Hays County, TX — April 29, 2024, Adalberto Sanchez and one other person were injured in a multi-vehicle truck accident just before 9:00 a.m. along I.H. 35.

According to authorities, a 37-year-old woman and a baby girl were traveling in a southwest bound Ford Edge SUV on I.H. 35 in the vicinity northeast of the Guadalupe Street overpass when the accident took place.

The cause of the accident remains unclear. The SUV was apparently traveling in the right-most of three southbound lanes on the freeway. At the same time, a Mack truck was traveling in the center southbound lane. Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, a collision occurred between the front-left side of the SUV and the back-right side of the truck. This caused the SUV to spin out of control across all three lanes of the freeway, resulting in secondary and tertiary collisions with two other southbound vehicles: a Nissan Sentra occupied by 35-year-old Adalberto Sanchez, and a Peterbilt 18-wheeler with a trailer in tow.

Sanchez suffered reportedly severe injuries as a result of the wreck. The woman from the SUV incurred moderate injuries, as well, according to reports. They were each transported to local medical facilities by EMS in order to receive necessary treatment. No other injuries have been reported. Additional details pertaining to this incident are not available at this point in time. It is currently unknown which vehicle caused the accident to take place. The investigation is currently ongoing.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When the details of a multi-vehicle accident involving trucks and other vehicles are scarce, it’s easy to rush to conclusions. However, in my experience, getting to the bottom of such incidents requires a thorough and methodical investigation. Let's consider the key questions that need to be answered in a crash like this one.

First, we need to determine what initiated the collision. Was the SUV's maneuver a response to an issue with the Mack truck, or was the truck’s movement a reaction to something involving the SUV? Factors such as whether the drivers were distracted, experiencing fatigue, or facing mechanical issues need to be examined. Data from vehicle event recorders, traffic camera footage, and witness statements will be crucial in understanding the events that led to this crash.

The roles of the trucking companies involved should also be scrutinized. Were the drivers properly trained and adhering to safety protocols? Trucking companies have a responsibility to ensure their drivers are prepared for the road. If either company cut corners on training or pushed their drivers to meet unrealistic deadlines, they might share responsibility for the accident.

Furthermore, it’s essential to inspect the condition of all vehicles involved. Were the trucks and the SUV properly maintained? Mechanical failures, such as brake malfunctions or tire blowouts, can significantly contribute to accidents. Reviewing maintenance records and conducting thorough inspections of the vehicles can reveal whether such issues played a role in the crash.

A comprehensive investigation must go beyond the crash scene. This includes examining the drivers' logs, reviewing their driving histories, and consulting with accident reconstruction experts. Ultimately, the goal is to uncover the truth and ensure that wrongdoers are held accountable. Whether through obtaining vital evidence or conducting an independent investigation, it’s crucial to ensure that every factor is considered to answer all the questions of those affected by this wreck.