Interstate 35 (I-35), a vital artery stretching from Texas through Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, and Minnesota, has become synonymous with deadly truck crashes in 2025, claiming dozens of lives amid construction zones and high-speed freight traffic. While I-35 doesn’t traverse North Carolina, its lessons in federal road liability resonate strongly here—NC’s own interstates like I-95 and I-40 mirror these hazards, with over 100 truck-related fatalities annually. This article examines recent I-35 tragedies, federal liability principles, and how NC victims can apply them to secure compensation under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) and FMCSA regulations.

Recent I-35 Fatal Truck Crashes: A 2025 Overview

I-35’s 1,568 miles facilitate massive cargo flows, but poor visibility in work zones and driver errors have fueled a spike in fatal incidents. Key 2025 crashes include:

• North Austin, TX (March 14): A Volvo 18-wheeler driven by Solomun Weldekeal-Araya plowed into 17 stopped vehicles on southbound I-35 near Parmer Lane, killing five—including an infant and child—and injuring. The truck failed to brake amid slowed traffic, sparking federal scrutiny of construction safety and the driver’s qualifications. Toxicology cleared the driver of impairment, shifting focus to carrier practices and TxDOT’s setup. 5A Travis County grand jury indicted Araya on 22 charges in September, with lawsuits targeting Amazon (his hauler) for over $100 million.

• Kansas City, MO (August 16): Two semis collided on I-35, killing one driver (unbelted) and critically injuring another in a fiery wreck. The crash highlighted fatigue and loading issues, with KHP investigating FMCSA compliance.

• New Braunfels, TX (September 2): A rollover in the 2900 block of northbound I-35 killed one and closed lanes, attributed to speed and road conditions.

These incidents echo NC’s I-95 woes, like the July 2024 Kenly pile-up killing five, where a trucker was distracted by a phone call. Federally funded interstates amplify liability when negligence occurs.

Federal Road Liability: Key Principles for Interstate Crashes

Interstates are federal-aid highways under the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), with states handling day-to-day maintenance but subject to federal standards via the Federal-Aid Highway Program. Liability splits between drivers/carriers and governments:

Driver and Carrier Liability Under FMCSA

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates interstate trucking, mandating minimum liability insurance ($750,000 for general freight; $5M for hazmat). Violations like hours-of-service breaches or negligent hiring trigger direct carrier liability via respondeat superior.

• In I-35 Cases: The Austin crash prompted FMCSA review of the driver’s history and Amazon’s protocols, including ELD data for fatigue. NC incorporates FMCSRs into state law (I.C. § 8-2.1-24-18), allowing suits for interstate ops.

Government Liability Under FTCA

Sovereign immunity shields the federal government, but the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) waives it for negligent maintenance on federal roads. States like NC may face claims via waivers for interstates.

• Road Hazards: Potholes, debris, or poor signage in construction zones (e.g., Austin’s I-35 Capital Express Project) can make USDOT or TxDOT liable if foreseeable. In NC, NCDOT handles I-95 maintenance but faces federal oversight; poor conditions contributed to 15% of 2025 crashes.
  
  

NC’s contributory negligence rule bars recovery if you’re 1% at fault, but federal claims often use comparative fault. 10 Three-year statute applies, with discovery rule for latent injuries.

Applying I-35 Lessons to North Carolina Interstate Claims

NC’s I-95, a de facto extension of I-35’s freight corridor, sees similar risks: The Kenly crash involved a fatigued driver ignoring slowed traffic near construction, killing five. 23 Federal liability principles apply:

• Carrier Deep Pockets: Sue under FMCSA for hiring failures; NC settlements average $100,000-$1M.

• Government Accountability: FTCA suits against USDOT for interstate defects; NCDOT for state segments.

• 2025 Updates: FMCSA’s AEB mandate and speed limiters heighten carrier duties, aiding claims.

Network Insight: For federal road pile-ups, visit

highwayclaims.com for multi-vehicle strategies

Steps to Pursue Federal Liability Claims in NC

1. Document the Crash: Photos, ELD data, and police reports prove FMCSA violations.

2. Identify Jurisdiction: Interstate? Target USDOT/NCDOT; carrier? FMCSA rules.

3. Gather Evidence: Expert reconstruction for causation; medical records for damages.

4. File Promptly: Administrative claim under FTCA within two years; NC suit in three.

5. Hire Interstate Specialists: Firms like Hall & Dixon handle multi-state complexities.
   
   

I-35’s 2025 tragedies—killing at least 11 in major crashes—expose federal road vulnerabilities, from construction lapses to carrier negligence, directly informing NC’s interstate battles. With billions in potential liability, victims must leverage FTCA and FMCSA for justice.