Fort Worth I-35W South Freeway Multi-Vehicle Crash on Oct. 3 Involving Robert Griffin III Under Investigation

What we know about the Fort Worth South Freeway crash on Oct. 3

A serious multi-vehicle crash occurred late Friday morning in south Fort Worth, Texas, involving a Mercedes Sprinter van carrying Fox Sports analyst Robert Griffin III, his wife, and their children. Public statements following the incident indicate the crash was violent, with the van striking the highway divider multiple times and sustaining significant front-end damage. Images posted after the event show a separate white sedan heavily damaged and blocking several lanes. First responders transported at least one person from the scene with injuries that were not immediately specified. The family expressed relief that their children were safe.

According to information attributed to the Fort Worth Police Department, units responded to the area near the 6400 block of South Freeway at approximately 11:48 a.m. local time for a major crash reportedly involving four vehicles. Officers located three vehicles on arrival; one vehicle had left before officers arrived. The incident remains under investigation, and additional details about the causes and sequence of impacts have not been publicly released.

In the aftermath of any multi-vehicle highway collision, it is common for law enforcement and crash reconstruction personnel to document skid marks, impact points, final rest positions, vehicle damage patterns, and any available video. Those elements help determine how the crash unfolded and who should be held financially responsible under Texas civil law.

Where and when it happened

The reported location is the 6400 block of South Freeway in Fort Worth. Locally, this corridor is part of Interstate 35W, a high-volume interstate with fast-moving traffic and complex merging in several segments. The call time was about 11:48 a.m. on a Friday, a period that can see a mix of commuter traffic, commercial vehicles, and midday congestion. The combination of speed, lane changes, and reaction time can make even a momentary lapse or sudden hazard escalate into multi-vehicle impacts.

When crashes occur on high-speed corridors, secondary collisions are a concern. Vehicles stopped or disabled can be struck again unless traffic is quickly diverted, which is why you often see multiple law enforcement and medical units arriving rapidly to secure the scene.

Why multi-vehicle highway crashes are so dangerous

On an interstate, vehicle speeds translate into high energy on impact. When a car ricochets off a divider or is struck in succession, occupants may experience multiple force vectors in a short time. That raises the risk of:

• Secondary impacts that can cause additional injuries even after the initial collision.
• Airbag sequencing across frontal and side systems, which may deploy at different times and angles.
• Compartment intrusion in one vehicle while another sustains primarily cosmetic damage, creating different injury profiles within the same event.
• Occupant kinematics such as whiplash, head strikes, and belt-loading injuries that are not always visible immediately.

Children in car seats and pregnant occupants require particular attention. Even in a “walk-away” crash, medical evaluation is prudent because certain injuries, including concussions or internal injuries, may emerge hours to days later.

How liability is determined in Texas multi-vehicle collisions

Texas uses proportionate responsibility to apportion fault among drivers. In a chain-reaction or multiple-impact event, investigators consider factors such as following distance, lane discipline, speed relative to conditions, and whether a driver created a sudden hazard. Civil responsibility can be shared by more than one driver, and each may be responsible for the portion of harm that matches their percentage of fault.

Under Texas law, a person who is 51 percent or more responsible for causing the crash cannot recover damages from others for their injuries. This concept is known as the 51 percent bar. See Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Chapter 33 on proportionate responsibility for statutory guidance at the official site of Texas statutes: Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code ch. 33.

In practice, liability is established through a combination of the police crash report, eyewitness accounts, physical evidence, any available dash-cam or traffic camera footage, vehicle event data recorder information, and expert analysis when needed. Insurance carriers rely heavily on these materials when deciding fault and evaluating claims.

When a driver leaves the scene: civil paths forward

Authorities indicated that one of the involved vehicles left the scene before officers arrived. Beyond the law enforcement investigation, a driver’s departure complicates the civil resolution because liability and insurance information are missing. If an unidentified driver contributed to the crash and cannot be located, claims may proceed under uninsured motorist provisions if that coverage is in place and the facts support it.

