Amarillo, TX — March 23, 2025, One person was injured following an 18-wheeler accident that occurred at around 12:57 A.M. on I-40.

Authorities are investigating after an 18-wheeler accident left one person injured during the early-morning hours of March 23rd. According to reports from officials, an 18-wheeler was traveling in the area of Interstate 40 and Paramount when for unknown reason the semi lost control and left the roadway where it crashed through two fences before then driving into a business.

When first responders arrived ion the scene they found that the driver was trapped inside the truck, and after he was extricated he was transported to the hospital with injuries of an unknown nature. At this time it remains unclear what caused the tractor-trailer to lose control, and the identity of the driver has not been released at this time, however tis remains an ongoing investigation and more details may be released in the future.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When a commercial vehicle like an 18-wheeler crashes off the roadway and into a building—as occurred during the early morning hours of March 23rd near Interstate 40 and Paramount—it raises immediate concerns about how and why such a large vehicle lost control. Reports indicate that the semi left the roadway, crashed through two fences, and came to a stop inside a business. The driver was trapped and later transported to the hospital after being extricated. As authorities continue their investigation, there are three critical questions that must be addressed: Did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? Has anyone considered whether a vehicle defect contributed to the loss of control? And has all the electronic data from the truck been secured?

Starting with the investigation itself, commercial truck crashes demand a higher level of scrutiny than typical passenger vehicle incidents. A vehicle of that size veering off the highway and into a structure is not something that happens without significant cause. Investigators need to document road conditions, potential mechanical failures, and whether the driver was under the influence, distracted, or experiencing a medical episode. The trucking company's maintenance and driver records should also be reviewed. In many cases, the quality of the investigation depends on whether officials with commercial vehicle crash expertise are involved, as not all local departments are equally equipped to handle these complex scenes.

The second question—whether a mechanical issue contributed to the crash—can’t be overlooked. Eighteen-wheelers rely on a wide range of systems to operate safely: braking, steering, load balancing, and electronic safety systems. A failure in any one of those systems could cause the truck to leave the roadway. Tire blowouts, brake malfunctions, or problems with the electronic stability control system could each lead to the kind of loss of control described in the report. Preserving the vehicle for a forensic inspection is crucial. If it’s towed away and repaired or salvaged before that happens, any evidence of a mechanical defect may be lost for good.

Finally, securing electronic data is essential in cases like this. Most commercial trucks are equipped with electronic control modules (ECMs) and other onboard telematics systems that record detailed information about vehicle operation in the moments leading up to a crash—data like speed, braking, throttle input, and steering movement. These records can be critical in determining whether the truck was operating normally, and they can either confirm or challenge the driver's account of what happened. Additionally, many trucks now have dashboard cameras, which can provide visual context to supplement the data. All of this must be collected and preserved quickly to prevent it from being overwritten or lost.

Crashes involving commercial trucks pose unique dangers to both the public and the drivers themselves. In this case, where a semi drove through multiple barriers and into a building, getting to the root cause is essential—not just to determine liability, but to prevent similar incidents in the future. That begins by asking the right questions, preserving the evidence, and thoroughly examining all mechanical and electronic components of the vehicle involved. Only then can the investigation offer real answers to those affected and the community at large.