Tragedies involving 18-wheelers, such as the devastating accident recently witnessed in Austin, Texas, are unfortunately common on Texas roadways. On March 13, 2025, a tragic event occurred on I-35 South near Parmer Lane and Howard Lane, involving a massive collision with an 18-wheeler that resulted in multiple injuries and fatalities. Such catastrophic accidents highlight the immense danger posed by 18-wheelers, particularly during busy periods like South by Southwest and spring break when roads are crowded.
What We Know About the Accident
Authorities have arrested 37-year-old Solomun Weldekeal Araya, the driver of the semitruck involved in the accident. He was reportedly driving an 18-wheeler and hauling for Amazon while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Araya, who has a history of traffic violations, faces multiple serious charges, including five counts of intoxication manslaughter and two counts of intoxication assault. According to witnesses, the truck was traveling approximately 80 mph when it plowed into stopped traffic. The crash reportedly involved 17 vehicles and claimed the lives of 5 people, including a child and infant.
Immediate Steps After an 18-Wheeler Accident
If you or a loved one are involved in an 18-wheeler accident, immediate and careful action is crucial:
- Ensure Safety and Seek Medical Attention
Immediately seek medical help even if injuries initially seem minor. Some severe injuries might not be immediately apparent. - Contact Law Enforcement
Always call the police and ensure a detailed police report is filed, documenting all involved parties and witnesses. - Document the Scene
Take pictures and videos of vehicle damage, injuries, road conditions, and identifying marks of the truck and driver. - Gather Witness Information
Obtain names and contact details of anyone who witnessed the accident. Their testimonies can significantly strengthen your claim. - Never Speak With Insurance Companies Without an Attorney.
Insurance adjusters will likely contact you quickly before you have the chance to speak with an attorney. They do this on purpose to catch you off guard. Avoid making recorded statements or accepting settlement offers without legal advice.
Wrongful Death Claims After Truck Accidents
Tragically, as evidenced by the recent Austin accident, 18-wheeler collisions can result in fatalities. In these devastating circumstances, surviving family members may pursue wrongful death claims to obtain justice and financial compensation for their profound loss.
These claims can address:
- Loss of companionship and emotional support
- Loss of financial support
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Emotional pain and suffering
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Makes the Difference
Navigating the aftermath of an 18-wheeler accident can be incredibly complex. Truck accident claims often involve multiple parties, including drivers, trucking companies, manufacturers, and insurers, each attempting to minimize their liability.
An experienced personal injury lawyer will:
- Conduct Thorough Investigations: Lawyers work with accident reconstruction specialists, review trucking logs, maintenance records, and driver histories to determine liability.
- Accurately Value Your Claim: Your lawyer understands the full extent of your financial, emotional, and physical damages and ensures no detail is overlooked.
- Handle Insurance Negotiations: A skilled attorney manages interactions with insurance companies, protecting you from tactics designed to reduce payouts.
- Fight Aggressively in Court: If necessary, a seasoned trial attorney will litigate your case to achieve the justice you deserve.
Proven Track Record in Travis County and Beyond
At Perkins & Perkins, we deeply understand the complexities involved in 18-wheeler accidents and wrongful death cases. Our attorneys have successfully represented victims and families throughout Travis County and surrounding counties, securing millions of dollars in judgments, verdicts, and settlements for our clients.
When choosing an attorney, it is important to choose one with knowledge and experience. Perkins & Perkins has a proven track record of representing plaintiffs in a variety of personal injury cases. Our abilities are demonstrated by an $18,111,232.00 verdict we secured in 2022, which was recognized as the largest construction injury verdict in Texas, that year.
Perkins & Perkins offers free consultations and operates on a contingency fee basis for injury cases. This means that you pay nothing unless we recover damages for you. With our proven knowledge and experience, we stand ready to help you. Contact us today for a consultation to discuss your options and take the first step in claiming justice for you or a loved one.
