Round Rock, TX (March 24, 2025) – A major multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 35 in Round Rock claimed one life and injured three others on Monday, March 24.
Accident Details: The incident occurred around 11:40 a.m. near Ranch to Market Road 620, prompting authorities to close both northbound and southbound lanes of I-35 for several hours. According to witness Rene Molina, a dump truck traveling northbound on I-35 reportedly went airborne over the median and crashed into vehicles in the southbound lanes. The chaotic collision involved a total of ten vehicles. Emergency responders pronounced one person dead at the scene. Three additional individuals sustained minor injuries and were transported to local hospitals for treatment. Traffic was diverted to U.S. Highway 79 frontage roads as the crash was investigated.
Investigation and Legal Considerations: In serious crashes involving commercial vehicles like dump trucks, investigators consider multiple factors that could have contributed to the incident. One key issue is driver fatigue. Commercial drivers are subject to strict federal and state regulations that limit how many hours they can drive without rest. If drivers exceed those limits or work without sufficient breaks, fatigue may have impaired their reaction time or decision-making.
Distraction is another possible factor. Looking at a phone or not paying full attention to the road may cause a driver to lose control of the vehicle, especially if they’re in slow traffic or when road conditions change unexpectedly. Investigators will likely review cellphone records and any in-cab video or telemetry to determine whether distraction played a role.
Mechanical failure is also a concern in crashes of this scale. A sudden brake issue, steering problem, or suspension failure could have caused the dump truck to veer off course. Investigators will examine maintenance records to verify whether the truck received regular inspections and repairs. Liability may extend to the vehicle owner or operator if the truck is improperly maintained.
Investigators will review event data recorders (black boxes), vehicle inspection logs, dashcam footage, and witness statements to determine the whole picture.
Depending on the investigation’s outcome, the family of the deceased may have grounds to pursue a wrongful death claim. The injured individuals may have grounds for personal injury claims.
I offer my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the individual who tragically lost their life in this collision. I also wish a full and speedy recovery to those who were injured.
Source: Lonestar Live