Dallas North Central Expressway New Year’s Day multi-vehicle crash leaves teen critically injured, one detained

• What happened on North Central Expressway
• Where and when the Dallas crash occurred
• What investigators will look for in a multi-vehicle crash
• What to prioritize in the first 72 hours after a serious crash
• How to obtain official records in Texas: crash reports, 911 audio, hospital records, and if needed, coroner records
• Liability and victim rights under Texas law
• Insurance coverage layers in multi-vehicle crashes
• Evidence to preserve after a Dallas car accident
• Community safety notes for New Year’s and overnight driving in North Texas
• Handling insurance calls: why to pause and get guidance first
• If your vehicle is totaled or badly damaged
• Why taking action promptly matters
• Commentary from Gosuits Dallas, Texas Personal Injury Attorney
• References

What happened on North Central Expressway

Dallas police report that around 1 a.m. on New Year’s Day, a multi-vehicle collision occurred in the 11400 block of northbound North Central Expressway. A teenager suffered life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital, where the teen remains in critical condition. Officers detained one person at the scene. As of this writing, investigators have not released the identity of the person in custody or specified the charges under consideration, and it is not yet known whether the injured teen and the detained individual were in the same vehicle. Detectives are still piecing together the sequence of events and the number of vehicles involved.

When a collision happens on a fast corridor like US 75, the initial information can feel incomplete or confusing. That is common in multi-vehicle incidents. It typically takes time to collect statements, physical evidence, and roadway data before officials can publicly describe fault or contributing factors.

Where and when the Dallas crash occurred

The collision happened on the northbound lanes of North Central Expressway, near the 11400 block, shortly after midnight on New Year’s Day. That stretch carries heavy traffic between Park Central and the Medical City Dallas area, with fast-moving main lanes and entrance ramps that compress traffic in a hurry. Overnight driving on holidays can be unpredictable and stressful for motorists, first responders, and hospital teams alike.

US 75 has long been a backbone route through Dallas and up toward Richardson and Plano. Even at off-peak hours, vehicles can be traveling at or above posted speeds. Add holiday traffic patterns, late-night departures from events, and winter weather variability, and you have a roadway mix that requires extra caution. None of those general factors speak to this collision’s cause, which remains under investigation, but they do reflect the challenges drivers face on that corridor.

What investigators will look for in a multi-vehicle crash

Dallas police crash reconstruction typically involves several categories of evidence collection. While each scene is different, detectives commonly evaluate the following:

• Scene mapping and physical evidence including lane positions, gouge marks, debris fields, vehicle rest locations, skid or yaw marks, and lighting conditions. Texas law requires uniform reporting of crashes that result in injury or death, and those reports can include narrative and diagram details that help clarify what happened [1].
• Vehicle inspections to identify crush patterns, airbag deployment, and possible occupant kinematics. Many modern vehicles have event data recorders that can store speed, braking, and other factors around the time of a collision; NHTSA maintains information on event data recorders and their safety role [14].
• Witness and driver statements collected while memories are fresh. Investigators often compare statements against physical evidence to validate or rule out conflicting accounts.
• Video and digital evidence such as dashcam footage, nearby business security video, and traffic camera clips if available. When possible, early outreach to potential video sources is crucial because many systems automatically overwrite footage quickly.
• Environmental and roadway conditions including roadway design, signage, weather, nighttime visibility, and construction zones.

If an arrest has occurred, officers will also secure and document evidence relating to suspected violations. However, civil liability in a Dallas car accident is determined separately and can involve different standards and timelines.

