As spring fades into summer, Texas highways grow busier with families heading out for vacations and weekend escapes. Unfortunately, this seasonal surge in traffic also brings a heightened risk of multi-vehicle pile-ups in Texas, where congested roads and high speeds often combine to create dangerous chain-reaction collisions.
In recent months, from Corpus Christi to Amarillo, Texans have witnessed numerous significant accidents involving three or more vehicles. Understanding the causes, determining fault, and knowing how to react immediately after an accident can help you stay prepared and protected.
Recent Significant Multi-Vehicle Accidents (March–June 2025)
Several notable pile-ups have occurred across Texas in recent months, emphasizing the importance of driver vigilance and safety precautions:
Austin, I-35 (March 13)
A 17-vehicle crash unfolded late at night along I-35 in a construction zone, where slowed traffic and limited visibility contributed to a catastrophic chain of collisions in a construction zone, resulting in five fatalities—including an infant and toddler—and numerous injuries. The driver of a semi-truck, 37-year-old Solomun Weldekeal-Araya, faced charges of intoxication manslaughter after failing to stop and triggering the deadly collision. This incident highlights how impaired driving combined with congested construction zones drastically elevates accident risks.
Milam County, Hwy 36 (April 1)
An especially tragic incident unfolded in a highway construction zone in Milam County, where a semi-truck reportedly failed to reduce speed and collided with vehicles that had slowed or stopped in the work zone. Multiple injuries were reported, and the lives of a local family from Rogers ISD were unfortunately lost. Charges were filed against the 26-year-old truck driver, illustrating the severe consequences of speeding in crowded work zones.
Kerr County, TX-27 (May 5)
A tragic and preventable incident unfolded when 25-year-old, Jeremy Raymond Wasson, 25, drove his SUV into the opposite lane and struck three motorcycles. The crash resulted in three fatalities and serious injuries. Wasson faces charges including three counts of intoxication manslaughter, underscoring the deadly consequences of a multiple vehicle accident involving motorcycles.
Corpus Christi, JFK Causeway (June 6)
A four-vehicle crash on the JFK Causeway resulted in numerous injuries that shut down multiple lanes of traffic and caused significant travel delays. Corpus Christi Police blamed driver error as the root cause of the pile-up, and cited one driver for failing to maintain a single lane of travel.
Understanding Why These Accidents Occur
Multi-vehicle pile-ups often stem from a combination of environmental challenges, seasonal conditions, and human error. While every crash is unique, several recurring patterns contribute to these complex accidents:
- Increased Traffic Volume: Spring and summer months bring vacationers, tourists, and increased general road usage, significantly raising the likelihood of congestion and accidents.
- Hazardous Weather Conditions: Summer in Texas often brings intense heat, sudden thunderstorms, dust storms, and heat haze, all of which drastically reduce visibility and road safety.
- Construction Zones: Construction zones frequently alter traffic patterns, narrow roadways, and introduce unexpected lane changes or sudden stops, greatly increasing collision risks.
- Driver Behavior: Reckless driving, speeding, impaired driving (including alcohol or drugs), and distracted driving (texting, calls, navigation) continue to be leading causes of pile-ups.
Statistics & Facts: Why Pile‑Up Awareness Matters
According to the latest data from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), recent statistics reveal just how widespread and deadly multi-vehicle accidents can be:
Texas Traffic Trends (2024)
- Approximately 4,150 people died in motor vehicle crashes statewide—a 3.3% decrease from 2023—but the toll still remains high.
- There were 14,905 serious-injury crashes, 18,218 serious injuries, with an overall total of 251,977 injuries reported.
- On average, a serious crash occurred every 57 seconds and an injury every 2 minutes and 5 seconds.
- The fatality rate was 1.35 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled.
National Traffic Safety (2024)
- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates 39,345 traffic fatalities in 2024
- The traffic fatality rate is about 1.18–1.27 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled, from 2023–2024.
- In the first half of 2024, 18,720 fatalities occurred.
- From 2005–2021, over 138 fatal crashes involved 10+ vehicles. Multi-vehicle pile-ups are 100 times more likely to cause five or more deaths than smaller crashes.
