Kaufman County, TX — January 15, 2026, an Irving man was injured in a truck accident just after 11 a.m. on Interstate 20 east of Terrell.

A preliminary accident report indicates that a 2026 Mack semi-truck overturned due to defective brakes while heading southeast near F.M. 429.

The driver, a 23-year-old Irving man, was seriously injured in the crash, according to the report. His name has not been made public yet.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the Kaufman County crash at this time.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When people read that a semi-truck overturned because of “defective brakes,” the first reaction is usually to take that at face value. But that phrase raises far more questions than it answers. Brakes don’t just fail on their own without a trail of warnings, records and decisions leading up to that moment. The real issue is how those brakes got into that condition and who knew, or should have known, about it.

According to the preliminary report, this Mack semi-truck overturned on Interstate 20 after its brakes allegedly failed. What’s not clear is what “defective” means in this context. We don’t yet know whether the brakes failed suddenly or whether they were worn, out of adjustment or improperly maintained over time. That distinction matters because it points directly to responsibility.

There are also unanswered questions about the truck’s recent inspection and maintenance history. Commercial trucks are required to undergo regular inspections, and brake systems are one of the most critical components. If the brakes were truly defective, maintenance records, inspection reports and repair invoices should show whether problems were noted and ignored. If no issues were documented, then investigators need to determine whether inspections were rushed or incomplete.

This is where hard evidence becomes essential. The truck’s engine control module, the black box, can show vehicle speed, braking input and system warnings in the moments before the rollover. If the driver attempted to brake and the system didn’t respond as it should have, that data can confirm it. If there were prior fault codes or warnings, those can point to problems that existed well before the crash.

It’s also not clear whether the driver had any warning that something was wrong before losing control. Depending on whether the truck was heavily loaded, traveling downhill or experiencing brake fade, different mechanical and operational questions arise. Each of those scenarios leads investigators to look at different parties, from maintenance providers to the company responsible for putting the truck on the road that day.

When I’ve handled cases involving alleged brake failures, the truth usually isn’t a mystery; it’s buried in paperwork and data. The challenge is making sure someone actually digs for it. Until that happens, statements about “defective brakes” are just a starting point, not an explanation.

Key Takeaways

• “Defective brakes” raises more questions than it answers without maintenance and inspection records.
• It’s not clear whether the brake failure was sudden or the result of long-standing issues.
• Black box data can show whether the driver attempted to brake and how the truck responded.
• Responsibility may extend beyond the driver to those who inspected, maintained or approved the truck for service.