Top 5 Causes of Truck Accidents on I-35 in Austin – And How to Prove Fault [2025]

If you drive I-35 through Austin regularly, you already know how dangerous it can be. It’s one of the busiest interstate corridors in the country and consistently ranks among the deadliest roadways in Texas, according to TxDOT. Between heavy commuter traffic, weekend tourism, and the constant flow of commercial trucks hauling freight through Central Texas, I-35 creates a perfect storm of congestion, speed variation, and limited escape routes. When an 18-wheeler loses control in this environment, crashes tend to be catastrophic. Victims are often left struggling with overwhelming medical bills, lost income, and long-term injuries.

But the real challenge comes after the crash: proving fault. Trucking companies move fast to protect themselves, and critical evidence—like electronic control module (ECM) data, driver logs, and load documents—can disappear in days if you don’t act quickly. This is where having a truck accident lawyer who understands I-35, Texas trucking regulations, and black-box evidence becomes crucial.

Below, Joe Lopez breaks down the five deadliest causes of truck accidents on I-35, the evidence needed to prove fault, and exactly what steps to take within the first 24 hours after a crash in Austin.

The 5 Deadliest Causes of Truck Accidents on Austin’s I-35

The stretch of I-35 running through Central Austin—slammed between Ben White Blvd, Riverside, the Downtown corridor, Rundberg, and beyond—is a high-risk zone for commercial vehicle collisions. These are consistently listed as crash “hotspots,” especially during rush hour and overnight freight runs.

Below are the five leading causes of truck accidents on I-35, Texas crash trends, and what we repeatedly see in our Austin cases.

1. Fatigued Driving & Hours-of-Service Violations

Fatigue is one of the most common—and most deadly—factors in Austin truck crashes. The FMCSA’s Hours-of-Service Regulations limit truckers to:

• 11 hours of driving in a 14-hour window
• 60/70-hour limits over 7–8 days
• Mandatory 30-minute rest breaks

But tight delivery schedules and pressure from carriers often push truckers to drive longer than allowed. On I-35, this is especially common during overnight hauls between San Antonio, Austin, and Waco.

Why it leads to crashes:

• Slower reaction times
• Microsleep episodes
• Poor lane control
• Delayed braking in stop-and-go traffic

Where it happens most on I-35:
Riverside → Downtown → 51st Street corridor (stop-and-go + lane merges)

2. Improper Loading or Overloaded Trailers

18-wheelers carrying improperly balanced or overweight cargo are a major crash threat—especially on I-35’s elevated curves and abrupt on-ramps. When weight shifts inside a trailer:

• The truck becomes harder to brake
• Steering becomes unstable
• Rollovers become more likely
• Jackknifes occur during sudden stops

TxDOT roadside inspections frequently issue citations for overweight trailers, unsecured loads, or missing tie-downs. These violations of cargo securement rules can directly establish negligence if a load shift contributed to your crash.

3. Speeding & Following Too Closely in Congested Areas

I-35 moves from 70 mph rural stretches into 35-55 mph urban traffic within minutes. Many truckers fail to adjust their speed quickly enough. When an 80,000-pound truck is following too closely, it simply cannot stop in time.

Common crash patterns:

• Rear-end collisions at Riverside, 183, Stassney, or Ben White Blvd
• Multi-vehicle pileups during construction lane shifts
• Speed-related jackknife crashes north of Rundberg

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety confirms that speeding is involved in nearly 1 in 3 large truck crashes.

4. Distracted Driving Behind the Wheel of an 18-Wheeler

Distracted driving has surged, even in commercial trucking. Distractions we routinely see in I-35 cases include:

• Using dispatch tablets
• Entering GPS addresses
• Checking phones
• Eating while driving
• Adjusting in-cab technology

A distracted trucker on I-35 has almost no margin for error. At highway speeds, a fully loaded tractor-trailer can take the length of two football fields to stop.

5. Mechanical Failures & Poor Truck Maintenance

Austin’s steep traffic patterns—heavy braking, constant lane changes, and sudden stops—make maintenance issues especially dangerous. Common failures include:

• Worn brake pads
• Underinflated tires
• Faulty steering components
• Trailer hitch defects
• Broken lights or turn signals

FMCSA requires regular inspections and maintenance logs under their regulations. If a mechanical failure contributed to your crash, these logs—and any ignored warnings—help establish negligence.

