Fatal Arlington I-30 Crash Near SH 360 Early Saturday: One Dead, One Hospitalized

• What happened on I-30 in Arlington early Saturday morning
• What’s known now, and what remains under investigation
• Local roadway context around I-30, SH 360, and Great Southwest Parkway
• How to find official records and who to contact
• Texas civil law after a fatal crash: wrongful death, survival claims, and deadlines
• Possible civil liability considerations in a two-vehicle loss-of-control crash
• Insurance issues after a serious crash in Texas
• Preserving evidence quickly to protect a future claim
• Common technical factors in loss-of-control collisions
• Community safety notes for the I-30 corridor in Arlington
• What to do next: time-sensitive steps
• Commentary from Gosuits Arlington, Texas Personal Injury Attorney

What happened on I-30 in Arlington early Saturday morning

Early Saturday, just before 2 a.m., a fatal two-vehicle collision occurred on Interstate 30 in Arlington near the SH 360 and Great Southwest Parkway area. According to initial information provided to local media by the Arlington Police Department, both vehicles were traveling westbound when a white sedan reportedly lost control and struck a gray sedan. After the impact, the white sedan hit a wall and caught fire. Firefighters extinguished the blaze, but the driver of the white sedan was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the gray sedan was transported to a nearby hospital for injuries. The identity of the deceased driver has not been released as of this writing.

This stretch of I-30 serves as a main east-west artery through Arlington’s entertainment district, connecting communities from East Arlington to West Arlington and beyond toward Fort Worth. The hour of the crash, close to 2 a.m., often coincides with lower traffic volumes but higher travel speeds. Many residents know this corridor for its sweeping ramps and quick merges, especially around the SH 360 interchange.

What’s known now, and what remains under investigation

What is known

Law enforcement has shared the following preliminary details:

• Location and time — Westbound I-30 near SH 360 and Great Southwest Parkway, just before 2 a.m.
• Vehicles involved — A white sedan and a gray sedan were traveling westbound. The white sedan lost control, contacted the gray sedan, then struck a wall and caught fire.
• Injuries — The driver of the white sedan died at the scene. The driver of the gray sedan was hospitalized.
• Response — Arlington Police and Arlington Fire arrived, extinguished the vehicle fire, and secured the scene.

What investigators are still determining

Officers have not yet announced what caused the white sedan to lose control. Investigators typically assess a range of factors in severe crashes, including speed, impairment, roadway conditions, visibility, mechanical issues, and vehicle dynamics during the collision sequence. The Arlington Police Department has not released the name of the deceased driver pending notifications.

Local roadway context around I-30, SH 360, and Great Southwest Parkway

Neighbors in Arlington know the segment of I-30 around SH 360 and Great Southwest as a heavily traveled corridor, especially on weekends and during major events at AT&T Stadium and Globe Life Field. The SH 360 interchange feeds traffic north toward the airport and south toward Mansfield and Grand Prairie. Even in the early morning hours, drivers can encounter changing speeds, lane shifts, and quick decision points — particularly near entrance and exit ramps.

If you’ve driven past Six Flags Over Texas or the entertainment district at night, you’ve likely noticed how the interstate opens up with long sightlines and relatively high posted speeds. When volumes drop after midnight, it’s common to see wider spacing between vehicles and higher closing speeds. Those conditions can make any loss of control or lane departure incredibly unforgiving, especially if a vehicle strikes a barrier.

How to find official records and who to contact

Families and community members often need documentation quickly. In Texas, multiple agencies may hold different records related to one crash. Here’s where to start and what to request.

1) Police crash report (Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report)

Texas crash reports are generally obtained through the Texas Department of Transportation’s system. Eligibility to receive a report is governed by Texas Transportation Code section 550.065. For crashes involving injury or death, individuals with a proper interest can request the report. You can review the state’s rules and submit a request here:

• Texas Transportation Code § 550.065
• TxDOT Crash Report Online Purchase System
• Texas Department of Transportation

The Arlington Police Department’s Records Unit can also provide guidance on local crash documentation and open records. The City of Arlington’s official site is the best starting point for records requests:

• Arlington Police Department
• City of Arlington Records and Public Information

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2) Medical examiner and autopsy records

In Tarrant County, the Medical Examiner’s Office handles autopsy examinations for qualifying deaths, including many traffic fatalities. Next of kin can typically request autopsy reports, toxicology summaries, and related documentation once the case is completed. While processing times can vary, reaching out promptly helps set expectations and ensures the office has accurate contact information for the family. If you need certified death certificates, those are issued by the State’s Vital Statistics office:

