Top 5 Causes of Truck Accidents on I-35 in Austin and How to Prove Fault in 2026

Interstate 35 is one of the busiest highways in Texas, connecting communities from Laredo to Dallas and serving as a major artery through Austin. With heavy commercial traffic and daily commuter traffic, the risk of serious truck accidents remains high. Understanding the most common causes of these collisions and how fault is established can help crash survivors protect their rights and pursue the compensation they deserve.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents involving 18-wheelers on I-35 in Austin. When a driver takes their eyes off the road, even for a moment, the result can be catastrophic.

Common distractions include:

• Texting or using a mobile device.
• Adjusting navigation or entertainment systems.
• Eating or reaching for items in the cab.
• Talking with other occupants.

Proving fault for distracted driving often requires gathering electronic data from the truck’s onboard systems, cell phone records, witness statements, and video footage from nearby cameras. Documentation that the driver’s attention was not on the road at the time of the wreck is central to establishing liability.

Speeding and Aggressive Driving

Excessive speed reduces a driver’s ability to react to traffic changes and increases stopping distances. On I-35, where traffic conditions can change quickly, speeding truck drivers pose a serious hazard.

Signs of aggressive driving may include:

• Sudden lane changes without signaling.
• Tailgating.
• Failure to adjust speed for traffic or weather conditions.

Accident reconstruction experts, speed estimates from electronic logging devices (ELDs), and witness accounts are critical when proving that a truck driver’s speed contributed to an accident.

Driver Fatigue and Hours-of-Service Violations

Long routes, demanding delivery schedules, and pressure from employers can lead to driver fatigue. Even with federal hours-of-service regulations intended to limit continuous driving time, violations still occur. A fatigued driver has slower reaction times and impaired judgment, similar to impairment from alcohol.

To prove a fatigue-related crash on I-35, investigators often review:

• ELD records showing hours logged behind the wheel.
• Dispatch logs and delivery schedules.
• Driving times versus required rest periods.

Expert analysis is often necessary to interpret these records and connect fatigue to the collision.

Improper Loading and Equipment Failures

A truck that is improperly loaded or poorly maintained is far more likely to be involved in a crash. Overloaded cargo, uneven weight distribution, worn tires, faulty brakes, or broken lights all contribute to dangerous conditions.

Evidence used to prove equipment-related faults may include:

• Inspection reports from before the crash.
• Maintenance logs.
• Cargo manifests.
• Photographs of the scene and vehicle damage.

When a trucking company fails to uphold basic maintenance standards, that negligence can be the basis for a claim.

How Fault is Established in Texas Truck Accidents

In Texas, fault is established through a combination of evidence and legal standards.

To prove that a truck driver or trucking company is responsible for a crash, you must show that:

1. The driver owed a duty of care.
2. The duty was breached through negligent actions.
3. The breach directly caused the accident.
4. The crash resulted in measurable harm.

Gathering this evidence often requires experienced legal and investigative assistance.

Key Evidence Used in Proving Fault

Successful claims typically rely on multiple types of evidence, including:

• Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Records: Show driving times and rest periods.
• Accident Reconstruction: Helps demonstrate how the crash occurred.
• Driver Statements and Interviews: May reveal admissions or unsafe behavior.
• Surveillance and Traffic Cameras: Provide independent accounts of the event.
• Maintenance and Inspection Records: Can show systemic safety failures.

A thorough investigation not only identifies the cause of a collision but also builds a compelling case for liability.

Why Legal Guidance Matters

Truck accident cases are complex, involving state and federal regulations, multiple parties, and high stakes. Insurance companies may try to minimize responsibility, delay investigations, or shift blame to other drivers.

Experienced attorneys understand how to:

• Secure and preserve critical evidence.
• Work with experts in trucking compliance and accident reconstruction.
• Navigate Texas laws governing personal injury and commercial liability.

How Glen Larson Law Injury Attorneys Can Help

If you or a loved one were injured in a truck accident on I-35 in Austin, you need a legal team that knows how to hold negligent drivers and trucking companies accountable. We can investigate your crash, gather the necessary evidence to prove fault, and fight for fair compensation on your behalf.

For skilled legal support after a truck collision in Texas, reach out to Glen Larson Law Injury Attorneys for a free, confidential case review. Our attorneys are available 24/7 to answer your questions and help you understand your options. Call (512) 883-0277 or contact us online to speak with our team.