What to prioritize in the first 72 hours after a serious crash

When a loved one is hospitalized in critical condition, the to-do list can feel overwhelming. Here are practical steps that often help families in the Dallas area during the earliest days:

• Remain focused on medical care. Communicate with the hospital’s trauma team and case managers, ask clarifying questions, and designate a point person for updates if several family members are involved. If you need copies of medical records for continuity of care, federal HIPAA rules include a right of access to records with some limited exceptions [3].
• Preserve evidence early. Save photos, videos, and messages from the scene or shortly after. Keep damaged clothing and personal items. If you learn that a bystander or nearby business captured video, politely request that they retain the footage.
• Document a timeline. Write down when you received calls, where the injured person was headed, and any details you learn from first responders. Even rough notes can prove useful later.
• Avoid social media updates about fault. It is natural to share health updates with friends, but public commentary about the collision can be misconstrued or taken out of context.
• Hold off on insurance statements until you understand your rights. Insurers may reach out quickly. What gets said can be recorded and used to downplay injuries or shift blame. Consider consulting a trusted attorney before providing recorded statements.

How to obtain official records in Texas: crash reports, 911 audio, hospital records, and if needed, coroner records

A serious crash creates multiple types of records. In Texas, families commonly seek these:

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Texas peace officer’s crash report (CR-3)

When a crash involves injury or death, Texas law calls for an investigating officer’s report that includes the basic facts, diagram, and contributing factors if known. These reports are filed under the Texas Transportation Code and are accessible to certain parties for civil use [1]. If the Dallas Police Department completed the report, it is typically available after processing. Many Texas crash reports are requested through channels tied to state systems and public records procedures governed by state law.

911 audio and CAD logs

Families sometimes ask for 911 recordings or computer-aided dispatch (CAD) logs to understand response timelines. In Texas, the Public Information Act governs access to many government records, with some exceptions for ongoing investigations and privacy. The Texas Attorney General provides an overview of how requests work under the Public Information Act [2].

Hospital records and updates

Hospitals control access to a patient’s information according to HIPAA and their internal policies. If you have the patient’s authorization or legal authority, you can request records and clarifying information about treatment. HHS guidance explains the right of access to protected health information, including timelines for responses and permitted fees [3].

If a crash is fatal: Medical Examiner records

In cases of death, the county medical examiner handles examinations and records. Families can typically request cause and manner of death reports, with timelines depending on pending tests. For Dallas County, inquiries go through the county medical examiner’s office, which follows Texas law regarding release and privacy. While we are not linking to the county site here, families can ask the office about public record access, next-of-kin procedures, and typical timelines for final reports.

EMS patient care reports

Emergency medical services create pre-hospital care documentation. Access and privacy rules are governed by Texas law and HIPAA. If you are a parent or legal guardian of a minor patient, or hold the necessary authorization, you may request those records to share with treating physicians.

Local trauma centers

Dallas area trauma designations are managed by the Texas Department of State Health Services. The DSHS site lists designated trauma facilities statewide, including Level I trauma centers that handle the most severe injuries [11]. Parkland Memorial Hospital, for example, is a long-standing Level I adult trauma center serving Dallas County, and Children’s Medical Center Dallas is a pediatric trauma resource for the region.

Liability and victim rights under Texas law

Civil fault in a Dallas car accident is separate from any criminal investigation and has its own legal standards. A few key points under Texas law:

• Comparative fault. Texas uses proportionate responsibility. A person who is more than 50 percent responsible for a crash is barred from recovering damages, but those 50 percent or less at fault can recover reduced damages based on their responsibility share [4].
• Statute of limitations. Most Texas personal injury claims must be filed within two years from the date of the crash [5]. If the injured person is a minor, Texas law tolls the limitation period until the disability of minority ends, though related claims by parents may have different timelines [6].
• Damages. Depending on the case, recoverable damages may include medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and more. The exact categories and proof requirements vary.
• Multiple-vehicle crashes. With several drivers and insurers involved, allocation of fault can become complex. Thorough reconstruction and careful record review are often essential to protect the injured person’s rights.

Even when an arrest is reported, a civil case is about negligence and causation. The civil process may proceed while criminal matters are pending or resolved afterward.

