Two people were injured Wednesday morning in a multi-vehicle crash involving an 18-wheeler on San Antonio’s northeast side.
According to reports from the scene, the crash occurred around 9:40 a.m. at the intersection of I-35 and Eisenhauer Road. Police say three vehicles were involved, including a box truck and a Subaru. One of the drivers allegedly ran a red light, though authorities have not said which vehicle was at fault. The driver of the Subaru suffered serious injuries and was transported to the hospital. The box truck driver sustained minor injuries. The incident remains under investigation.
Whenever I hear about a crash involving an 18-wheeler in a busy intersection, especially when the details are still unclear, I think about how important it is to examine every piece of the puzzle before drawing conclusions. In my experience, crashes like this often hinge on driver behavior, timing, and whether all vehicles were operating safely for the conditions. A thorough investigation is the only way to bring those facts to light.
Was Distraction or Fatigue a Factor?
In a crash where a traffic signal may have been ignored, investigators will need to look closely at whether any of the drivers were distracted or fatigued. Large trucks take more time to stop and react, so a delay in recognizing a red light or a changing traffic pattern can be critical.
Investigators should examine the 18-wheeler’s driver logs, recent shift history, and any in-cab video systems to determine whether fatigue or inattention might have contributed to how the driver responded, or failed to respond, at the intersection.
Could Vehicle Condition or Load Weight Have Impacted the Outcome?
Semi-trucks are subject to strict maintenance and safety standards, especially when operating in urban traffic zones with frequent stops and signals. Investigators should examine whether the truck’s brakes, tires, and safety systems were in working order and whether the load it was carrying affected its ability to stop or maneuver.
If the vehicle was overloaded or not properly maintained, that could have limited the driver’s ability to avoid the collision.
What Types of Evidence Should Be Examined?
In a crash involving multiple vehicles at an intersection, physical evidence is key to understanding how the crash unfolded. Investigators should collect surveillance or traffic camera footage, review the 18-wheeler’s Engine Control Module (ECM) for braking and speed data, and examine impact points on all vehicles.
Eyewitness statements and intersection signal timing records may also help determine which driver had the right-of-way and how the vehicles approached the light.
Why Ask These Questions?
With serious injuries and multiple vehicles involved, there are still many unanswered questions about what caused this crash. From my experience, a full investigation is the only way to clarify what happened and why. Whether the issue was distraction, fatigue, a signal violation, or mechanical failure, every factor must be examined to provide a complete understanding of the incident.