1. Cal Mundell Law Firm, PLLC
Practice Focus: Truck accidents, 18-wheeler accidents, semi-truck collisions, commercial vehicle accidents, car accidents, motorcycle accidents, wrongful death, catastrophic injuries, personal injury
Case Types Handled: Speeding truck accidents, rollover accidents, jackknife accidents, rear-end truck collisions, head-on truck collisions, driver fatigue accidents, overloaded truck accidents, cargo spill accidents, intersection truck accidents
Legal Services: Trucking company negligence claims, driver negligence investigation, FMCSR violation investigation, hours of service violation analysis, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, wrongful death claims, medical expense recovery, lost wage claims, pain and suffering damages, property damage claims
Background: Cal Mundell graduated magna cum laude and in the top 10% of his law school class. Named Texas Rising Star for three consecutive years (2023, 2024, and 2025). El Paso native with deep roots in the community. Former defense attorney for insurance companies, providing insider knowledge of defense tactics. In two years, successfully settled over 300 cases, recovering close to $20 million for injured victims and their families. Prepares every case as if it will go to trial. Clients speak directly with the attorney handling their case.
Location: 1521 E Missouri Ave., El Paso, TX 79902
Contact: (915) 250-0700 | https://www.calmundelllaw.com
Consultation: Free consultation, contingency fee arrangement (no fee unless case is won)
2. Scherr Law Firm (Scherr Legate PLLC)
Practice Focus: Truck accidents, 18-wheeler accidents, trucking litigation, wrongful death, product liability, brain injuries, catastrophic injuries, oilfield injuries, burn injuries
Case Types Handled: Semi-truck collisions, tractor-trailer accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, rollover accidents, jackknife accidents, equipment failure accidents, cargo-related accidents, driver fatigue accidents, defective truck part accidents
Legal Services: Trucking company negligence claims, federal regulation violation investigation, FMCSA compliance analysis, product liability investigation for truck defects, third-party defendant identification, accident reconstruction, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, wrongful death claims, brain injury litigation, catastrophic injury claims
Background: Scherr Law Firm was founded in 1976 and is headquartered in El Paso. Maxey Scherr has a background in neuroscience, bringing expertise to brain injury litigation with ability to understand complex medical evidence and effectively challenge defense experts. The firm has a team of eight lawyers and handles cases in Texas and New Mexico. Combines scientific expertise with aggressive litigation skills. Focuses on identifying hidden third-party defendants and holding all responsible parties accountable. Known for thorough investigation and personalized legal strategies.
Location: El Paso, Texas (serves Texas and New Mexico)
Contact: (866) 751-7083 | https://www.scherrlawfirm.com
Consultation: Free consultation, contingency fee arrangement
3. Law Offices of Ruben Ortiz, PLLC
Practice Focus: Truck accidents, 18-wheeler accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, car accidents, motorcycle accidents, wrongful death, personal injury
Case Types Handled: Semi-truck collisions, tractor-trailer accidents, commercial truck accidents, delivery truck accidents, rollover accidents, rear-end truck collisions, intersection accidents, driver fatigue accidents
Legal Services: Trucking company negligence claims, driver negligence investigation, liability determination, hours of service violation analysis, FMCSR compliance investigation, accident report analysis, witness statement gathering, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, wrongful death claims, medical expense recovery, lost wage claims
Background: Ruben Ortiz has over 25 years of experience handling truck accident cases. Licensed in Texas. The firm offers a 25% contingency fee when cases are settled prior to lawsuit filing, allowing clients to keep more of their settlement. El Paso-based with knowledge of local laws and regulations. Proven track record representing numerous clients in truck accident cases with favorable outcomes. Provides personalized attention to each case.
Location: El Paso, Texas (also serves Hudspeth County)
Contact: (915) 308-8850 | https://www.rubenortizlaw.com
Consultation: Free consultation, 25% contingency fee for pre-litigation settlements
4. Hit By A Truck Call Chuck (Charles Julius Ruhmann IV)
Practice Focus: Truck accidents, 18-wheeler accidents, big rig accidents, semi-truck accidents, truck vs. truck accidents, wrongful death, catastrophic injuries
Case Types Handled: T-bone truck accidents, jackknife accidents, rollover accidents, underride accidents, cargo spill accidents, manufacturing defect accidents, maintenance failure accidents, distracted driving truck accidents, speeding truck accidents
Legal Services: Trucking company negligence claims, driver negligence investigation, manufacturing defect investigation, maintenance record analysis, FMCSR violation investigation, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, wrongful death claims, catastrophic injury claims
Background: Charles Julius Ruhmann IV is the firm president with over 15 years of experience handling truck accident cases. Fluent in Spanish. Handles cases in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. Specializes exclusively in truck accidents including 18-wheeler, big rig, semi-truck, and commercial vehicle collisions. Investigates multiple causes including driver recklessness, distracted driving, speeding, manufacturing defects, and trucking company negligence. Focus on pursuing financial compensation for personal injury and damages.
Location: El Paso, Texas (also serves Las Cruces, NM and Arizona)
Contact: El Paso: (915) 915-1011 | Las Cruces: (575) 800-1529 | https://hitbyatruckcallchuck.com
Consultation: Free consultation, contingency fee arrangement
5. Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C.
