Two drivers were hospitalized following a two-vehicle crash on westbound Interstate 20 near Van, Texas. The crash happened near mile marker 534 and reportedly involved an 18-wheeler that rolled over. Multiple agencies responded to the scene, including the Texas Department of Public Safety, Van Police, Van Fire Department, and other local emergency services. Both individuals involved in the crash were taken to the hospital for treatment. Authorities have not released additional details about how the collision occurred and the investigation remains ongoing.
When I hear about an alleged rollover involving an 18-wheeler, I immediately question what caused the rollover. These types of crashes often point to sudden maneuvers or shifting loads that a commercial vehicle could not handle, and each of those deserves close attention.
What Might Cause a Semi-Truck to Roll Over?
Rollover crashes involving commercial trucks are not as common as other types of collisions, but when they do happen, they tend to involve factors that limit a truck’s stability. If the driver swerved to avoid another vehicle, entered a curve too quickly, or experienced an issue with the brakes or steering system, that can lead to a rollover, especially if the truck’s load was heavy or unevenly distributed. Investigators may need to determine whether the driver was responding to the actions of the other vehicle involved, or if the truck tipped because of a miscalculation, mechanical failure, or shifting cargo.
What Investigators Should Examine to Understand the Crash
A thorough review of this incident should include the Engine Control Module, or ECM, data from the 18-wheeler, which may show speed, braking activity, steering input, and throttle position at the time of the crash. It is also important to inspect the condition of the tires, suspension, and cargo restraints. If the trailer was improperly loaded or if the load shifted during a maneuver, that could explain why the truck lost stability. Any witness statements, dashcam footage, or roadway surveillance video will also help determine the sequence of events leading up to the crash. In rollovers, the key question is often not just what happened but whether the truck responded the way it should have under the circumstances.
Why a Careful Review Is Necessary in Rollover Cases
When an 18-wheeler rolls over, the consequences can be serious for everyone involved. Even when no one is killed, the potential for catastrophic injury and secondary crashes is high. In this case, both drivers were hospitalized. That alone makes it essential to understand what led to the rollover and whether the truck was operating within safe limits. A full investigation can help reveal whether the driver had control of the vehicle or whether the truck itself, or the way it was loaded, contributed to what happened.