El Paso 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers with $20+ Billion in Verdicts & Settlements
Commercial trucks can weigh between 10,000 and 80,000 pounds, which makes them significantly larger than even the most oversized passenger vehicles you can find on El Paso highways. That's why crashes involving tractor-trailers and other large trucks are more deadly, often causing catastrophic injuries or wrongful death.
The El Paso truck accident attorneys at Arnold & Itkin are here to help victims rebuild their lives. Every case we take becomes personal, and we have a history of securing record-breaking victories. This allows our clients to cover the costs of medical care, put food on the table, and replace their income while they heal. We have handled all kinds of 18-wheeler accident cases in El Paso and throughout the U.S., representing carrier employees, independent contractors, and passenger vehicle drivers. Let us review your options and help you make the journey back to everyday life.
In El Paso County, commercial vehicle crashes are an alarming and persistent reality. In 2024, TxDOT reported 965 commercial motor vehicle accidents in El Paso County, causing at least 170 injuries and 10 deaths. Although the total number of commercial vehicle crashes in El Paso County dropped by 139 from 2023 to 2024, the number of fatalities increased by 4. Statewide, commercial vehicle collisions increased significantly, from 38,928 total crashes and 549 deaths in 2023 to 39,393 total crashes and 608 deaths in 2024.
These numbers show how dangerous high-speed trucking routes like I-10, US-54, and Loop 375 remain for all motorists. As a vital border crossing city and crossroads for freight from Mexico, El Paso sees a staggering number of big rigs and commercial trucks—often sharing the road with commuters and vulnerable drivers—a mix that too often turns deadly.
We've stood with victims in West Texas and across the nation, forcing some of the largest corporations in the industry to take full responsibility for the devastation they've caused. In one local case, our firm secured a $1.99 million settlement for an elderly El Paso man who was injured when an 18-wheeler made a dangerous turn on a rural, unlit road. The trucking company tried to deny fault and downplay our client's injuries, but we refused to back down.
“Companies often blame the victim in commercial accidents, hoping that they will just move on. Once they are proven to be at fault, they will often claim the injuries are being exaggerated to avoid full responsibility. At Arnold & Itkin, we work hard to give victims a voice and to hold companies, and their insurers, fully responsible for the harm they cause.”
We also achieved a $1 million policy-limits recovery in another El Paso case, representing a commercial truck driver injured in a collision with another 18-wheeler. Even though our client continued working, the injuries were significant, and we ensured he received every dollar available under the policy.
These El Paso victories build on the life-changing results we've delivered nationwide:
$90 million for a truck driver burned in a plant explosion.
$59.5 million settlement for farm workers struck by an 18-wheeler.
$35.5 million for a family injured in a truck accident.
$12.4 million jury verdict for a worker hit by a UPS truck.
Together, these results prove what our clients already know: Arnold & Itkin doesn't back down. Whether it's a local West Texas trucking company or a Fortune 500 carrier like UPS, we fight to win. For families in El Paso, this means one thing: if you or someone you love was harmed in a trucking accident, you don't have to take on these companies alone.
We Handle All Types of Truck Accident Cases
After a big rig accident, hiring an attorney may be the last thing on your mind. You may believe that the insurance company will treat you fairly and that you'll get the medical care and money you need when you need it. Instead, you may find yourself dealing with an insurance adjuster who thinks the accident is your fault, bills that pile up because you can't work, and more questions than answers.
There are many benefits to hiring an attorney to handle your case. Our team has experience investigating truck accidents, determining fault, and identifying all sources of compensation. We know how to take on insurance companies, big corporations, and the teams of attorneys they deploy to try to avoid liability.
Recent Truck Accident Cases Filed in El Paso County:
What Are Some of the Most Common Types of Truck Accidents?
The El Paso truck accident lawyers at Arnold & Itkin have seen how dangerous West Texas highways can be. With I-10 running directly through the city, US-54 carrying freight toward New Mexico, and Loop 375 funneling traffic around Fort Bliss and toward the Zaragoza and Bridge of the Americas border crossings, commercial trucks are a part of daily life here. El Paso's unique role as an international trade center, combined with oilfield traffic from West Texas and heavy freight moving in and out of distribution centers, makes certain types of crashes especially common.
Some of the most frequent truck accidents in El Paso include:
18-wheeler and tractor-trailer crashes on I-10 and Loop 375, often caused by speeding fatigue, or shifting cargo.
Jackknife accidents, which occur when rigs lose control on congested or high-speed stretches, such as near the spaghetti bowl interchange, where I-10, US-54, and Loop 375 converge.
Tanker truck accidents involving petroleum, chemicals, or hazardous cargo moving between refineries, the U.S.-Mexico border, and industrial zones in the greater El Paso area.
Rear-end collisions with commercial trucks in heavy traffic near downtown El Paso, the international bridges, and distribution hubs—often due to unsafe lane changes, following too closely, and sudden changes in traffic.
Delivery vehicle and box truck crashes, including FedEx, UPS, and regional carriers serving cross-border trade.
Underride accidents, when smaller vehicles are forced beneath the trailer of a large commercial vehicle.