Practice Focus: Truck accidents, semi-truck accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, car accidents, work injuries, wrongful death, personal injury
Case Types Handled: Tractor-trailer accidents, 18-wheeler accidents, commercial truck accidents, delivery truck accidents, rollover accidents, rear-end truck collisions, intersection accidents, cargo-related accidents
Legal Services: Trucking company negligence claims, driver negligence investigation, federal regulation violation analysis, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, wrongful death claims, work injury claims, medical expense recovery, lost wage claims
Background: Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C. serves clients throughout Texas and New Mexico with offices in Las Cruces, El Paso, Albuquerque, and Carlsbad. James Tawney graduated summa cum laude from Northern Arizona University and is dedicated to serving the Southwest community. Mr. Acosta is a lifelong resident of El Paso, graduated from St. Mary’s University (2004) and Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State (2008). Daisy Chaparro Cavazos was born and raised in El Paso with a B.A. in Political Science and minor in Philosophy. Team is dedicated to fighting for serious injury victims and willing to take cases to court when necessary.
Location: El Paso, Texas (also offices in Las Cruces, Albuquerque, and Carlsbad, NM)
Contact: https://tacinjurylaw.com
Consultation: Free consultation, contingency fee arrangement
Truck Accident Laws and Regulations in Texas
Statute of Limitations: Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 16.003 provides a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims arising from truck accidents. Wrongful death claims must also be filed within two years of the date of death. Property damage claims have a two-year limitation period.
Fault System: Texas is an at-fault (tort) state for motor vehicle accidents, meaning the party responsible for causing the accident is liable for resulting damages. Injured parties can pursue claims directly against at-fault parties and their insurers.
Comparative Negligence: Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 33.001. An injured party can recover damages as long as they are 50% or less at fault for the accident. If the claimant is 51% or more at fault, they are barred from recovery. Damages are reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to the claimant.
Minimum Insurance Requirements: Texas requires minimum liability coverage of $30,000 per person for bodily injury, $60,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage (30/60/25). Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is optional.
Commercial Truck Insurance Requirements: FMCSA regulations require commercial trucks to carry minimum insurance based on cargo type: $750,000 for general freight, $1,000,000 for oil transport, and up to $5,000,000 for hazardous materials.
Federal Regulations Applicability: FMCSA regulations (49 CFR Parts 390-399) apply to commercial motor vehicles in Texas, including hours of service rules (11 hours driving within 14-hour window after 10 hours off duty, 30-minute break after 8 hours driving), driver qualification standards, vehicle maintenance requirements, and electronic logging device (ELD) mandates.
Hours of Service Regulations: Under Texas law, truck drivers are limited to 12 hours of driving at a time and may only be on duty for 15 consecutive hours. Drivers must have eight consecutive hours off duty before starting a shift. Violations can establish negligence.
Vicarious Liability: Under respondeat superior doctrine, trucking companies can be held liable for the negligent acts of their employee drivers when acting within the scope of employment. Texas courts also apply negligent hiring, training, supervision, and entrustment theories.
Punitive Damages: Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 41.008 caps punitive damages at the greater of $200,000 or two times economic damages plus an amount equal to non-economic damages up to $750,000. Punitive damages require clear and convincing evidence of gross negligence.
Border Considerations: El Paso’s location on the U.S.-Mexico border means truck accidents may involve cross-border commercial traffic. Cases involving Mexican trucking companies or drivers may have additional jurisdictional and insurance complexities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the deadline to file a truck accident lawsuit in El Paso, Texas?
A: Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 16.003, you have two years from the date of the truck accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death claims, the two-year period begins on the date of death. Missing this deadline typically results in permanent loss of your right to seek compensation through the courts. Given El Paso’s location on the U.S.-Mexico border, cases involving cross-border trucking may have additional complexities, making prompt consultation with an attorney advisable.
Q: How does Texas’s comparative fault rule affect my truck accident claim in El Paso?
A: Texas follows a modified comparative fault system under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 33.001. If you are found partially at fault for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. However, if you are determined to be 51% or more at fault, you are completely barred from recovering any damages. Trucking companies and their insurers often attempt to shift blame to accident victims to reduce or eliminate their liability, making experienced legal representation important in building a strong case.
Q: What makes truck accident cases in El Paso different from regular car accident cases?
A: Truck accident cases involve greater complexity due to federal regulations (FMCSA rules), multiple potentially liable parties (driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, maintenance providers, manufacturers), larger insurance policies, and more severe injuries. El Paso’s position as a major commercial trucking corridor with significant cross-border traffic from Mexico adds additional considerations. Evidence such as electronic logging device (ELD) data, black box information, driver qualification files, and maintenance records must be preserved quickly. Many cases involve hours of service violations as drivers rush to meet tight delivery schedules.
Q: Can I sue the trucking company if their driver caused my accident in El Paso?
A: Yes. Under Texas law and the doctrine of respondeat superior, trucking companies can be held vicariously liable for the negligent acts of their employee drivers when those drivers are acting within the scope of their employment. Additionally, trucking companies can be held directly liable for negligent hiring, negligent training, negligent supervision, negligent entrustment of the vehicle, and violation of federal safety regulations. Freight brokers who assign inappropriate freight and shippers who overload trucks may also be liable parties.
Q: What types of damages can I recover in an El Paso truck accident case?
A: Texas law allows recovery of economic damages (medical expenses past and future, lost wages, lost earning capacity, property damage), non-economic damages (physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, physical impairment, disfigurement, loss of consortium), and in cases involving gross negligence, punitive damages. There is no cap on economic damages in Texas. Punitive damages are capped under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 41.008 at the greater of $200,000 or two times economic damages plus non-economic damages up to $750,000.