Terrell, TX — November 9, 2024, an accident involving three 18-wheelers took place sometime before 1:30 p.m. along Interstate Highway 20.

According to authorities, the accident that occurred on I.H. 20 in the vicinity of Farm to Market 2965.

Three-truck Accident on I.H. 20 near Terrell, TX

The cause of the accident remains unclear. Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, a collision took place between three separate 18-wheelers. The number of people, if any, who were injured as a result of this wreck has not been reported. Photographs of the scene which have been published in the news depict the front-end of one 18-wheeler with extremely heavy damage, having collided with the rear-end of another 18-wheeler’s trailer. Additional details pertaining to this incident—including the identities of those involved—are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When crashes involving multiple 18-wheelers happen, it’s easy to think they might simply be the result of bad timing or a sudden slowdown in traffic. However, in my experience, incidents like this tend to be complex, often requiring a thorough examination of each driver’s actions and the many external factors that might have contributed.

In a multi-truck accident, one key area investigators will likely look into is whether any of the trucks were following too closely or speeding. Large trucks need considerably more stopping distance than smaller vehicles, and if even one driver in a line of 18-wheelers misjudges that distance, it can create a chain reaction. This can be especially dangerous on high-speed roads like I-20, where any minor miscalculation can quickly lead to a serious pileup.

If any of the 18-wheelers in this crash were operated by a commercial trucking company, it also raises questions about the safety practices of those companies. Employers in the trucking industry bear significant responsibility to ensure their vehicles are regularly maintained, their drivers are trained for safe following distances, and their schedules allow for safe driving speeds. Should investigators uncover evidence that any company’s negligence in these areas contributed to the crash, that company might be at least partially accountable for the incident.

Ultimately, the goal is to uncover the truth and provide answers to those impacted by the accident. Even if it requires conducting an independent investigation to obtain critical evidence, it’s essential to consider every factor to ensure that those affected by the accident receive the clarity and closure they deserve.

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