At Mendez Isaac Joudi, PLLC, our El Paso trucking accident attorneys understand that a semi-truck wreck is traumatic and legally complex. With more than 50 years of combined experience across West Texas and New Mexico, we fight for the rights of our community and stand up for those who cannot speak for themselves.
The injuries are different in a truck wreck
Collisions with 18-wheelers often result in serious or fatal injuries. If you or a loved one has suffered any of the following in a trucking accident, you may be entitled to compensation:
- Wrongful death
- Head or brain injuries
- Spinal cord and spinal injuries
- Broken bones
- Lost or severed limbs
- Pain and suffering
We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these crashes take on victims and their families, and we are dedicated to holding the responsible parties accountable.
What makes truck accidents unique?
Three things set trucking cases apart from ordinary car accidents.
The investigation goes deeper. Determining fault means examining the truck driver, the trucking company, and other parties, along with the regulations that govern driving hours, vehicle maintenance, and cargo loading. Critical evidence, black box data, maintenance logs, dash cam footage, hours-of-service records, is difficult to obtain unless your attorney acts quickly to preserve it.
The stakes are higher. Trucking claims are generally much larger than car accident claims, which means more resistance at the negotiating table. Because of the dollar amounts and the shared liability involved, truck accident claims are far more likely to go to trial. You want trial attorneys handling yours from day one.
The rules are federal. The trucking industry is heavily regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation and by state law, and those regulations often decide liability. Our attorneys understand trucking compliance, and we investigate thoroughly to identify exactly which companies and parties caused your crash.
Who can be held liable?
Liability in truck accidents extends far beyond the obvious. Depending on the circumstances, the responsible parties may include:
- The truck driver, if they were distracted, fatigued, speeding, under the influence, or otherwise negligent.
- The trucking company, as the driver's employer, especially when it pressures drivers to exceed their limits, fails to maintain its vehicles, or hires unqualified drivers.
- Maintenance providers who fail to properly inspect vehicles and their components before sending them out on the road.
- Cargo loaders, when an overloaded or improperly loaded trailer shifts and makes the driver lose control.
Sometimes other drivers or road conditions factor into the crash as well, which complicates claims even more. Sorting it all out is our job, not yours.
Common causes of serious trucking accidents in El Paso
- Distracted driving: cellphones, eating, and GPS devices pulling attention off the road.
- Speeding: tight schedules push drivers to speeds that make large trucks hard to control.
- Driver fatigue: crushing schedules and long hours behind the wheel.
- Aggressive driving: tailgating, frequent lane changes, road rage.
- Substance abuse: alcohol and drugs that slow focus and reaction time.
- Improper loading: cargo that shifts in transit or exceeds the truck's capacity, affecting balance, handling, and braking.
- Improper maintenance: mechanical failures such as broken brakes or blown tires.
- Inadequate training: trucker shortages have put untrained and poorly trained drivers on the road.
The vast majority of trucking accidents come down to human error and negligence, whether by the driver, the trucking company, or another party.
Navigating the trucking industry regulations
The trucking industry is heavily regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation and by state rules, and those regulations often decide liability in a trucking accident case: hours-of-service limits, vehicle maintenance requirements, cargo loading rules, and driver qualification standards. Our attorneys understand the compliance obligations trucking companies carry, and we investigate every case against them to identify exactly which companies or parties are responsible for the crash.
What should you do after an 18-wheeler accident?
It is hard to think straight after a truck wreck. Here is what matters in the immediate aftermath:
- Call 911 to report the accident and get immediate medical attention. Even if you think you are okay, let a doctor check you over. Shock and adrenaline can mask internal injuries, and waiting too long to seek treatment makes it harder to connect your injuries to the crash, which insurers will use to deny or devalue your claim.
- Photograph everything you safely can: the full scene, the position of the vehicles, and the damage to each one. It helps prove what happened.
- Call an experienced lawyer. The trucking company's insurer will have an entire team of attorneys. You need someone looking out for your interests.
How we can help
When you choose Mendez Isaac Joudi, PLLC for your trucking accident case, you can expect:
- Compassionate, professional legal guidance
- A thorough investigation of every aspect of your accident
- Identification of all liable parties and applicable insurance coverage
- Aggressive negotiation with the insurance companies
- Zealous representation in court, if it comes to that
We believe in fighting for those without a voice, and we are committed to helping you seek justice and recover the compensation you deserve.
Frequently asked questions about truck accidents in El Paso
A truck accident can upend your life in an instant. Here are answers to the questions we hear most often.
What is the statute of limitations for truck accidents in Texas?
You generally have just two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. The deadline exists so cases are decided while the evidence is still fresh, and missing it usually ends your claim.
How much is my truck accident case worth?
Every claim is different. You are generally entitled to compensation for both economic losses (damaged property, medical bills, lost wages) and non-economic losses (pain and suffering, and the impact long-term injuries have on your enjoyment of life). The more significant your injuries and the more clearly fault lies with the other party, the larger the value of the claim.
How is fault determined in a truck accident?
Fault rests on each party's negligence, and in truck cases it is often shared: the driver, the trucking company, the truck's manufacturer, the loading company, and others can all carry a piece. Assigning it relies on evidence like driver's logs, black box data, witness statements, video, and maintenance records. It takes a skilled attorney to look at every angle, gather that evidence, and establish where the fault lies.
Why do I need a truck accident lawyer?
Truck accidents are usually far more devastating than ordinary car accidents, so the amounts involved are much higher, and the trucking companies and their insurers fight to limit their losses at every turn. You need someone on your side doing the same for you.
Get support today
Free consultations are available to clients throughout West Texas, New Mexico, and beyond. Call 915-444-1085 or contact us online to schedule yours. Let us be your advocate through this.