Fort Worth, TX 133-Vehicle Pileup
Last Thursday morning, a catastrophic 133-vehicle pileup occurred on I-35W near downtown Fort Worth. The fatal chain-reaction crash has claimed six lives, and injured dozens. There are many questions that remain unanswered about this massive crash and if the crews responsible for treating the road bear responsibility.
Car accident lawyer Roger "Rocky" Walton would like to review the facts of the crash as they stand. If you or a loved one has been affected by the I-35W pileup, the team at our Arlington, TX, law firm can discuss potential legal action as the investigation into the accident continues.
The Details of the 133-vehicle Pileup
The crash was reported just after 6am on Thursday, February 11. Multiple cars, passenger trucks, and tractor-trailers lost control and continued to collide with one another. Mangled vehicles, some on top of each other, stretched along the southbound TEXPress lanes of I-35W during the morning rush hour commute.
Given the sheer number of vehicles involved, the pileup spanned roughly half a mile. By Thursday afternoon, trapped motorists were finally freed from their vehicles. The Dallas Morning News reported that 13 ambulances, 26 fire department vehicles, and 80 police vehicles responded to the crash.
Multiple Injuries and Fatalities
As of this writing, six people died as a result of injuries sustained in the pileup. In addition, 65 others were injured and treated at hospitals in the area. Given the time of the accident, it appears that no children were harmed in the crash.
Zavadsky noted that other drivers and passengers involved in the pileup may seek medical attention in the days after the collision as the effects of the crash become apparent.
What Caused the Multi-vehicle Auto Accident?
Authorities state that icy road conditions were a contributing factor to the collision. MedStar spokesman Matt Zavadsky noted that the roadway was so icy that several first responders fell while at the scene of the pileup. (For context, MedStar provides ambulance services to the area.)
On the same day as the 133-vehicle pileup, there were at least three other auto accident fatalities in the Dallas area caused by icy roads and black ice.
Who Was Liable for the Accident?
This remains to be seen. North Tarrant Express claims that its maintenance crews treated and spot-treated corridors last Tuesday in anticipation of icy roads and the winter weather. At a press conference on the day of the crash, Fort Worth Police Chief Neil Noakes said he would look into details about roads being salted.
Last Friday, Texas House Committee on Transportation Chair Terry Canales released a statement calling for a full investigation into the crash. “I have spoken to state legislators from the region,” Canales’ statement reads. “They expressed concerns that this roadway may not have been sufficiently pre-treated for icy weather prior to the event.”
Canales wants the Texas Department of Transportation and the Texas Department of Public Safety to be involved in the investigation.
Investigation into the Crash Continues
As we continue to learn more about the pileup and its causes, we will be sure to provide updates as they emerge. If you or a loved one was affected by the I-35W collision, you can discuss your experiences with the team at our Arlington law firm.
Speak with a Skilled Auto Accident Lawyer
For more information about your legal options following a car accident, we encourage you to contact our law firm online. You can also reach our Arlington law offices by phone at (817) 429-4299.
