Texas Accident & Injury News
18-wheelers are more likely to catch fire after an accident than a passenger vehicle.
18-Wheeler Catches Fire and Shuts Down I-35 Between Jarrell and Georgetown
According to a News4SanAntonio report, an 18-wheeler transporting beef brisket to Canada caught fire on I-35 Tuesday morning.¹
Jarrell Fire/Rescue reported the incident happened at around 5 a.m. on Tuesday, September 9th, on I-35 North just south of the Ronald Reagan Boulevard bridge. The driver had reportedly pulled over to check a potential problem with the trailer when he discovered a fire in the brakes. By the time firefighters arrived, the trailer was fully engulfed in flames.
Crews worked quickly to control the fire and clear the scene. No injuries were reported. All lanes of I-35 were temporarily shut down, but soon after, two were reopened, and traffic was redirected.
Did You Know?
There have been 12,115 18-wheelers involved in accidents across Texas so far this year.²
Why 18-Wheeler Fires Are So Dangerous
When an 18-wheeler catches fire, the risks are much greater than with a typical passenger vehicle. Large trucks carry thousands of pounds of cargo, fuel, and complex mechanical systems, which can quickly escalate even a small fire.
Truck fires often result in:
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Traffic shutdowns that last hours or more, stranding commuters and delaying emergency responders.
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Severe property damage, not only to the truck but also to surrounding vehicles or nearby infrastructure.
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Life-threatening injuries or fatalities, especially if other drivers are trapped in traffic close to the fire.
The Jarrell fire may have ended without injuries, but it underscores how critical regular inspections and maintenance are in preventing these events.
Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Fires
Several factors can cause or contribute to commercial truck fires:
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Brake malfunctions — Overheated or poorly maintained brakes are a leading cause, especially with heavy loads.
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Electrical issues — Faulty wiring, battery problems, or shorts can spark fires inside the cab or trailer.
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Fuel leaks — Diesel or hydraulic fluid is highly flammable if it comes into contact with heat.
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Tire blowouts — Overheated tires or bearings can ignite if not addressed quickly.
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Cargo problems — Improperly stored or flammable cargo can catch fire if not handled with care.
In this case, investigators linked the cause to brake issues—a reminder of how even a single mechanical failure can spark a dangerous situation.
Legal Considerations After a Truck Fire
When a commercial truck fire results in injuries or damages, figuring out liability can be complex. Potentially responsible parties may include:
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The trucking company, if poor maintenance or ignored inspections caused the fire.
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The manufacturer, if defective brakes, tires, or electrical systems were to blame.
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Third-party repair services, if recent inspections or repairs were performed incorrectly.
For accident victims, navigating these cases can be challenging, as multiple insurers and parties are often involved. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help investigate the cause and determine whether negligence played a role.
Safety Tips for Driving Near 18-Wheelers
While you can’t prevent a truck fire, you can reduce your risk of being affected by:
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Keeping a safe distance from large trucks in case of sudden emergencies.
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Avoiding blind spots, especially along the right side or behind trailers.
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Watching for warning signs such as sparks, smoke, or unusual odors coming from a truck.
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Reporting unsafe trucks to authorities when observed on the highway.
Injured in an 18-Wheeler Accident in Texas? Call Shaw.
If you or a loved one was hurt in an accident involving a commercial truck in Texas, you may be entitled to compensation for:
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Ambulance Costs
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ER Treatment
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Pain and Suffering
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Property Damage
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Missed Work
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And More
We’ll help you find out if you have a case—for free.
Call Shaw today at 800-862-1260 to schedule your free case evaluation with an experienced 18-wheeler accident lawyer in Texas. No fees, no obligations—just the expert legal advice you need.
Carabin Shaw has been a trusted name in San Antonio and across Texas for more than 32 years because we put our clients first. We look forward to serving you.