A catastrophic crash on Interstate 35 in North Austin late Thursday, March 13, has left five people dead and multiple others seriously injured. The intoxicated truck driver has been arrested and charged with five counts of intoxication manslaughter and two counts of intoxication assault. This devastating event highlights the tragic consequences of impaired driving, particularly when it involves large commercial vehicles.
At Kherkher Garcia, we are committed to helping victims and their families seek justice and compensation in the aftermath of such preventable tragedies. If you or someone you love was injured in the I-35 truck accident, call us today. Our skilled truck accident attorneys can help you protect your rights and ensure that responsible parties are held accountable.
Intoxicated Truck Driver Causes Tragic I-35 Crash
The fatal collision occurred shortly after 11:30 p.m. on southbound I-35 near Parmer Lane, involving a semi-truck hauling for Amazon and at least 17 other vehicles. Authorities reported that the crash scene spanned approximately a tenth of a mile, making it one of the most chaotic and devastating accidents in the area’s recent history. Emergency responders arrived quickly, but five individuals, including an infant and a child, were pronounced dead at the scene. Eleven others sustained injuries severe enough to require hospitalization, with several in critical condition.
While Amazon confirmed that the truck involved in the accident was hauling for the company, they also stated that the driver was not an Amazon employee. The Austin Police Department and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched investigations to determine the full scope of the driver’s actions leading up to the crash and any potential liability.
The Consequences of Drunk Driving in Commercial Trucking
Driving under the influence is always dangerous, but when the intoxicated individual is operating a massive commercial truck, the risks are exponentially greater. A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, making collisions involving these vehicles especially deadly. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), alcohol and drug impairment are leading causes of fatal truck accidents in the United States.
Texas law is particularly strict regarding intoxicated driving, especially for commercial drivers. A commercial driver’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.04%, half of the legal limit for non-commercial drivers. Given the severity of this crash and the charges against the intoxicated truck driver, law enforcement believes his impairment was a major factor in causing the accident.
Liability and Legal Implications
In cases involving intoxicated truck drivers, multiple parties may be held legally responsible for damages. Potential liable parties include:
- The Driver. The intoxicated truck driver faces criminal charges, but he may also be subject to civil liability for wrongful death and personal injury claims. Victims and their families may seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and funeral costs.
- The Trucking Company. If the driver was employed by a trucking company, that company could be liable under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior, which holds employers responsible for the actions of their employees. Additionally, if the company failed to conduct proper background checks, enforce drug and alcohol testing, or monitor drivers for safety violations, it could face separate claims for negligence.
- Amazon or Other Contracting Companies. Although Amazon claims the driver was not directly employed by them, if they contracted the trucking company responsible for hiring him, they could still bear some responsibility. A thorough investigation will be needed to determine whether Amazon or any other third party played a role in enabling an unsafe driver to operate on public roads.
- Alcohol Vendors. Under Texas’s Dram Shop Laws, establishments that served alcohol to the intoxicated truck driver could be held liable if they knowingly sold alcohol to him when he was visibly intoxicated.
Seeking Justice for Victims and Their Families
The victims of this horrific accident and their families deserve justice. Pursuing legal action can help families recover financially while also holding negligent parties accountable. While the intoxicated truck driver is facing intoxication manslaughter charges, victims can also pursue justice via civil claims. The types of damages that may be recoverable in a lawsuit include:
- Medical Expenses – Covering hospital bills, surgeries, and long-term care for injured victims.
- Funeral and Burial Costs – Providing financial relief for grieving families who have lost loved ones.
- Lost Income – Compensation for wages lost due to injuries or the death of a family’s primary income earner.
- Pain and Suffering – Addressing the emotional and psychological trauma of victims and their families.
- Punitive Damages – Additional damages intended to punish reckless behavior and deter future misconduct.
The Importance of Legal Representation
In complex cases involving commercial trucking accidents, having an experienced legal team is critical. Insurance companies and corporate legal teams often attempt to minimize their financial responsibility, making it difficult for victims to receive fair compensation without aggressive legal advocacy.
At Kherkher Garcia, we specialize in handling truck accident claims, including those involving intoxicated drivers. Our legal team has the resources to conduct thorough investigations, gather crucial evidence, and negotiate effectively with insurance companies. If necessary, we are fully prepared to take cases to trial to ensure our clients receive the justice they deserve.
What to Do If You’ve Been Affected
If you or a loved one were injured in this tragic crash or a similar trucking accident, it is crucial to take the following steps:
- Seek Medical Attention. Even if you feel fine, injuries from high-impact crashes can have delayed symptoms.
- Gather Evidence. If possible, document the scene, take photos, and collect witness information.
- Avoid Speaking to Insurance Companies Alone. Insurers often try to minimize payouts. Consult with an attorney before making any statements.
- Contact an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer. Legal professionals can help protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
The loss of five lives in this tragic Austin truck accident underscores the severe consequences of intoxicated driving, especially in the trucking industry. As the victims’ families grieve and injured survivors work to recover, seeking legal justice can provide much-needed financial support and accountability for those responsible.
Contact Our Skilled Truck Accident Attorneys
At Kherkher Garcia, we are dedicated to fighting for victims of catastrophic truck accidents. If you or a loved one have been impacted by this or a similar crash, contact us today for a free consultation. Let us help you pursue justice and the compensation you deserve. To get started, call us at 713-333-1030, or submit our online contact form. Our team will stand beside you every step of the way.
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