An early morning crash involving four semi-trucks caused significant delays for westbound drivers on Interstate 20 in Midland. According to city officials, the crash occurred around 6:00 a.m. on May 14 at the I-20 overpass near Cotton Flat Road. First responders from the Midland Fire Department reported that one person was pinned inside a vehicle, and two individuals had to be extricated. Three people were transported to a local hospital with what were described as minor injuries. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Whenever I learn about a crash involving multiple 18-wheelers, I think about how quickly one mistake can trigger a chain reaction. In my experience, crashes of this kind often stem from a combination of factors that deserve a closer look, including vehicle spacing, driver attentiveness, and the condition of each truck.
Could Distraction or Fatigue Have Contributed to the Crash?
With four semis involved in the same crash, it’s worth asking whether any of the drivers were following too closely or experienced a lapse in attention. Truck drivers often begin their shifts in the early morning hours—like the 6:00 a.m. timeframe of this crash—which raises the possibility of fatigue. Even a few seconds of inattention on a highway can lead to a pileup that drivers in heavy rigs simply cannot avoid once it starts.
Investigators should take a close look at each driver's hours-of-service records, onboard electronic logging device (ELD) data, and dashcam footage to assess whether anyone may have been fatigued or distracted.
Were There Mechanical Issues That Impaired the Trucks’ Ability to Stop?
In crashes involving multiple semi-trucks, it's also important to evaluate whether any mechanical failures made it harder for one or more of the drivers to stop or maneuver out of the way. Poor brake maintenance, tire wear, or faulty suspension systems can increase stopping distance, especially when hauling heavy loads. Investigators should inspect the Engine Control Modules (ECMs) of all trucks involved, as well as their maintenance histories, to determine whether vehicle condition played a role.
What Information Can Help Reconstruct the Chain of Events?
A crash with this many large commercial vehicles likely left behind a significant amount of physical evidence. Investigators should gather ECM data, dashcam recordings, eyewitness statements, and roadway marks such as skid patterns or debris fields to determine how the crash began and how each vehicle was involved. The positions of the trucks on the bridge and the damage to each may help clarify which vehicle initiated the chain reaction and how it unfolded across multiple lanes.
Why Multi-Truck Crashes Demand Meticulous Investigation
From my experience, highway collisions involving several semi-trucks are rarely simple. Even when injuries are reported as minor, the cause of the crash can point to more serious underlying issues, such as driver fatigue, poor vehicle maintenance, or a breakdown in safe driving protocols. Answering those questions helps ensure that accountability is placed appropriately.