A routine commute on I-35 in Austin turned deadly on March 13, 2025, when an Amazon truck driver reportedly plowed into 19 vehicles. This massive wreck spanned ~500 feet, leaving five dead at the scene and several others with catastrophic injuries.
Now, investigators are searching for answers, looking to uncover exactly what happened—and every failure that contributed to this deadly wreck.
Here’s what we know so far, with more on:
- The Facts of March 2025 Fatal Amazon Truck Accident: What Happened?
- Early Investigations & Initial Findings
- Amazon & ZBN Transport Comment on the Deadly Accident
- Amazon Truck Accident Lawsuits Already Filed
- What’s Next?
To explore more on Amazon truck crashes, check out Will Amazon’s New Delivery Driver Tech Create More Dangers? and Fatal Amazon Truck Accident May Have Involved Reckless Driving.
Facts of the Amazon Truck Accident: What Happened?
Around 11:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 13, traffic on I-35 near Parmer Lane came to a near halt due to a highway resurfacing project. Overseen by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), this work zone funneled three lanes of traffic into one.
- Failed to decelerate
- Crashed into the line of cars
- Set off a chain-reaction big rig accident involving 19 vehicles.
Five victims, including an infant, a child, and a 78 year old, suffered fatal injuries while at least two others sustained life-threatening trauma. Eleven others received emergency medical care at Austin-area hospitals while some were treated at the scene for minor injuries.
Authorities did not specify whether the Amazon truck driver was among the injured. However, they did report that this 37-year-old was arrested immediately following the wreck.
Early Investigations & Initial Findings
Local and federal agencies, including the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Austin Police Department (APD), are working together to investigate this deadly Amazon truck accident.
Key findings authorities have made public so far include evidence of:
- Driver impairment: According to APD, the Amazon truck driver had watery, bloodshot eyes and was swaying back and forth after the accident. Though the trucker blew a 0.00 on a breathalyzer, officers suspected he was on some type of central nervous system (CNS) “depressants” at the time. CNS depressants refer to tranquilizers, sedatives, and hypnotic drugs. This led police to arrest the trucker, booking him on five counts of intoxication manslaughter and two charges of intoxication assault.
- Reckless driving: According to witnesses, video evidence, and more, the Amazon truck did not appear to slow down when approaching the work zone or the traffic stopped by it. While investigators do not know how fast the Amazon truck was traveling right before the collision, they are focused on determining the 18-wheeler’s speed by analyzing video evidence, onboard recorder data, and more.
- A history of HOS violations: According to officials at the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), the Amazon trucker had failed to comply with hours-of-service (HOS) rules several times over the 7 days preceding the crash. He also had a record of other violations, including dangerous moving violations, in the weeks prior to that.
Moving forward, investigators are focused on pinning down more details, including current unknowns, like:
- The configuration of the highway work zone: Was this roadway construction area set up properly, safely, and in total compliance? Were any crucial safety measures overlooked by TxDOT or its contractors? If so, did those oversights contribute to this Amazon truck accident?
- The motor carrier’s potential role: Did ZBN thoroughly and properly screen the trucker who caused the accident when the company hired him? Did the motor carrier sufficiently train the trucker? Did the company overschedule the trucker or create unrealistic deadlines?
- The condition of the Amazon truck: Did the brakes fail? Were any mechanical failures involved in the wreck? If so, were those the result of truck maintenance failures or equipment defects?
According to authorities, their investigations will involve ongoing coordination and highly complex work across multiple departments, with officials:
- Surveying the crash site
- Using drones to photograph the scene
- Analyzing telematic data
- Interviewing the survivors and all available witnesses
- Reviewing photos and video evidence from surveillance cameras, survivors, and witnesses
- Conducting in-depth records and regulatory reviews
Watch the video below to see the NTSB Press Conference discussing their investigation plans and answering some questions from the Austin press.
Amazon & ZBN Transport Comment on the Deadly Accident
As many eagerly await answers and accountability for this horrific Amazon truck wreck, both ZBN and Amazon have issued carefully worded statements about it.
ZBN has stated:
We are deeply saddened by the tragic accident that occurred on Interstate 35, resulting in the loss of lives and injuries. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to the families of those who passed away, as well as to those who were injured.
We are committed to working with all affected individuals and their families during this difficult time and will do everything possible to provide support and assistance.
Our company is cooperating fully with authorities as they investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident. At this time, we cannot share specific details but will provide updates as they become available
We are here to support the families and community impacted by this tragedy, and we appreciate your understanding as we navigate this sensitive and challenging time.
With similar sentiments expressed more succinctly, Amazon Spokesperson Maureen Lynch Vogel stated:
This is a horrible tragedy, and our thoughts are with all those involved. We’re cooperating with all investigations.
Amazon Truck Accident Lawsuits Already Filed
The extent of the trauma, losses, and damage resulting from this massive crash could take months or longer to fully assess. That hasn’t stopped the wheels of justice from moving forward, however.
Some victims have filed lawsuits against the trucker, ZBN Transport, and Amazon Logistics, alleging that:
- The trucker had a history of reckless driving and was impaired at the time of the crash.
- The trucker’s negligent actions were directly responsible for the chain-reaction accident involving 19 vehicles.
- ZBN Transport negligently hired the trucker, putting an unsafe driver behind the wheel.
- Amazon was negligent in contracting with ZBN Transport, failing to properly vet the carrier’s safety record before hiring ZBN to make hauls.
So far, a $50 million wrongful death lawsuit, a $100 million catastrophic injury lawsuit, and a few other complaints have already been filed. Experts expect several more filings to follow suit as more victims become aware of their legal options.
Notably, Amazon isn’t new to the realm of multi-million-dollar litigation over truck accidents associated with its contractors and delivery service partners. In recent years, Amazon has lost multiple high-stakes cases involving fatal truck wrecks, including a $105 million verdict and a $44.6 million verdict.
What’s Next?
While investigators are continuing to encourage any witnesses to this Amazon truck accident to come forward and share any information or evidence they may have, victims and the public may need to wait years for officials to release their final reports and findings from the ongoing investigations.
Whatever those findings may uncover, victims—including survivors and families who have lost a loved one in this wreck—don’t have to wait to find out about their legal rights.
Contacting an Amazon truck accident attorney can be a simple, effective way to get helpful answers about the options for justice.