Even without identifying all participants, civil claims can move forward against known at-fault parties. In parallel, counsel often pursues sources of video such as nearby businesses, transit cameras, or dash-cam footage from involved and witness vehicles to help identify additional vehicles, clarify the sequence of impacts, and corroborate how the crash occurred.

Immediate health considerations for adults, children, and pregnant occupants

After a high-energy crash, it is important that every occupant receives attention from medical professionals. Considerations include:

• Delayed-onset symptoms: Headaches, dizziness, neck and back pain, abdominal tenderness, or changes in mood and sleep can appear hours or days later. Timely medical assessment documents the link between the crash and symptoms, which is crucial for both health and any claim.
• Pediatric evaluation: Children may not describe pain clearly. Pediatric providers check for seat-belt syndromes, head injury signs, and abdominal or chest injuries that can be subtle.
• Pregnancy-specific care: Even if the pregnant person feels normal, providers often recommend monitoring because certain conditions can develop without immediate symptoms.
• Car seat replacement: Federal safety guidance advises replacing child safety seats after a moderate or severe crash. For conservative safety practice, many families replace seats after any crash. See the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s safety resources at NHTSA.

Keep all discharge instructions and receipts. These will help care providers track recovery and help document losses for insurance purposes.

Records to gather and who to call in Fort Worth and across Texas

Collecting official records helps families understand what happened and supports any insurance claim. In Fort Worth and Texas generally, the following sources are key. Where possible, we include official government links so readers can confirm details or start the request process.

Police crash report and supplemental records

• Texas crash report (CR-3): In Texas, officer-written crash reports are maintained at the state level. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) provides information about obtaining crash reports and records. Visit TxDOT to learn about crash records access: TxDOT. Statutory rules governing release of crash reports are in the Transportation Code at Tex. Transp. Code § 550.065.
• Fort Worth Police Department (FWPD) records: In addition to the CR-3, there may be related offense/incident reports, photographs, or supplements. The City of Fort Worth’s open records portal provides instructions for requesting city records: City of Fort Worth Open Records. FWPD information is available through the city website: Fort Worth Police Department.

EMS and 911 records

• 911 audio and CAD logs: Call recordings and dispatch logs may be available via the City of Fort Worth’s public information process. These can help establish timing and initial observations.
• EMS patient care reports: Emergency medical services often generate a report documenting assessments and vitals. These can typically be requested with proper authorization from the EMS provider or via the city/county records process, depending on the agency involved.

Hospital and medical records

• Emergency department records: Ask the hospital’s Health Information Management or Release of Information department for visit summaries, imaging, and physician notes. Keep copies of all bills and Explanation of Benefits statements.
• Follow-up care: Primary care, orthopedics, neurology, physical therapy, and behavioral health records may be relevant. Maintain a centralized file to track providers and dates of service.

Towing and vehicle inspection

• Tow yard records: Obtain the tow receipt and the name of the storage facility. Take photographs of the vehicle at the yard if safe and permitted.
• Event Data Recorder (EDR) data: Many vehicles, including vans and passenger cars, contain EDRs that can preserve speed, throttle, braking, and belt-use data for seconds before impact. If you plan to pursue a claim, discuss preserving EDR data promptly because some vehicles overwrite or lose data when batteries are disconnected or after certain key cycles.

If a fatality occurs in a similar incident

• Medical examiner: In Tarrant County, the Medical Examiner’s Office handles autopsies and records in death investigations. For general information about services and records, visit the county’s official site: Tarrant County Medical Examiner.

While fatalities were not reported by the family in this event, families coping with loss in other incidents can obtain guidance and certified records through the medical examiner’s office as part of understanding what happened and to manage necessary affairs.