• Texas DSHS Vital Statistics: Death Records

If questions arise about public access to autopsy records, the Texas Public Information Act and the Texas Attorney General provide general guidance on access to government records:

• Texas Attorney General – What information is public

3) Fire department incident report

Because this crash involved a vehicle fire, the Arlington Fire Department may have an incident report and, if applicable, a fire investigation summary. These records can be requested through the City of Arlington’s records portal:

• Arlington Fire Department
• City of Arlington Records and Public Information

4) 911 audio, CAD logs, and body-worn camera footage

Depending on the case, 911 recordings, dispatch logs, and select body-worn camera footage may be available through an open records request with the City of Arlington, subject to statutory exceptions and privacy protections:

• City of Arlington Records and Public Information

5) Vehicle and roadway data

Modern vehicles may store crash-related data on event data recorders. Certain vehicles also record limited telematics. If mechanical failure or a defect is suspected, checking federal recall information is a common step:

• NHTSA Vehicle Recall Lookup

Texas civil law after a fatal crash: wrongful death, survival claims, and deadlines

Texas law provides civil pathways for families after a fatal collision. These laws exist to address economic and non-economic harms that follow a preventable loss. While each case is unique, the following statutes give a general framework for what may apply after a crash in Arlington.

Wrongful death claims

Texas recognizes civil wrongful death actions brought by certain surviving family members when a person’s death is caused by the wrongful act, neglect, or carelessness of another. Eligible family members include the decedent’s spouse, children, and parents. The Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code outlines these rights:

• Texas CPRC Chapter 71 – Wrongful Death

Survival claims

Separately, a survival action allows the decedent’s estate to pursue claims the person could have brought if they had survived, such as pain and suffering experienced before death and certain medical expenses. This is also contained in the Civil Practice and Remedies Code:

• Texas CPRC § 71.021 – Survival

Proportionate responsibility

Texas uses a proportionate responsibility system that can reduce or bar recovery if a claimant is found partly at fault. Under Chapter 33, a claimant cannot recover if they are more than 50 percent responsible for their own harm. In multi-vehicle crashes, allocation of fault can be contested and highly fact-specific:

• Texas CPRC Chapter 33 – Proportionate Responsibility

Statute of limitations

In most Texas personal injury and wrongful death cases, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of injury or death, subject to limited exceptions. Deadlines can be shorter in claims involving government entities, and there are notice requirements in those matters. Missing a deadline can forfeit claims entirely:

• Texas CPRC § 16.003 – Two-year limitation

Possible civil liability considerations in a two-vehicle loss-of-control crash

Because investigators have not yet determined why the white sedan lost control, it’s premature to conclude cause or fault. However, for families trying to understand the civil side, here are common areas lawyers and crash reconstruction experts examine in loss-of-control collisions on high-speed corridors like I-30:

• Speed and vehicle dynamics — Higher speeds reduce the margin for error and increase stopping distances. When a vehicle departs its lane on a freeway, the sequence of steering inputs, tire grip, and friction with the road surface become crucial. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provides educational resources on the risks of speeding:

NHTSA: Speeding

• Driver impairment or fatigue — Alcohol, drugs, or drowsiness can impair reaction time and judgment, especially during late-night or early-morning hours. NHTSA publishes information on impaired and drowsy driving risks:

NHTSA: Drunk Driving | NHTSA: Drowsy Driving

• Roadway conditions — Rain, standing water, oil residue, or debris can reduce traction. Even small patches of low friction near ramps or barriers can cause a vehicle to yaw or slide once a tire loses grip.
• Mechanical issues — Tire blowouts, worn tires, brake failures, or steering component failures can trigger sudden loss of control. If a defect or recall is involved, potential claims may extend to product manufacturers. See the federal recall database:

NHTSA Vehicle Recall Lookup

• Visibility and lighting — At night, glare, low contrast, and rapid transitions from well-lit interchanges to darker stretches can affect hazard detection and lane-keeping.

It’s also possible for multiple factors to overlap. A thorough civil investigation often involves obtaining the police crash report, photographs, measurements, event data recorder downloads, and, when necessary, independent expert analysis.

Insurance issues after a serious crash in Texas

Insurance coverage and claim strategy can affect a family’s ability to handle medical bills, funeral costs, and other losses. Texas has several coverage types that may come into play.