- Peak times for fatal pile-ups in the U.S. are 7–8 am and 2–7 pm, highlighting rush-hour vulnerability.
Essential Summer Road Safety Tips
Stay safer this summer by keeping these crucial driving habits:
- Maintain Safe Distances: Allow at least 3–4 seconds between your vehicle and others.
- Adapt to Conditions: Slow down significantly during poor weather or when passing through construction zones.
- Stay Focused: Avoid distractions like phones, navigation systems, or overly loud music.
- Anticipate Sudden Stops: Be prepared for unexpected braking, particularly in heavy traffic.
- Stay Weather-Informed: Check weather forecasts and prepare accordingly before starting long journeys.
What to Do Immediately Following a Multi-Vehicle Crash
Knowing the immediate steps to take after being involved in a pile-up is essential:
- Stay Safe and Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Activate hazard lights, assess injuries, and contact emergency services.
- Document Everything: Take photos of vehicles and vehicle positions, signs, property damage, road conditions, licenses plates, witnesses, driver’s licenses, insurance information, police officers, and EMS.
- Collect Witness Information: Secure the names and contact details of eyewitnesses.
- Obtain Accident and Police Reports: These will be vital in determining fault and supporting your claim.
- Contact an Experienced Attorney: Immediate legal advice can significantly impact the outcome of your case.
Why Choose Perkins & Perkins Trial Attorneys
At Perkins & Perkins, we handle a wide range of personal injury cases—including car crashes, multi-vehicle collisions, 18-wheeler accidents, and wrongful death claims. While our practice encompasses many types of injury claims, we have developed meaningful experience to navigate the complexities of pile-up cases when they arise. Our firm prioritizes:
- Thorough Investigation: Meticulously gathering evidence, including official reports and eyewitness accounts.
- Skilled Legal Representation: Collaborating with qualified professionals and experts to analyze the accident scene and help clarify how the crash occurred.
- Client Advocacy: Strongly negotiating with insurance companies and representing your interests in court.
- Comprehensive Support: Guiding you compassionately through every step of the legal process.
Final Thoughts
Summer should be about enjoyable journeys, not tragic accidents. Being well-informed and prepared can make all the difference. If you or someone you love is involved in a multi-vehicle pile-up, the team at Perkins & Perkins Trial Attorneys is ready to help. Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward peace of mind and justice.
Citations
Texas and National Traffic Statistics:
- Texas Department of Transportation. Texas Motor Vehicle Traffic Crash Facts: Calendar Year 2024. www.txdot.gov/driver/safety/crash-statistics.html. Accessed 9 June 2025.
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Early Estimates of Motor Vehicle Traffic Fatalities for the First Half of 2024. www.nhtsa.gov/press-releases/early-estimate-2024-traffic-fatalities. Accessed 9 June 2025.
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS). www.nhtsa.gov/research-data/fatality-analysis-reporting-system-fars. Accessed 9 June 2025.
Crash Reports and News Sources:
- Gonzalez, Megan. “Timeline: Deadly Multi-Vehicle I-35 Crash Involving Amazon Truck in Austin.” MySanAntonio, 14 Mar. 2025, www.mysanantonio.com/news/austin/article/deadly-i35-crash-austin-timeline-20222305.php.
- Ramirez, Jessica. “3 Killed in Hill Country Motorcycle Crash; SUV Driver Faces Charges.” San Antonio Express-News, 6 May 2025, www.expressnews.com/hill-country/article/hill-country-crash-three-dead-kerr-county-20310824.php.
- Thompson, Clay. “Family of Three Killed in Milam County Pile-Up.” KWTX News, 1 Apr. 2025, www.kwtx.com/2025/04/01/family-of-three-killed-in-milam-county-pile-up/.
- KRIS 6 News Staff. “Westbound Lanes of JFK Causeway Closed after Four-Car Crash.” KRIS 6 News, 6 June 2025, www.kristv.com/news/local-news/westbound-lanes-of-jfk-closed-due-to-multiple-vehicle-crash.
- Lopez, Marc. “One Killed in Odessa Head-On Collision with Semi.” Midland Reporter-Telegram, 6 June 2025, www.mrt.com/news/article/odessa-fatal-tractor-trailer-crash-20367412.php.