Dump truck and cement truck collisions, tied to ongoing building and road construction projects and oilfield-related hauling on local El Paso area roads like SH-20 and US-62/180.
Types of Injuries Sustained in Truck Accidents
A collision with an 80,000-pound commercial truck leaves little margin for survival, let alone avoiding serious injuries. Victims don't just suffer “accidents”—they endure life-changing trauma that can take away their independence and their livelihood. In El Paso, where 18-wheelers haul crude oil, chemicals, and freight, the injuries tend to be severe.
We regularly see truck accident cases involving:
Catastrophic burns
Spinal cord damage and paralysis
Whiplash and other soft tissue injuries
Traumatic brain injuries
Multiple fractures and crush injuries
Disfigurement and scarring
Beyond the physical toll, survivors often face depression, anxiety, or PTSD—especially those who relive the moment every time they pass the stretch of highway where it happened. At Arnold & Itkin, we've fought for truck accident victims across West Texas to secure the resources they need for surgery, rehabilitation, counseling, and long-term care.
Where Truck Accident Survivors in El Paso Get Critical Care
When a serious truck accident happens, every second counts. Having access to top-tier medical facilities can make all the difference in the outcome. In the El Paso area, several medical facilities may see survivors of truck collisions:
University Medical Center of El Paso (UMC) stands out as the only Level I trauma center within a 270-mile radius. This teaching and research hospital is equipped to handle the most severe injuries.
Located in East El Paso, Del Sol Medical Center is a Level II trauma center with 350 beds and robust emergency, neurosurgical, orthopedic, and rehabilitation services. It has been serving the area since 1974.
The Hospitals of Providence East Campus also holds a Level II trauma center designation and offers comprehensive trauma treatment, making it another crucial option for critically injured patients.
Las Palmas Medical Center, a Level III trauma center, provides emergency care and also houses a 40-bed inpatient rehabilitation hospital for traumatic injuries, orthopedic recovery, brain and spinal cord rehabilitation, and more.
William Beaumont Army Medical Center (WBAMC) serves military personnel and their families, with a Level II trauma center. While subject to military eligibility, WBAMC is a critical trauma resource in the Fort Bliss area.
At Arnold & Itkin, we partner closely with medical experts—trauma surgeons, neurologists, rehabilitation therapists, and others—to document injuries, prognoses, and care needs. This ensures your case reflects the full scope of your injuries and future challenges, including medical costs, therapy, and long-term care.
If you've been injured in a truck crash, it's vital to seek immediate medical care—and to reach out to our El Paso truck accident attorneys as soon as possible. We can help you get the treatment and compensation you need.
What Causes Truck Accidents in the El Paso Area?
Every crash has a story. In El Paso, those stories are often tied to the unique pressures of the border economy and the oilfields of West Texas. Thousands of commercial vehicles stream across the Zaragoza and Bridge of the Americas crossings every day, many bound for long hauls along I-10. Drivers are pushed to keep tight schedules, sometimes after already spending hours waiting at customs checkpoints. That pressure alone creates dangerous conditions: fatigue, speeding, distracted driving, and poor judgment behind the wheel.
Some causes of accidents that are unique to commercial trucks include:
Unsecured cargo
Overloaded trucks
Poorly maintained vehicles
Blind-spot collisions
These crashes are rarely “accidents.” They are the result of trucking companies cutting corners, putting drivers under impossible demands, or failing to enforce the very safety standards meant to protect our communities. Whether you were injured driving a truck or were a passenger or driver in another vehicle, our El Paso truck accident lawyers at Arnold & Itkin can help determine what caused your crash and how to help you recover the compensation you need.
Non-Driving Tasks, Trucker Fatigue & El Paso Trucking Accidents
It seems that trucking companies are structured to make accidents almost inevitable. Truck drivers are paid only for the miles they drive, which means there are tasks that they perform off the clock. These tasks are often vital for safety; however, since truckers don't get paid to perform them, some may leave these tasks undone.
The following are examples of non-driving work that every trucker must do:
Rig inspections at weigh-ins
Getting a full night of rest before driving
Rig repair and maintenance
Waiting for loading and unloading
Self-inspection
Route planning
If drivers perform these tasks, they may drive long hours to help make up for unpaid time. Studies have shown that these long drives can lead to more truck accidents. Fatigued drivers who drive in violation of hours-of-service regulations put themselves and others on the road at risk. Too many have had to pay the price for these unsafe practices, and Arnold & Itkin is committed to holding companies accountable for the harm they cause.
Questions to Ask After an El Paso Big Rig Accident
If you were involved in a collision with a big rig, you're probably wondering whether you have a truck accident claim. This will depend on several factors, so your best bet is to talk to an attorney who has experience in these matters. You can also ask yourself a few basic questions to assess the situation on your own.
After a truck collision, ask yourself:
Did someone else cause the crash?
Were you seriously injured?
Are you unable to work?
Has the accident affected your quality of life?
Is the insurance company treating you fairly?
Are you unsure of where to turn or what to do?
