Authorities reported that two people were killed Monday night in a crash involving a parked semi-truck on the South Freeway in Fort Worth. According to police, officers responded around 8:15 p.m. to the 1800 block of Interstate 35W, where they found a passenger vehicle that had collided with the parked truck. One occupant of the car was pronounced dead at the scene, and the other was transported to a nearby hospital but later died. The investigation remains ongoing.
Crashes involving parked or stopped semi-trucks on or near active lanes often raise questions about where and how the truck was positioned. Investigators will focus on whether the vehicle was lawfully stopped, properly marked, and visible to approaching traffic.
What Investigators Will Work to Determine
Investigators will begin by determining whether the semi-truck was parked fully off the travel lanes or partially encroaching onto the shoulder. Federal and state safety regulations require commercial drivers to use reflective warning devices or hazard lights when parked on or near a highway. Authorities will review whether these precautions were in place and whether the driver had a legitimate reason to stop in that location.
The position of the truck relative to the roadway will be central to understanding how the crash occurred. If the vehicle was disabled, investigators will look into whether mechanical failure, tire issues, or other emergencies required it to stop. On the other hand, if it was parked without cause or too close to the travel lane, investigators may consider whether the stop created an unreasonable hazard for passing drivers.
Examining Vehicle Position and Evidence from the Scene
Investigators will review Engine Control Module (ECM) data from the semi-truck to determine whether it had been idling, moving slowly, or fully stationary at the time of impact. They will also collect physical evidence such as debris placement, impact angle, and skid marks to confirm the car’s speed and trajectory leading up to the collision.
Mechanical inspection of the truck may help determine whether it was disabled or intentionally parked. If it was stopped due to a breakdown, investigators will evaluate whether proper emergency warning triangles or lighting were deployed in accordance with federal safety standards.
Assessing Driver Conduct and Company Responsibility
If the truck was part of a commercial carrier’s fleet, investigators will review the driver’s logs and dispatch records to determine whether they had been instructed to stop or rest in the area. Carriers are responsible for ensuring drivers follow federal rules governing roadside stops and the use of warning equipment. Failure to follow these procedures can expose both the driver and company to liability.
Why Determining the Truck’s Position Is Critical
When a moving vehicle collides with a parked semi-truck, establishing whether the truck was safely positioned off the roadway is essential to understanding the cause. Even a small portion of a trailer extending into the travel lane can have fatal consequences. A thorough investigation will help determine whether the truck was properly secured, marked, and parked in accordance with safety standards.
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