Smith County, Texas (August 31, 2025) — A major crash involving two 18-wheelers and multiple passenger vehicles sent 17 people to the hospital Thursday afternoon, according to the Lindale Fire Department.
Incident Details: Authorities reported that the collision occurred on I-20 westbound in Smith County and involved two semi-trucks and six passenger vehicles. A total of 19 people were involved in the crash, with 17 transported to area hospitals for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. The Smith County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the westbound lanes of I-20 were blocked to through traffic following the wreck. Emergency crews remained on the scene as of late Thursday afternoon, and the investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing.
Investigation and Legal Considerations: Multi-vehicle accidents of this scale raise significant questions about liability and fault. With two large commercial trucks and several passenger vehicles involved, investigators will examine whether speeding, distracted driving, or failure to maintain a safe distance contributed to the pileup. When semi-trucks are part of a chain-reaction crash, attorneys often investigate whether driver fatigue, improper training, or mechanical failures tied to poor maintenance were contributing factors. Federal trucking regulations impose strict safety standards, and a violation by either driver or their company could establish negligence.
For the 17 individuals hospitalized, the financial and physical toll of their injuries may be substantial. Even when classified as non-life-threatening, injuries from high-impact collisions often require extended treatment and rehabilitation. Victims may have grounds to pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and long-term suffering. In cases like this, truck and car accident claims may come into play, depending on the role of each vehicle and driver in the chain of events. Determining responsibility across multiple parties will likely require extensive investigation and expert analysis.
My thoughts are with all the individuals hospitalized as they recover from this serious multi-vehicle crash.
Source: WFAA