A 10-vehicle collision on I-35 in Round Rock resulted in a fatality late Monday morning when a dump truck crossed the median and struck multiple vehicles. The crash, which occurred near RM 620 around 11:40 a.m., killed 35-year-old Alexa White of Fort Cavazos and sent three others to the hospital. According to police, the chain reaction began when a northbound car made a sudden lane change, setting off a series of collisions that ultimately led to the dump truck vaulting the median into southbound traffic.
Whenever I hear about a chain-reaction crash like this, I immediately have questions about the actions of all of the drivers. Accidents involving multiple vehicles can be complex, especially when one of those vehicles is a commercial truck.
Was the Dump Truck Driver Distracted or Fatigued?
While the initial incident may have started in the northbound lanes, an important question remains: why was the dump truck unable to avoid crossing into oncoming traffic? Investigators should examine whether the driver was distracted or fatigued in the moments leading up to the crash. Commercial drivers often operate under tight schedules, which can result in extended hours behind the wheel and limited rest. Reviewing the driver’s logs, schedule, and mobile phone data could help clarify whether inattention or exhaustion played a role.
Could Mechanical Failure Be Involved?
Another possibility is that a mechanical issue, such as brake failure or steering problems, prevented the dump truck from stopping or correcting its path. Investigators should inspect the truck’s braking system, suspension, and steering components, as well as any available Engine Control Module (ECM) data. Sudden equipment failure could explain why the driver was unable to maintain control, especially during a complex, fast-developing scenario like this.
Was the Lane Change From the Passenger Vehicle Safe?
Investigators will also need to answer whether the initial lane change by the passenger vehicle was performed safely and with appropriate signaling. Sudden or poorly judged lane changes are a common cause of multi-vehicle crashes, especially in high-speed or congested traffic. If the driver of the passenger vehicle made an abrupt maneuver without checking blind spots or signaling in time, that could have set off a dangerous chain reaction.
What Evidence Should Be Collected?
To fully understand what happened, investigators will need to review dashcam footage, ECM data from the dump truck, traffic camera recordings, and eyewitness accounts. Maintenance records and inspection reports will be important to determine whether the dump truck was in safe working condition. Cell phone records and driver logs could also provide information on potential distraction or fatigue.
Why a Full Investigation Is Crucial
Crashes involving commercial vehicles and multiple parties can be especially complex. A thorough investigation is necessary to determine which actions set the crash in motion. In my experience, these investigations often reveal critical details that would otherwise go unnoticed—details that are essential to understanding what happened and providing answers to those affected by the accident.