Dallas County, TX — February 12, 2025, two people were injured following a truck accident at approximately 12:15 p.m. along Interstate Highway 20.

According to authorities, an 18-year-old man was traveling in an eastbound Chevrolet Suburban on I.H. 20 in the vicinity east of Polk Street when the accident took place.

The cause of the accident remains unclear. Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, an eastbound International 18-wheeler hauling a trailer attempted a lane change at an apparently unsafe time. A collision subsequently occurred between the 18-wheeler, the Suburban, and a Nissan Sentra occupied by a 30-year-old woman.

The man from the Suburban sustained reportedly serious injuries over the course of the accident. The woman from the Nissan suffered moderate injuries, as well, according to reports. It does not appear that anyone else was hurt. Additional details pertaining to this incident are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.

Commentary

When a lane change by an 18-wheeler results in a multi-vehicle crash with injuries, the key question isn’t just what happened, but why it happened. In my experience handling truck accident cases, wrecks like this rarely occur without multiple contributing factors that need to be examined.

Why did the truck’s lane change result in a collision? Commercial drivers are trained to check mirrors and blind spots before merging. Did the truck driver misjudge the available space, fail to see the other vehicles, or change lanes abruptly? Investigators should review dashcam footage, witness statements, and vehicle positioning to determine how the wreck unfolded.

Did distraction or fatigue play a role? Truck drivers spend long hours on the road, and even a momentary lapse in attention can lead to a dangerous maneuver. Investigators should examine phone records, hours-of-service logs, and possible in-cab monitoring systems to determine whether distraction or exhaustion contributed to the unsafe lane change.

Was the truck’s equipment functioning properly? Large trucks rely on properly adjusted mirrors, lane departure warning systems, and turn signals to ensure safe lane changes. If any of these were malfunctioning or not used correctly, that could have been a factor. Investigators should conduct a post-crash inspection and review maintenance logs to check whether mechanical issues played a role.

Did broader issues contribute to the crash? Trucking companies are responsible for ensuring their drivers are properly trained and that their vehicles are in safe operating condition. If a company failed to enforce safe driving practices, neglected necessary maintenance, or pressured drivers to operate under tight schedules that encouraged risky maneuvers, those failures could be relevant in understanding why this crash happened. Investigators should review company policies, safety records, and past violations to determine whether broader issues played a role.

At the end of the day, the most important thing is finding answers. Even if it takes an independent investigation to gather the right evidence, it’s critical to examine every factor to ensure those affected by the crash get the clarity they deserve.