Preserving evidence from vehicles and the roadway

In crash cases, evidence can degrade quickly. Consider the following steps to protect information while the facts are still fresh:

• Photograph everything: Vehicles, seatbelts, deployed airbags, child seats, personal items, visible injuries, and roadway landmarks or debris fields if you have safe access.
• Secure dash-cam files: Copy videos to two separate devices or cloud storage and keep the original SD card intact to preserve metadata.
• Identify witnesses: Save names, phone numbers, and license plates of any witnesses who stopped.
• Request nearby video: Businesses along the highway frontage, highway cameras, and transit facilities may have footage, but many systems overwrite within days. Acting quickly is important.
• Send preservation letters: If counsel is involved, they can issue spoliation or preservation notices to other drivers, tow yards, and insurers requesting that vehicles, EDR data, and relevant records not be altered or destroyed.

Insurance coverages that may apply under Texas law

Several types of insurance may be implicated in a multi-vehicle collision, depending on the facts and the coverages purchased. State law sets the framework for what insurers must offer and how fault affects compensation. The following is general information based on Texas law and consumer guidance.

Liability coverage of at-fault drivers

Texas requires drivers to demonstrate financial responsibility, commonly through liability insurance. Liability coverage pays for bodily injury and property damage caused to others by the insured driver, up to policy limits. If multiple drivers share fault, each driver’s liability carrier may be responsible for a portion of the damages consistent with proportionate responsibility rules. See Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Chapter 33 at statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM)

UM/UIM coverage is offered in Texas to protect people injured by drivers who have no insurance, not enough insurance, or who flee and cannot be identified. Insurers must offer UM/UIM, and policyholders may reject it in writing if they choose not to carry it. See Texas Insurance Code provisions at Tex. Ins. Code § 1952.101. In a scenario where an involved vehicle leaves the scene and remains unidentified, UM coverage can be critical.

UM/UIM claim requirements and proofs can be nuanced, particularly in crashes involving a hit-and-run vehicle. Early consultation with counsel can help ensure the claim is documented appropriately and that deadlines are met.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Medical Payments (MedPay)

Texas insurers must offer Personal Injury Protection coverage, which can help pay medical expenses and certain non-medical costs after a crash regardless of fault, unless the coverage was rejected in writing. See Tex. Ins. Code § 1952.152. The Texas Department of Insurance also provides consumer information on auto coverages at tdi.texas.gov. MedPay, when purchased, typically covers medical expenses but not the broader categories PIP may address.

Property damage coverage and rental

Collision coverage can pay for your own vehicle’s repairs or total loss, subject to deductibles, regardless of fault. If another party is clearly at fault, their property damage liability may reimburse losses. Rental reimbursement coverage, if purchased, can help with temporary transportation while a vehicle is being repaired.

Key rights and deadlines under Texas law

Texas imposes deadlines for bringing civil claims after a crash. Missing these can jeopardize recovery, even if liability is clear. The following are core time limits from the official Texas statutes site:

• General injury claims: Two years from the date of the crash to file a civil action for personal injury. See Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.003.
• Claims by minors: Limitations can be tolled during minority for certain claims, meaning the clock may not start until the child turns 18; parents’ derivative claims for a child’s medical expenses may have different timelines. See tolling provisions at Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.001.
• Comparative responsibility: Recovery is barred if a claimant is 51 percent or more responsible. See Chapter 33.

Other deadlines may apply, including notice provisions within your own insurance policy for PIP or UM/UIM claims. Policies often require prompt notice and may have specific procedures for medical billing and authorizations.

What to do before calling an insurance company

Insurance adjusters often request recorded statements and broad medical authorizations early. While cooperation with your own insurer is generally required under policy terms, it is wise to understand your rights and obligations before speaking on the record. Consider these steps:

• Consult an attorney first: A short, free consultation can help clarify coverage, fault issues, and what to say and not say. What is shared with an insurer can be used to limit or deny a claim later.
• Gather documents: Have the police report number, photos, medical visit summaries, and witness information ready to reduce ambiguity in early communications.
• Keep communications concise: Provide facts you are certain about. Avoid speculating about speed, distances, or medical diagnoses.
• Mind medical authorizations: Broad releases can give insurers access to unrelated medical history. Ask about limiting authorizations to crash-related records.