Proving Fault with Truck-Specific Evidence

Truck accidents aren’t like regular car crashes. They require specialized investigation and evidence that only applies to commercial carriers. A good portion of this evidence can disappear quickly—sometimes within 24–72 hours—unless a lawyer issues a preservation letter immediately.

Here’s the evidence that matters most in Austin truck accident cases:

Why This Evidence Is Time-Sensitive

Trucking companies are legally allowed to overwrite or delete some digital data after short retention periods:

• ECM data: can be erased when a truck is put back in service
• Driver logs: may overwrite automatically
• Dashcam footage: often lost within days
• Maintenance logs: can be cycled out or archived

The 72-Hour Checklist for Protecting Truck Accident Evidence

Preserving critical truck data requires quick action, especially in the first three days after a crash. Key evidence can disappear quickly, and each hour matters.

Acting fast matters. Joe Lopez immediately sends a spoliation letter demanding the trucking company preserve every form of evidence—including ECM data, dashcam files, maintenance logs, and load tickets. This stops the company from deleting or “losing” information that could prove your case.

Taking these steps promptly helps ensure that essential evidence is preserved before the trucking company can alter, erase, or overwrite it. Acting early strengthens your case and protects your legal rights.

Texas Trucking Regulations That Help Your Case

Texas and the federal government regulate everything from how long truckers can drive to how much weight they can haul on I-35. When a trucker or carrier violates these rules, it can establish negligence per se—meaning the violation itself helps prove they were at fault.

Key Regulations That Often Apply in Austin I-35 Cases

• FMCSA Hours-of-Service Rules
  Limits on daily and weekly driving time. Violations support fatigue claims.
• FMCSA Cargo Securement Standards
  Governs tie-downs, weight distribution, and load stabilization.
• Texas CDL Requirements
  Ensures the driver was properly licensed and trained.
• Texas DOT Size & Weight Restrictions
  Overweight trucks can be fined—and are more likely to cause crashes.
• Drug & Alcohol Testing Requirements
  Post-crash testing is mandatory in many situations.
• Mandatory Maintenance & Inspection Rules
  Regular brake, tire, and equipment inspections are required.

If any of these regulations were violated, it strengthens your argument that the trucker or trucking company acted negligently.

Next Steps After an I-35 Truck Crash in Austin

Your actions in the hours after a truck crash can make or break your case. Evidence disappears fast on I-35, and trucking companies have teams who respond immediately to protect themselves.

Here’s what to do:

• Call Joe Lopez Law within 24 hours.
  He moves fast to secure black-box data and prevent evidence destruction.
• Get medical treatment right away.
  Even if injuries seem minor, adrenaline hides symptoms.
• Don’t discuss the crash with the trucker’s insurer.
  They will try to minimize your injuries or blame you.
• Keep all medical records, receipts, and photos.

Joe Lopez has handled countless I-35 truck crash cases. His early involvement often makes the difference in protecting your rights.

FAQ: I-35 Truck Accident Questions

Who pays if a trucker violates hours-of-service rules on I-35?

If the trucker was fatigued due to an FMCSA violation, the trucking company is usually liable. They may also be responsible for encouraging or allowing HOS violations.

How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in Texas?

Texas has a two-year statute of limitations, but truck-specific evidence can disappear in days. Do not wait.

Can I get ECM or black-box data from the truck?

Yes—your attorney can demand it through a preservation letter or subpoena. You cannot request it directly yourself.

What if multiple vehicles were involved?

I-35 pileups are common. Liability may involve the trucker, the carrier, a loading company, or even maintenance providers. An attorney must conduct a full investigation.

What if the truck was carrying an overweight load?

If improper loading contributed to the crash, the loading facility or freight company may share liability.

Protecting Your Case Starts With Preserving the Proof

I-35 truck accidents are rarely straightforward. They involve complex evidence, aggressive insurance companies, and injuries that can change your life in an instant. Strong proof, including ECM data, driver logs, and load documents, often determines the outcome. Acting quickly is the best way to make sure that evidence is preserved.

If you were injured in a truck accident on I-35 in Austin, Joe Lopez is ready to help you understand your rights and fight for full compensation. Contact Joe Lopez Law today for a free consultation by calling (512) 580-9962 or filling out the online form.