A serious truck crash shut down northbound Interstate 35 near Hewitt, Texas, on Monday afternoon after a commercial truck reportedly ran a stop sign and crashed into a concrete barrier before being struck by another vehicle, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
The collision occurred around 3:00 p.m. on December 15, 2025, near mile marker 328. DPS reported that a Freightliner truck traveling westbound on Surrey Ridge Lane failed to stop at a stop sign at the intersection with the northbound Interstate 35 frontage road. The truck crossed the median, entered the main lanes of I-35, and struck a concrete wall. Shortly afterward, a Dodge Durango collided with the truck.
Both drivers were transported to a local hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening. No fatalities were reported.
Traffic Disruptions Following the Crash
The crash forced the closure of all northbound lanes of Interstate 35 for several hours while crews worked to secure the scene and remove damaged vehicles. Authorities diverted traffic off I-35 south of Moonlight Road and warned drivers to expect delays of up to four hours. The roadway was later reopened once cleanup operations were completed.
Failure to Yield and Intersection Risks for Commercial Trucks
According to DPS, the initial cause of the crash involved a truck running a stop sign at a frontage road intersection. Incidents like this frequently raise questions about failing to yield, which is a known risk factor in serious 18-wheeler collisions—particularly where frontage roads intersect with high-speed interstate traffic.
Large commercial trucks require longer stopping distances and precise maneuvering, and when traffic controls are ignored or missed, the consequences can be severe for both the truck driver and surrounding motorists.
Commercial Truck Traffic and Crash Risks Near Waco
Hewitt sits just south of Waco and along one of the busiest freight corridors in Texas. The volume of commercial traffic in this area contributes to the ongoing risks of 18-wheeler accidents in Waco, especially at intersections connecting frontage roads, service lanes, and interstate ramps.
Crashes involving large trucks in these areas often result in extended road closures, secondary collisions, and significant disruption to regional traffic flow.
Investigating Truck Crashes on Major Highways
When a commercial vehicle crosses into interstate lanes and strikes fixed objects or other vehicles, investigators typically review multiple factors, including driver actions, roadway design, and vehicle condition. Evidence such as scene photographs, vehicle damage, and crash reports can be critical in determining how and why the collision occurred.
In some cases, investigators may also review whether proper pre-trip inspection procedures were followed to ensure the truck was operating safely before entering the roadway.
Legal Considerations After an 18-Wheeler Crash
Collisions involving commercial trucks can result in serious injuries and complex legal questions, even when injuries are initially reported as non-life-threatening. These cases often involve multiple parties, including drivers, trucking companies, and insurers, and require careful review of available evidence.
Anyone injured in an 18-wheeler accident may have the right to pursue compensation depending on the facts of the crash and applicable law.
Speak With a Truck Accident Attorney
Truck crashes on major highways like Interstate 35 can have lasting physical, financial, and emotional consequences. Understanding your rights and options early is important.
Spagnoletti Law Firm represents individuals injured in serious commercial vehicle accidents across Texas. A truck accident attorney can help evaluate what happened, preserve key evidence, and explain potential next steps in the litigation process.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, call 713-804-9306 or contact us online to arrange a confidential consultation.