Incident Overview
On the night of Friday, July 25, 2025, a serious commercial vehicle accident occurred at the intersection of Highway 59 and Loop 390 in Marshall, Texas. Authorities say an 18-wheeler ran a red light, colliding with a pickup truck towing an empty horse trailer.
The two occupants of the pickup truck sustained injuries and were transported to a local hospital. Their conditions have not been released. Meanwhile, a significant diesel spill from the 18-wheeler flowed onto the roadway and into a nearby drainage ditch, prompting a hazardous materials cleanup led by Lone Star Hazmat.
The truck’s driver, Kenneth Janowski, 59, of Linden, Texas, was arrested at the scene. He is charged with two counts of intoxication assault with a vehicle, a felony under Texas law. Janowski was booked into the Harrison County Jail, and the incident remains under investigation by the Marshall Police Department.
Potential Causes and Contributing Factors
The incident highlights the dangers of an 18-wheeler running a red light. Preliminary reports indicate that the 18-wheeler allegedly ran a red light, a violation that often results in high-impact crashes due to the crossing paths of vehicles. However, what makes this case especially egregious is the driver’s alleged intoxication at the time of the collision. In Texas, commercial drivers are held to strict legal standards, and operating an 18-wheeler while under the influence constitutes a serious offense.
If verified, Janowski’s conduct may support claims for gross negligence and potentially punitive damages in civil litigation. Cases involving intoxicated commercial drivers also raise questions about pre-trip inspection protocols, supervision by the trucking company, and failures in screening or training.
Legal teams will likely examine black box data from the 18-wheeler to determine speed, braking activity, and seat belt usage. Investigators may also scrutinize driver logs and potential violations of hours of service regulations that help prevent driver fatigue — a major contributing factor in many commercial vehicle accidents.
The possibility of trucking company liability, poor supervision, or systemic safety failures may also open the door for broader claims beyond the driver’s personal conduct.
Risks and Safety Considerations
When commercial trucks are operated negligently or recklessly, the risk to others on the road increases dramatically. In this incident, the 18-wheeler’s alleged red-light violation and intoxication created a situation where serious and catastrophic injuries were nearly inevitable.
Even when traveling at moderate speeds, the sheer size and weight of an 18-wheeler can cause crushing damage to smaller vehicles. Victims may suffer injuries such as spinal trauma, broken bones, internal bleeding, or traumatic brain injury. In many cases, the long-term medical impact is life-altering.
The diesel fuel spill involved in this crash also posed a secondary danger. Spilled fuel can ignite, cause toxic exposure, or contribute to environmental harm. The involvement of hazardous materials cleanup specialists underscores the gravity of the situation.
Victims may also face substantial financial challenges after such an incident. In addition to medical bills, they may incur future medical expenses, loss of income, and long-term rehabilitation costs. Legal claims can help address these needs by pursuing full economic damages as well as non-economic damages such as pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
Legal Rights and Options for Crash Victims
Victims of trucking accidents in Texas have the right to pursue compensation when another party’s negligence causes injury. In situations involving intoxicated driving, additional remedies may be available. Civil lawsuits can hold both the driver and, in some cases, the trucking company accountable — especially if there were failures in hiring, training, or monitoring practices.
An experienced truck accident attorney can launch a full investigation into the crash, preserve critical evidence, and build a case that reflects the full scope of the harm. This may include expert reviews of accident reconstruction data, black box downloads, medical evaluations, and corporate safety records.
Whether you were a driver, passenger, or family member of someone injured in a trucking accident, understanding your legal rights is crucial. Victims should also be aware of the statute of limitations, which limits how long they have to file a claim after an accident occurs.
Legal Help After a Texas 18-Wheeler Accident
Crashes involving 18-wheelers often result in devastating injuries, financial burdens, and long-term disruptions to your life. When these incidents are caused by impaired, reckless, or fatigued drivers, victims deserve justice and full compensation.
The Spagnoletti Law Firm can help victims and families recover damages after trucking accidents, including those involving intoxication, hazardous spills, and regulatory violations. Our hazardous material accident lawyers understand the complexity of commercial vehicle claims and how to hold drivers and trucking companies accountable under Texas law.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler crash, don’t wait to explore your legal options. Call 713-804-9306 today for a free and confidential consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. Let us help you understand your rights, protect your claim, and begin the process of seeking the compensation you deserve.