Taylor County, TX — August 9, 2024, Elton Marsh Sr. and two others were injured following a multi-truck accident at around 2:15 a.m. along I-20.

Investigators said in initial statements that the accident happened along the westbound lanes of the interstate near Scott Road/F.M. 707.

According to officials, 50-year-old Elton Marsh Sr. was in a Freightliner semi-trailer going along the interstate. Another semi-trailer and a Ford pickup with a trailer were parked along the shoulder. Somehow, the Freightliner crashed with the two stopped vehicles.

Marsh and one person from the other vehicles had reportedly serious injuries. A third person had moderate injuries. Right now, additional details about the accident are unavailable.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

A multi-vehicle crash is bound to raise significant challenges for investigators. Those vehicles being commercial trucks only increases those potential challenges. This is one situation where there should be concern about how the investigations are being handled. In my career, I've found some key questions that can help people gauge if authorities are able to do the investigations on their own.

Did authorities have the time, tools, and training to fully analyze the crash? Wrecks involving multiple trucks can be complex, requiring careful reconstruction of vehicle positions, sightlines, and possible evasive actions. If resources were limited, investigators may have overlooked crucial evidence.

Did they consider whether a vehicle defect contributed to the crash? Mechanical failures like brake malfunctions, steering issues, or lighting failures can play a role in semi-truck accidents. Additionally, if safety features like seatbelts or airbags failed, injuries may have been worse than necessary. Were the vehicles thoroughly inspected before critical evidence was lost?

Did investigators collect and preserve all available electronic data? Commercial trucks are equipped with onboard systems that track speed, braking, and driver activity. GPS data, cellphone records, and any available surveillance footage could also provide valuable insights. Have authorities secured this information before it disappears?

If authorities can provide clear answers to these questions, then it's likely because they've taken the investigations seriously. However, if those answers come up short, that can be a sign that the crash should be handled by independent accident reconstructionists who can make sure nothing important slips through the cracks.