Insurance coverage layers in multi-vehicle crashes

Texas requires drivers to maintain minimum liability insurance limits to pay for injuries and property damage they cause. At a minimum, policies must provide $30,000 per injured person, up to $60,000 per crash, and $25,000 for property damage [7]. In multi-vehicle collisions, multiple policies may be implicated. Consider the typical layers:

• At-fault driver’s liability coverage. Pays for injuries and property damage the policyholder caused, up to policy limits. Multiple claimants may need to share limited liability proceeds in multi-vehicle events.
• PIP or MedPay. Texas insurers must offer Personal Injury Protection, which covers some medical costs and lost wages without regard to fault, unless the coverage was rejected in writing [8]. Some policies carry Medical Payments coverage instead.
• UM/UIM coverage. Insurers must offer Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist coverage, which applies if an at-fault driver has no insurance or insufficient limits [9]. This can be critical when several injured people are drawing from small liability limits.
• Health insurance. Health plans can pay for medical care and may later assert a lien or subrogation interest. Managing those interests properly can impact net recovery.
• Prompt payment obligations. Once a claim is presented, Texas law sets timelines for insurers to acknowledge, investigate, and pay covered claims, subject to policy terms and lawful defenses [10].

If you are trying to sort out priority between policies after a multi-vehicle crash, this resource may help: which insurance pays first after a multi car crash gosuits.

Evidence to preserve after a Dallas car accident

Strong evidence can make the difference between a clear accounting of what happened and a fog of uncertainty. Consider securing the following as soon as feasible:

• Photos and video from the scene, vehicle damage, interior views showing deployment, and any visible injuries.
• Witness information, including names, phone numbers, and a brief summary of what they observed.
• Vehicle data such as event data recorder downloads, infotainment logs, and dashcam memory cards. These may require professional preservation to avoid spoliation or alteration.
• Medical documentation beginning with EMS and emergency department records, then inpatient notes, imaging reports, and follow-up care.
• Expense records including out-of-pocket medical costs, pharmacy receipts, travel to appointments, and pay stubs showing missed work.

For families in neighborhoods near US 75 such as Lake Highlands, North Dallas, and Park Central, nearby businesses and apartment communities along the frontage roads may have exterior cameras facing entrances or side streets. Promptly requesting that video be retained can prevent overwrites.

Community safety notes for New Year’s and overnight driving in North Texas

Holiday nights are historically risky on Texas roads. Nationally, alcohol impairment remains a leading factor in fatal crashes, and late-night driving increases risk exposure for everyone on the road. NHTSA’s impaired driving pages outline the persistent dangers of alcohol and drug impairment behind the wheel [12]. Younger drivers also face elevated risk generally due to inexperience and nighttime driving challenges, as the CDC has documented in multiple safety advisories [13].

In Dallas, that risk intersects with high-speed corridors like LBJ Freeway, the High Five Interchange, the Dallas North Tollway, and North Central Expressway. After midnight on New Year’s, traffic includes rideshare vehicles, service workers heading home, people returning from gatherings, and families on the road later than usual. While none of this indicates the cause of this specific collision, the context underscores why first responders and hospitals brace for surge activity on holiday overnights.

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Handling insurance calls: why to pause and get guidance first

It is common for insurance adjusters to call within hours or days of a serious crash. They may ask for a recorded statement or quick authorization to gather medical records. Proceed carefully. A few practical reminders:

• Recorded statements are not required immediately. You can choose to wait until you understand the scope of injuries and have clarity on what is being asked.
• Medical authorizations can be broad. Some forms allow access to years of unrelated medical history. Consider limiting the scope to collision-related care.
• Discussions can be used later. Statements made early can be cited out of context as the medical picture evolves. That is one reason many people speak with car accident lawyers before giving recorded statements or signing blanket authorizations.
• Coverage is layered in multi-vehicle collisions. Understanding which policy applies first, how deductibles and offsets work, and how subrogation might be asserted can prevent expensive missteps.

Before contacting any insurer to make a claim or give a statement, consider getting a free consultation to understand your rights and obligations. What you say can influence liability arguments, causation disputes, and even medical necessity reviews.