Types of coverage commonly involved

• Liability coverage — Pays for bodily injury and property damage that a policyholder causes to others, up to the policy limits.
• Personal Injury Protection (PIP) — Pays for certain medical and related expenses for occupants, regardless of fault, up to the policy limit. PIP is offered in Texas unless waived in writing.
• Medical Payments (MedPay) — Similar to PIP but typically more limited and without wage-loss benefits.
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) — Helps when the at-fault driver has no insurance or too little insurance to cover the loss.

The Texas Department of Insurance provides plain-language guidance on auto coverages and claims practices:

• Texas Department of Insurance: Auto insurance coverages
• Texas Department of Insurance: Steps to resolve auto claims

Recorded statements and early contact with insurers

It’s common for insurance adjusters to reach out quickly after a crash. Before giving any recorded statement, it’s wise to speak with a qualified attorney for a free consultation to understand rights and obligations. Statements made to insurers can be used later to limit or dispute a claim, and early settlement offers may not account for long-term needs or full damages under Texas law.

Coordinating multiple policies

Serious crashes can implicate multiple insurance policies — the other driver’s liability policy, your own PIP or MedPay, and potentially UM/UIM. If a vehicle was borrowed, employer-owned, or part of a rideshare scenario, additional policies could be relevant. The sequencing and setoff rules can be complicated, and proportional fault findings can affect outcomes under Chapter 33’s proportionate responsibility rules.

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Preserving evidence quickly to protect a future claim

Evidence tends to scatter and degrade quickly after a crash. Taking structured steps early helps protect a family’s ability to understand what happened and to pursue civil claims where appropriate.

• Send preservation letters

• Request that involved parties retain vehicles, event data recorders, dashcam footage, and onboard infotainment data.
• Ask local businesses near the crash location to preserve exterior video around the time frame. Many systems overwrite within days.

• Secure official records

• Order the Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report through the TxDOT portal.
• Request fire department incident records if a vehicle fire occurred.
• Follow up on medical examiner documentation when available.

• Document the scene and vehicles

• Photograph damage patterns, airbag deployment, tire condition, and any evidence of fluid leaks or burns.
• Note the precise location relative to landmarks like the SH 360 interchange or Great Southwest Parkway ramps.

• Track injuries and expenses

• Maintain medical records, discharge summaries, and bills for anyone injured.
• Keep receipts for towing, storage, and transportation related to the crash.

• Be cautious with social media

• Posts can be misinterpreted and used to undermine a claim. Consider pausing public posts related to the incident.

Common technical factors in loss-of-control collisions

When a vehicle “loses control,” it typically means steering and tire forces no longer keep the vehicle tracking its intended path. On freeways like I-30, several technical issues can trigger that moment:

• Tire grip and condition — Worn tread, underinflation, or sudden failure reduces traction. On curves or during emergency maneuvers, insufficient grip can cause a slide or yaw. Post-crash inspection of tires often reveals clues.
• Speed-to-friction mismatch — Even on dry pavement, rapid steering inputs or braking while cornering can exceed available friction. At highway speeds, small errors can cascade quickly.
• Hydroplaning risk — In wet conditions, water between the tire and road can create a film that lifts the tire, drastically reducing control. Drainage patterns near ramps and barriers affect risk.
• Driver workload at interchanges — Merges, lane splits, and late decisions at complex interchanges increase cognitive load. Missed cues can lead to abrupt maneuvers and instability.
• Impairment and fatigue — Late-night travel entails higher fatigue risk. Alcohol and drugs diminish reaction time and situational awareness. NHTSA provides public education on these risk factors:

NHTSA: Drowsy Driving | NHTSA: Drug-Impaired Driving | NHTSA: Drunk Driving

Where a vehicle fire occurs, inspectors may also look for fuel system compromise, electrical faults, or post-impact ignition. Fire patterns can sometimes indicate whether the blaze started in the engine bay, cabin, or underbody after a collision with a barrier.

Community safety notes for the I-30 corridor in Arlington

Residents frequently drive this corridor to and from AT&T Stadium, Globe Life Field, the Arlington Entertainment District, and neighborhoods near Eastchase Parkway and Fielder Road. A few practical reminders that often come up in our conversations with Arlington families:

• Late-night driving — After midnight, speeds tend to creep higher and visibility drops. Giving extra following distance can add crucial reaction time.
• Interchange transitions — The SH 360 ramps require confident but measured lane changes. Planning your lane earlier than you think you need to can prevent last-second swerves.
• Event surges — On game or concert nights, rolling slowdowns and sudden speed-ups are common. Even when traffic seems open, remain ready for abrupt braking ahead.
• Vehicle readiness — Tire tread and pressure are easy to overlook. A quick check before a late-night freeway trip can make a real difference.

