North Texas drivers know winter weather here is different from that in other parts of the country. We don’t always get heavy snow—but we do get sudden freezing temperatures, refreeze overnight, and patches of black ice that turn highways into danger zones in seconds.
That’s exactly what happened this week in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, where icy conditions contributed to multiple crashes across the Metroplex. One of the most significant incidents occurred in Grapevine, where two 18-wheelers collided on West Highway 114, prompting authorities to close lanes while crews cleared the scene.
Even when injuries aren’t immediately reported, collisions involving commercial trucks can create major risks for nearby drivers—and can leave victims dealing with property loss, injuries, and insurance headaches long after the road reopens.
What Happened on W Highway 114 in Grapevine?
According to early reports, emergency responders were called out around 3:40 a.m. to a multi-vehicle crash in the eastbound lanes of W Highway 114 in Grapevine. The crash involved two 18-wheelers.
Authorities indicated that one tractor-trailer likely lost control due to icy conditions, and a second 18-wheeler crashed in the same area shortly after—an example of how dangerous winter chain-reaction wrecks can be on elevated highways.
The eastbound highway lanes were closed while crews worked the scene, removed the trucks, and made the area safe for drivers.
At the same time, nearby cities such as Irving reported multiple icy-road incidents, with police urging drivers to slow down—especially along corridors like SH 183, where bridges and flyovers freeze quickly and unpredictably.
Why North Texas Roads Become So Dangerous in Winter
Unlike roads in the northern states, DFW roads aren’t built for prolonged winter conditions. When temperatures dip below freezing after moisture has already settled on roadways, ice can form fast—especially on:
- bridges and overpasses
- shaded stretches of highway
- flyovers and elevated ramps
- areas with lingering runoff from earlier precipitation
The most dangerous type of winter ice is black ice, which blends into the pavement and often looks like nothing more than wet asphalt. Drivers may not realize they’ve hit ice until their vehicle starts sliding—often at highway speeds.
And when heavy commercial trucks are involved, the danger multiplies. An 18-wheeler requires significantly more distance to stop, and any loss of traction can cause jackknifing, lane blockages, and secondary collisions.
Who Is Responsible for an Ice-Related Crash?
A common myth is that “weather accidents are nobody’s fault.” That’s not how Texas law works.
Even in icy conditions, drivers are still required to operate safely and adjust for road hazards. That includes slowing down, increasing following distance, and driving cautiously based on conditions—not just the posted speed limit.
For commercial truck drivers and trucking companies, expectations can be even higher. Truck drivers are professionally trained and are expected to use extreme caution in hazardous weather. If conditions are too dangerous to continue safely, they may be required to reduce speed significantly—or stop operating until it is safe.
In multi-vehicle crashes involving 18-wheelers, liability may fall on:
- the truck driver
- the trucking company
- a maintenance provider (tires/brakes issues)
- a cargo loader (overweight or shifting load)
- another driver who triggered the chain reaction
These cases often become complex quickly—especially when insurers begin pointing fingers.
What to Do After an Ice-Related Crash in DFW
If you’re involved in a winter collision in Grapevine, Irving, or anywhere in the DFW area, take these steps as soon as possible:
- Call 911 and request police/EMS
- Move to safety if vehicles can be moved off active lanes
- Take photos/video of:
- road conditions (ice patches, bridge deck)
- vehicle damage and positions
- skid marks and debris
- Exchange information with all drivers involved
- Get witness contact info if anyone stopped
- Seek medical attention, even if symptoms feel minor
- Avoid giving recorded statements to insurers until you understand your rights
If an 18-wheeler was involved, it’s especially important to act quickly because critical evidence can disappear fast.
Why Truck Crash Evidence Matters (and Why Time Is Everything)
Commercial trucks often have valuable electronic evidence that can help prove what really happened, including:
- dash cam footage
- GPS location and speed tracking
- braking data
- “black box” (ECM) records
- driver logs and dispatch instructions
The problem? Much of this data can be overwritten within days or weeks.
That’s why victims should speak with a truck accident attorney early—before the trucking company controls the narrative.
How The Burkett Law Firm Helps After Icy Road and 18-Wheeler Accidents
When a serious crash happens, victims are often left dealing with pain, car repairs, missed work, and aggressive insurance adjusters—while trucking companies and commercial insurers move fast to protect themselves.
At The Burkett Law Firm, we help injury victims throughout Texas pursue compensation after serious motor vehicle accidents, including:
- icy-road crashes
- chain-reaction highway wrecks
- commercial truck accidents
- wrongful death claims
- catastrophic injury cases
Our team can step in quickly to:
- investigate the crash
- preserve trucking evidence before it’s lost
- obtain the police report and records
- handle insurance communications
- calculate damages (medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering)
- negotiate aggressively—or take the case to court if needed
Talk to a Texas Injury Lawyer Today
If you were injured in a crash involving icy roads or an 18-wheeler in North Texas, you don’t have to deal with the insurance process alone.
The Burkett Law Firm can help you understand your options, protect your claim, and pursue the compensation you deserve.