Safety reminders for the I-35W South Freeway corridor

The South Freeway segment in Fort Worth is a busy, high-speed corridor. While every crash has unique causes, common risk factors include speed differentials during merges, distracted driving, abrupt lane changes, and sudden slowdowns near exits or construction. Safety reminders include:

• Maintain extra following distance at freeway speeds to allow time for multiple vehicles to react in sequence.
• Commit to a lane change only after scanning multiple mirrors and blind spots; anticipate differing speeds in adjacent lanes.
• Use hazard lights if disabled in a travel lane and move to a shoulder if safe. Stay behind barriers when possible to avoid secondary strikes.
• Check child restraints after any crash and follow manufacturer and federal guidance on replacement.

Even with careful driving, chain-reaction events can unfold in seconds. When they do, documenting what happened and prioritizing medical care make a meaningful difference in recovery and in any ensuing claims process.

Commentary from Gosuits Fort Worth, Texas Personal Injury Attorney

Our thoughts are with all involved in this frightening highway crash. We are grateful to hear children and parents reported being safe. This article is for general information and education, and it reflects what is publicly described at this time.

Highway crashes on South Freeway can be chaotic. The description of multiple impacts and a vehicle leaving before officers arrived highlights two recurring challenges in civil cases: proving the exact sequence of impacts and ensuring that every responsible party is identified. In Texas, responsibility can be shared among multiple drivers, and a careful analysis of physical evidence, video, and the official crash report often becomes the backbone of any insurance claim.

In our experience, insurance companies and large corporations move quickly to collect statements and shape the narrative in their favor. Adjusters may request recorded statements within hours, seek broad medical authorizations, or point to pre-existing conditions to reduce payouts. When a vehicle leaves the scene, insurers sometimes argue that forces were minor or that an unidentified driver was solely to blame, attempting to shift responsibility and minimize compensation under UM/UIM policies.

This is why a no-cost consultation can be important. It helps people understand available coverages like PIP and UM/UIM, how proportionate responsibility may be allocated, and what documentation matters most in a multi-vehicle collision. It can also help prevent common pitfalls, such as giving speculative statements or missing early notice requirements in a policy that could later affect a claim.

Call-to-Action: Why taking action now matters

Acting promptly after a multi-vehicle crash preserves vital evidence and protects legal options under Texas law. Here is what should be done and why time matters:

• Request official records: Obtain the police crash report, dispatch logs, and any available supplements. These documents often guide how insurers assign fault. Waiting can delay medical payments and vehicle repair decisions.
• Secure video and EDR data: Many businesses overwrite surveillance within days, and some vehicles overwrite event data with normal use. Early preservation can make the difference in reconstructing causation.
• Document medical care: Seek evaluation and follow treatment plans. Consistent documentation strengthens both health outcomes and claim reliability.
• Review insurance coverages: Understand PIP, UM/UIM, collision, and rental benefits. Policies often have prompt-notice requirements, and missteps early can hinder later recovery.
• Consult a seasoned, skilled advocate: A brief consultation can help clarify next steps before any recorded statements. What is said to insurers may be used to narrow or deny claims later.

These steps are time-sensitive. Texas statutes set filing deadlines for injury claims, and evidence becomes harder to recover with each passing day. Taking action now helps protect health, preserves key proof, and keeps all civil options available while the incident remains under investigation.

Helpful official resources referenced above

This article is provided solely for general informational and educational purposes. It is not intended as legal advice and should not be relied upon as such, particularly by individuals affected by the incident discussed. Reading this article does not create, nor is it intended to create, an attorney–client relationship.

An attorney–client relationship with our firm can only be established through the execution of a written contingency fee agreement signed by both the client and the law firm. If you are a victim of this incident, you should not interpret the information herein as legal advice. Instead, we strongly encourage you to contact an attorney of your choice to obtain a proper consultation tailored to your specific situation.

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