Austin's freight traffic is concentrated on I-35, one of the most congested highways in Texas, along with the SH-130 toll road that lets through trucks bypass the city.
Travis County commercial vehicle crashes in 2024
Statewide, Texas recorded 39,393 crashes involving a commercial motor vehicle in 2024, with 608 people killed. Travis County accounted for 1.6% of them.
Source: TxDOT, Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) Involved Crashes and Injuries by County, 2024. "Commercial motor vehicle" includes large trucks, truck-tractors and buses.
High-risk freight corridors in Austin
| Road | Why it matters for truck traffic |
|---|---|
| I-35 | The only interstate through Austin and the main truck route between San Antonio and Dallas–Fort Worth. TxDOT's I-35 Capital Express projects are rebuilding long stretches of it. |
| SH-130 | A toll road east of Austin that runs parallel to I-35 and is used by through trucks. |
| US-183 | A north–south route through east and north Austin, recently rebuilt with toll lanes. |
| US-290 and SH-71 | East–west routes linking Austin with Houston and with the Hill Country and Bastrop. |
Who writes the crash report
The agency that responded to the crash writes the Texas Peace Officer's Crash Report (CR-3). In and around Austin, that is usually one of:
- Austin Police Department
- Travis County Sheriff's Office
- Texas Department of Public Safety (Highway Patrol)
Whichever agency wrote it, CR-3 reports are sold through TxDOT's online system for $6, or $8 for a certified copy. Use the crash report finder for step-by-step instructions.
Courts that hear truck accident cases from Austin
- Travis County civil district courts (Austin)
- U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, Austin Division
Most injury lawsuits against trucking companies are filed in state district court in the county where the crash happened, or where a defendant is based. Some are moved to federal court when the parties are from different states. Texas has special trial rules for commercial vehicle cases. See CPRC Chapter 72.
Things to know about Austin truck crashes
- Work zones change lane layouts often. Crash reports may note construction as a contributing factor, and TxDOT project records can become evidence.
How a Austin truck crash lawsuit works
Most truck accident claims settle without a trial, but when a lawsuit is filed in Travis County it usually follows these stages:
- Investigation and preservation. Evidence such as ELD logs, engine (black box) data, dashcam video and maintenance records is identified, and a preservation letter is sent so the trucking company keeps it.
- Claim and demand. Medical treatment is documented, and a demand is made to the trucking company's insurer. Many cases settle here. See the truck accident claim process.
- Filing the petition. If the case doesn't settle, a petition is filed in district court, within the two-year deadline.
- Discovery. Both sides exchange documents and take depositions of drivers, safety managers and experts.
- Mediation. Texas courts commonly order mediation before trial, and many cases settle there.
- Trial. Commercial vehicle cases can be split into two phases under CPRC Chapter 72, with fault decided first.
After a truck crash in Austin
- Get medical care and keep every record. What to do after a truck accident.
- Note the trucking company's name and USDOT number from the cab door, then check its safety record.
- Order the CR-3 crash report once it's available.
- Work out your filing deadline, especially if a city or county vehicle was involved.
- If you're considering a lawyer, read how to choose a truck accident lawyer.
Other Texas cities
Houston · Dallas · San Antonio · Fort Worth · El Paso