Now is the time to get these questions answered. At Arnold & Itkin, we offer a free consultation to talk to you about what happened. We can answer your questions and help you consider your options.
18-Wheeler Accident Cases Are Complicated
Any motor vehicle accident can cause serious harm, and any resulting lawsuit can be challenging to handle. With commercial truck accidents, however, there are more challenges to consider. Fortunately, our El Paso truck accident law firm knows what to expect and has the resources (and willpower) to overcome any obstacle.
Truck accidents are more complicated than standard motor vehicle accidents because:
They are more likely to cause catastrophic injuries. The sheer size and weight of a big rig or 18-wheeler, plus the cargo it holds, make it a powerful force on the road. When a commercial truck is involved in a collision, it is far more likely to cause considerable damage to other vehicles.
Multiple parties may be liable. When two cars collide, there are usually only two parties who could be at fault: the drivers. With a truck accident, there are other parties to consider. The trucking company, the truck driver, the loading company, or the company responsible for maintaining or manufacturing truck parts could be responsible.
The trucking company may not be forthcoming in providing evidence. Logbooks, employment records, and the truck's "black box" (event data recorder) are all key evidence in a truck accident claim. But, some trucking companies have been known to hide or bury this documentation to make it more difficult to prove the cause of a crash.
State and federal trucking laws will come into play. Complex state and federal laws regulate commercial trucks. When carriers, truck drivers, and manufacturers violate these laws, they can be held accountable for any resulting collision. In-depth knowledge of trucking regulations will be crucial in any El Paso truck accident claim or lawsuit.
These complications will make an 18-wheeler accident case more difficult, but they can be addressed. The right strategy and an unrelenting commitment to finding answers and seeing justice served have helped our El Paso personal injury firm secure life-changing results for clients who have been injured in trucking accidents.
Contact Truck Accident Lawyers in El Paso with a Proven Track Record
Our attorneys are no strangers to complicated or even high-profile cases. Even when we're going up against some of the most well-financed legal teams in the country, we're able to secure incredible results for our clients. We have won billions of dollars on behalf of the injured and bereaved families. There is no trucking corporation too big for us to take on, nor is there a case too complex for our legal team to successfully handle.
What Should I Do After a Truck Accident in El Paso?
If you are involved in a truck accident in El Paso, your health comes first. Call 911 and seek immediate medical attention, even if you feel fine at first—serious injuries like head trauma or internal bleeding may not be immediately obvious. If possible, gather information from the scene, including photos of the vehicles, the truck’s license plate, and the driver’s information. Trucking companies often deploy rapid-response teams to protect themselves, so it’s crucial that you contact an experienced El Paso truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. At Arnold & Itkin, we move quickly to secure black box data, driver logs, and other critical evidence before it disappears.
Taking these steps ensures that you protect both your health and your rights in the aftermath of a crash.
How Common Are Truck Accidents In El Paso County?
Truck accidents are unfortunately common in El Paso County due to the region’s unique role as an international trade hub and gateway to West Texas. Thousands of commercial trucks cross the Zaragoza and Bridge of the Americas ports of entry every day, merging with local traffic on I-10, Loop 375, and US-54. According to TxDOT, more than 1,000 commercial vehicle crashes occur in El Paso County each year, with fatalities and serious injuries disproportionately high compared to other collisions.
The high volume of tractor-trailers, oilfield service trucks, and cross-border freight haulers makes driving in El Paso riskier than in many other parts of Texas. When accidents happen here, they often involve catastrophic injuries due to the size and weight of the trucks on our roads.
What Types Of Truck Accidents Happen Most Often In El Paso?
Because of El Paso’s geography and economy, certain types of truck accidents are more common than others. Jackknife and rollover accidents occur frequently on I-10 and Loop 375, where congestion and high speeds create dangerous conditions. Tanker truck accidents are also a serious concern due to the city’s refineries and fuel transport routes, sometimes resulting in hazardous material spills or fires. Border traffic contributes to crashes involving overloaded or improperly secured cargo as trucks move goods to and from Mexico. Delivery truck accidents, including FedEx and UPS collisions, are also frequent in the city’s neighborhoods and warehouse districts.
No matter the type of accident, these collisions are devastating and often preventable, caused by trucking companies pushing drivers past safe limits or failing to maintain their vehicles. Our El Paso truck accident attorneys know how to handle each of these cases to hold negligent companies accountable.
Who Can Be Held Liable For A Truck Accident In El Paso?
Liability in a truck accident is rarely limited to just the driver. In El Paso, the trucking company may be held responsible for hiring unqualified drivers, enforcing unsafe schedules, or failing to maintain their fleet. Shippers and freight brokers can also share liability if cargo is overloaded or improperly secured, particularly in cross-border shipments common to the region. Manufacturers of defective parts and even third-party maintenance providers may also be to blame. Because El Paso is a hub for UPS, FedEx, and major freight carriers serving Mexico and West Texas, many cases involve powerful corporations with significant resources dedicated to avoiding responsibility. Arnold & Itkin has the experience and resources to untangle these complex cases, identify every liable party, and fight to secure maximum compensation for our clients.