If your vehicle is totaled or badly damaged

Dealing with the car is rarely the first concern when a family member is in critical condition, but practical steps do help:

• Locate the vehicle. Find out which tow yard has possession. Photograph the exterior and interior damage before repairs or disposal.
• Do not authorize disposal until you are comfortable that all needed inspections are complete. If event data or a physical reconstruction is anticipated, the vehicle may be important evidence.
• Valuation notes. If the car is totaled, the insurer will present an actual cash value. You can usually provide comparable listings, recent maintenance records, and options packages to ensure accuracy.
• Rental coverage. If rental coverage exists, ask about daily limits and total days. If no rental coverage is available, consider whether PIP can cover some transportation costs depending on policy terms.

Why taking action promptly matters

After a serious Dallas crash, timing affects evidence, benefits, and medical continuity. Acting promptly can help in several ways:

• Preserving key video and data. Surveillance systems overwrite quickly, and vehicles may be moved or repaired. Timely preservation requests raise the odds that the full scene can be reconstructed.
• Coordinating medical care. The sooner stakeholders have complete records, the easier it is to coordinate second opinions, rehabilitation, and discharge planning.
• Understanding coverage. Early clarity on PIP, UM/UIM, and liability coverage prevents gaps that can delay treatment or create billing headaches.
• Meeting legal deadlines. Texas civil timelines start running on the date of the crash, with special rules for minors. Knowing those deadlines early reduces the risk of losing claims due to delay [5] [6].
• Avoiding insurer pitfalls. Fast phone calls and broad forms can set the tone of a claim. Understanding obligations before engaging can prevent avoidable problems under Texas insurance rules [10].

What should occur next?

• Secure and organize documents. Collect the incident number from Dallas police, the hospital’s patient number, tow yard details, and any witness contacts.
• Request needed records in the right order. Start with medical records for ongoing care, then seek the official crash report when available, and consider 911 or CAD records where appropriate under the Public Information Act [2].
• Get a free legal consultation before insurer calls. Understanding Texas fault rules, coverage sequencing, and medical record access can prevent missteps that are hard to unwind later.

Commentary from Gosuits Dallas, Texas Personal Injury Attorney

Our hearts are with the teenager fighting for recovery and with everyone affected by this frightening New Year’s Day crash on North Central Expressway. We share this article for educational purposes and general information. We are not speculating about fault. The investigation will bring clarity over time.

From a civil injury perspective, multi-vehicle crashes on US 75 often turn on careful reconstruction and timely evidence preservation. When multiple drivers and policies are involved, even straightforward injuries can become tangled in disputes about speed, lane changes, visibility, or sudden braking. Here, police have detained one person, but civil responsibility depends on the totality of evidence, not solely on an arrest report. That is why preserving videos, downloading vehicle data when appropriate, and collecting consistent medical documentation are so important.

In our experience, insurance companies move quickly to shape the narrative. They ask for recorded statements before the medical picture is clear. They may request broad authorizations to sweep up years of medical records to argue a condition was preexisting. Large corporations and insurers understand these systems intimately, which can leave ordinary people at a disadvantage when they are most vulnerable.

A free consultation can level the playing field. Understanding Texas proportionate responsibility, how PIP and UM/UIM interact with liability coverage, and the timelines under the prompt payment rules can prevent costly mistakes. It also helps families focus on what matters most: stabilizing health, coordinating care, and protecting long-term recovery.

References

1. Report and Investigation of Accidents – Texas Transportation Code Chapter 550
2. Overview of the Public Information Act – Office of the Texas Attorney General
3. Individuals’ Right under HIPAA to Access their Health Information – HHS
4. Proportionate Responsibility – Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Chapter 33
5. Limitations Period for Personal Injury – Texas CPRC 16.003
6. Tolling for Minors and Other Disabilities – Texas CPRC 16.001
7. Minimum Motor Vehicle Liability Insurance Limits – Texas Transportation Code 601.072
8. Insurer Must Offer Personal Injury Protection – Texas Insurance Code 1952.152
9. Insurer Must Offer UM/UIM Coverage – Texas Insurance Code 1952.101
10. Prompt Payment of Claims – Texas Insurance Code Chapter 542
11. Texas Trauma Facility Designation – Texas DSHS
12. Drunk Driving – NHTSA
13. Teen Drivers: Get the Facts – CDC
14. Event Data Recorders (EDRs) – NHTSA