These points can’t change what happened in this tragic crash, but they reflect what many neighbors already do to keep each other safe on I-30.

What to do next: time-sensitive steps

In the days after a serious or fatal crash, important windows can close quickly. The following actions are time-sensitive and can shape both clarity and options later:

• Document and preserve — Vehicles can be sold for salvage or repaired quickly, and businesses overwrite video. Ask custodians to hold vehicles and preserve any camera footage while decisions are made.
• Request official records promptly — Crash reports, fire incident reports, and, when available, medical examiner documentation help anchor the facts and timelines.
• Consult before calling insurers — Getting a free consultation with a seasoned attorney before giving a recorded statement helps avoid misunderstandings. What’s said to an insurance company can be used to question or limit a claim later.
• Track costs from day one — Keep invoices and receipts organized for medical care, funeral arrangements, and property-related expenses. Early organization reduces stress later.
• Consider well-being supports — Sudden loss affects sleep, decisions, and routines. Federal and local resources can help connect people to counseling and crisis services when needed.

Acting sooner rather than later helps ensure that vital evidence is not lost and that important legal deadlines are not missed. It also reduces the risk that an early, incomplete narrative becomes the only narrative insurers consider.

Commentary from Gosuits Arlington, Texas Personal Injury Attorney

First and foremost, our hearts go out to those affected by this early-morning crash on I-30. A life lost and another person hospitalized is devastating for any family and for our Arlington community. The information here is for education and general awareness. It’s meant to help neighbors understand the process, not to judge anyone or predict outcomes.

From what’s been shared publicly, investigators believe the white sedan lost control while traveling westbound near SH 360 and contacted another vehicle before striking the wall and catching fire. That sequence raises immediate civil questions our clients often ask: Was speed a factor? Did roadway conditions or a mechanical issue play a role? Was there a chain of events — a sudden maneuver, a tire issue, a visibility problem — that set everything in motion? In our experience, serious freeway crashes rarely have a single simple cause. Careful evidence gathering, including event data recorder downloads, tire and brake inspections, and camera footage from nearby businesses, can make the difference between guesswork and understanding.

We also see how quickly insurance companies move after severe collisions. Adjusters are trained to gather recorded statements and lock down facts early, sometimes before a family has had a chance to review the crash report or speak with anyone about their rights. Corporations and insurers understand how proportionate responsibility works in Texas. They may frame the narrative in a way that emphasizes any uncertainty to reduce payouts or shift blame. Without guidance, people can unintentionally provide statements that minimize their losses or overlook important coverages like PIP or UM/UIM.

That’s why a free consultation matters. It gives people space to ask questions, understand the impact of Texas statutes like Chapter 33 on fault allocation, and decide next steps without pressure. Before returning calls to an insurance company or accepting an early offer, it helps to speak with someone who regularly handles these situations. Knowing what information to share — and what to verify first — can protect a claim and preserve options for the future.

Additional community and government resources

Beyond the records and legal framework, a few public resources can support safety and well-being:

• NHTSA: Speeding — Educational materials on how speed increases crash risk and injury severity.
• NHTSA: Drowsy Driving — Guidance on fatigue risk, especially for late-night and early-morning driving.
• Texas Department of Insurance: Auto insurance coverages — Plain-language explanations of PIP, UM/UIM, and other coverages.
• City of Arlington: Records and Public Information — Portal for police, fire, and general city records requests.
• TxDOT: Crash Report Online Purchase System — State system for obtaining the Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report.
• Texas DSHS: Death Records — Information on obtaining certified death certificates.
• SAMHSA: 988 Lifeline — Federal mental health and crisis support resource.

Incident summary

Arlington Police responded to a major crash on westbound I-30 near SH 360 and Great Southwest Parkway just before 2 a.m. Two sedans were involved. The white sedan lost control, contacted a gray sedan, then hit a wall and caught fire. Firefighters extinguished the blaze. The driver of the white sedan died at the scene; the gray sedan’s driver was hospitalized. The cause of the loss of control remains under investigation, and authorities have not released the deceased driver’s identity at this time. Information included here is drawn from statements attributed to the Arlington Police Department.