On October 7, 2025, an 18-wheeler struck a concrete wall and jackknifed on Interstate 35 southbound near mile marker 303 in Temple, Texas, partially hanging over a bridge railing, police said. Officers arrived Tuesday evening to find fuel and oil spilled across travel lanes. One person was transported to a hospital with minor injuries. Southbound traffic was diverted for several hours while crews contained the spill, uprighted the truck, and cleared debris.
Temple Police said the department’s Traffic Reconstruction Unit is reviewing the incident. Officials have not released additional details about what led up to the crash.
FAQ: How Do Investigators Reconstruct an I-35 Jackknife?
What data do they pull from the truck?
Reconstruction teams typically download ECM/EDR “black box” data to analyze speed, throttle, braking, and stability-control activity in the moments before impact. Those traces help confirm whether evasive maneuvers or control-loss thresholds were crossed, and they can corroborate or challenge witness accounts. See how black box data fits into a trucking investigation.
Why do mixers and tractor-trailers jackknife?
Jackknifes often stem from sudden braking, load shift, or traction loss that causes the trailer to swing out of alignment with the tractor. Investigators compare scene marks and component inspections with telemetry to map the sequence. Learn more about the risks of a jackknife accident.
What role do road geometry and barriers play?
Bridge decks, curves, and concrete barriers can reduce recovery room. Teams document grade, radius, and sightlines to see whether the driver had space or time to stabilize the unit before contact with the wall.
Does the investigation look beyond the driver?
Yes. Carrier dispatch timing, maintenance records, and pre-trip documentation are reviewed alongside the driver’s account to evaluate equipment condition and operational factors.
Speak With an 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer
If you or a family member were injured in a crash involving an 18-wheeler, an experienced 18-wheeler accident lawyer can help protect your rights and preserve time-sensitive proof. Spagnoletti Law Firm offers confidential consultations with a truck accident lawyer who can explain options in plain English and outline immediate next steps—such as sending a targeted preservation letter to secure ECM/EDR data, dash-cam video, load tickets, and carrier communications as the litigation process moves forward.
Our personal injury lawyers handle serious roadway injury cases connected to commercial carriers. To speak with a lawyer about a similar incident, call 713-804-9306 or contact us online.