On the night of March 13, 2025, a devastating multi-vehicle collision occurred on Interstate 35 in North Austin, Texas. This tragic accident, involving a semi-truck and 16 other vehicles, resulted in the loss of five lives and left multiple individuals with serious injuries. The crash, which happened in a construction zone near Parmer Lane and Howard Lane, has sparked concerns about road safety, trucking regulations, and legal recourse for victims and their families.
Understanding the I-35 Accident in Austin, Texas: What Happened?
According to preliminary reports, the semi-truck, driven by 37-year-old Solomun Weldekeal Araya, failed to slow down in the construction zone, where traffic had been reduced from three lanes to one. The truck crashed into several vehicles, triggering a catastrophic chain-reaction collision. Investigations later revealed that Araya was under the influence of depressants at the time of the crash.
Authorities have since charged Araya with five counts of intoxication manslaughter and two counts of intoxication assault. His truck was registered to ZBN Transport LLC, a Dallas-based company that had been contracted to transport loads for Amazon. This raises serious questions about the responsibility of trucking companies and their hiring practices.
Who Is Liable in a Commercial Trucking Accident?
Victims of trucking accidents often face significant challenges when seeking justice. Large trucking companies and their insurers have legal teams dedicated to minimizing payouts, making it critical for victims to have strong legal representation. Liability in cases like this can extend beyond just the truck driver and may include:
- The trucking company, if negligent hiring or inadequate training played a role.
- The company that contracted the driver, such as Amazon, if they failed to enforce safety protocols.
- Construction companies, if improper signage or unsafe work zone conditions contributed to the accident.
- Government entities, if road design or maintenance failures led to unsafe driving conditions.
Your Rights After a Texas Commercial Trucking Accident
If you or a loved one has been injured in a commercial trucking accident in San Antonio or elsewhere in Texas, you have the right to seek compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Funeral expenses (in wrongful death cases)
- Other damages caused by the accident
However, trucking companies and their insurers often use aggressive tactics to limit liability and settlement payouts. That’s why it’s crucial to have an experienced legal team on your side.
Why Choose Tyler & Peery for Your Truck Accident Case?
At Tyler & Peery, we specialize in handling complex commercial vehicle accident cases. Our experienced San Antonio truck accident lawyers have a proven track record of holding trucking companies accountable and securing maximum compensation for victims. We understand the intricacies of federal trucking regulations, insurance policies, and corporate liability, giving our clients the strong legal advocacy they need.
If you or a loved one has been affected by the I-35 accident—or any other commercial trucking crash—don’t wait to take legal action. Contact Tyler & Peery today for a free consultation and let us fight for the justice you deserve.
Call us at (210) 340-0900 or visit www.tylerandpeery.com to learn more.