Top Causes of Truck Accidents in El Paso You Should Know

With I-10 running directly through the heart of the city and the Zaragoza and Bridge of the Americas ports of entry facilitating major cross-border trucking traffic, El Paso sees thousands of commercial trucks daily. While these vehicles are vital for commerce, they also pose serious risks when drivers or companies act negligently.

If you’ve been hurt in a trucking crash, understanding the leading causes of truck accidents in El Paso is essential to protecting your rights and pursuing the compensation you deserve.

1. Fatigue from Long Hauls

Many truck drivers entering or exiting El Paso have been behind the wheel for hours, sometimes in violation of federal hours-of-service rules. Driver fatigue is one of the most common causes of commercial vehicle crashes.

Tired drivers are more likely to:

• Fall asleep at the wheel
• Miss signs or traffic signals
• Fail to brake in time

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Research (NHTSA), drowsy driving crashes are underreported but far more common than official statistics suggest.

2. Speeding Through Traffic Corridors

Truck drivers often speed to meet tight delivery schedules, especially when navigating border checkpoints and warehouse routes. In El Paso, high-speed corridors like I-10 and US-54 are hotspots for truck crashes.

A speeding semi-truck requires much more distance to stop. When traffic suddenly slows or backs up, the truck may not be able to avoid a collision.

3. Distracted Driving

Distraction is a widespread problem in trucking. Common causes include:

• Looking at GPS or fleet dispatch devices
• Texting or using a phone
• Eating behind the wheel
• Reading cargo manifests or paperwork

When a distracted driver is behind the wheel of a 40-ton vehicle, the margin for error disappears fast.

4. Unsafe Merging and Lane Changes

Large trucks have substantial blind spots. When drivers fail to signal or check mirrors while merging or switching lanes, it can result in sideswipe accidents or force other vehicles off the road.

This is a frequent issue on:

• Loop 375 (Border Highway)
• Spur 601 near Fort Bliss
• I-10 eastbound merge lanes

5. Mechanical Failures

Truck crashes often result from poor maintenance. If a trucking company neglects to inspect brakes, tires, or steering components, they may be held liable.

Mechanical issues that commonly cause accidents:

• Brake failure going downhill
• Tire blowouts in summer heat
• Broken headlights or tail lights
• Defective coupling systems between cab and trailer

6. Poor Weather and Road Conditions

El Paso is known for strong winds, dust storms, and occasional flash flooding. Truckers who don’t reduce speed or adjust for weather conditions can lose control or hydroplane, especially when hauling heavy loads.

These weather-related crashes can still involve driver negligence if the trucker was operating too fast for conditions.

7. Improper Loading of Cargo

When cargo isn’t evenly balanced or properly secured, it can shift during transport—causing rollovers, jackknife accidents, or even cargo spills on the highway.

Liability for cargo-related crashes may rest with:

• The driver
• A third-party freight company
• A warehouse or distributor

Multiple parties can be responsible depending on who handled the cargo.

What To Do If You’ve Been in a Truck Crash in El Paso

If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, here are the steps to protect yourself:

1. Call 911 and report the accident
2. Seek immediate medical attention, even for seemingly minor injuries
3. Take photos of the vehicles, debris, road conditions, and your injuries
4. Get contact info for the truck driver and any witnesses
5. Avoid speaking with the trucking company’s insurer
6. Contact a truck accident attorney as soon as possible

What Compensation Is Available?

If you were injured in a crash caused by a negligent truck driver or company, you may be eligible to recover:

Economic Damages:

• Ambulance and hospital bills
• Ongoing medical treatment
• Lost wages or reduced earning potential
• Property damage (vehicle, phone, etc.)

Non-Economic Damages:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional trauma or PTSD
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Disability or permanent scarring

Punitive Damages:

In extreme cases—such as DUI, gross negligence, or repeated safety violations—you may also seek punitive damages to hold the wrongdoer accountable.

How Long Do I Have to File in Texas?

Under Texas law, you typically have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury claim. This deadline is strict, and if you miss it, you may lose your right to seek compensation entirely.

Evidence in trucking cases disappears fast—logbooks, black box data, and inspection records can be lost within days or weeks. Don’t delay in getting legal help.

Why Choose Zinda Law Group?

Zinda Law Group has successfully represented clients injured in truck accidents across Texas, including many in El Paso. When you work with us, you’ll receive:

• Free consultations
• No fees unless we win your case
• Resources to investigate complex trucking claims
• Trial-ready attorneys and expert access
• Responsive, client-focused communication

We understand how life-changing these crashes can be, and we fight to make sure you’re not left paying for someone else’s negligence.

Talk to an El Paso Truck Accident Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one was hurt in a trucking crash, you may be entitled to compensation. Let Zinda Law Group help you understand your rights, build your case, and pursue the justice you deserve.

Call 800-863-5312 or visit https://www.zdfirm.com/contact-us/ to schedule your free consultation with an El Paso truck accident lawyer today.