo, and exactly how the 18-wheeler came into contact with the bridge had not yet been released. Why an 18-Wheeler May Strike a Bridge A commercial truck striking an overpass or bridge can raise several different investigative questions. Depending on the circumstances, investigators may examine: Whether the truck or its cargo exceeded the available clearance Whether cargo or equipment shifted during transportation Whether a trailer component was raised or improperly positioned Whether the driver entered a roadway unsuitable for the vehicle Vehicle speed and steering immediately before impact Whether mechanical or equipment failure occurred Route-planning and dispatch information Whether warning signs or clearance markings were present The fact that an 18-wheeler struck a bridge does not by itself establish why the collision happened. Truck Height and Route Planning May Become Important Evidence Commercial trucking companies and drivers may need to account for the dimensions of the tractor, trailer, and cargo when determining an appropriate route. If vehicle height becomes an issue in this crash, investigators may examine the truck's specifications, trailer configuration, cargo records, route instructions, GPS information, and communications between the driver and motor carrier. Evidence concerning the bridge itself may also matter, including posted clearance information and measurements taken after the collision. Evidence After an 18-Wheeler Bridge Collision A serious commercial truck wreck can generate significant physical and electronic evidence. Potential evidence may include: Electronic control module data Dash-camera footage GPS and telematics information Driver electronic logging-device records Dispatch and routing communications Cargo records Tractor and trailer inspection records Maintenance records Photographs of the truck and bridge Measurements of the truck, trailer, cargo, and bridge clearance Witness statements Traffic-camera footage Because the crash produced substantial debris and required an extended interstate closure, documenting the physical condition of the truck and roadway may be particularly important. Injured in an 18-Wheeler 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 an 18-wheeler collision, call (214) 699-6524 for a free consultation. You don't pay unless we win. This article concerns a developing crash investigation. Information about injuries, the cause of the collision, and the truck involved 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.