1. Glasheen, Valles & Inderman Injury Lawyers
Focus Area: Catastrophic injury cases, wrongful death, trucking accidents
Practice Areas: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, workplace injuries, oil field accidents, wrongful death, premises liability, medical malpractice
Background: Over 30 years of experience handling serious personal injury cases throughout West Texas and Southern New Mexico. The firm serves El Paso and surrounding counties including Hudspeth, Culberson, Presidio, and Brewster. Multiple offices across Texas and New Mexico.
Location: 221 N. Kansas Street, Suite 2000, El Paso, TX 79901
Contact: (888) 570-3628 | https://gvilaw.com
Consultation: Free case consultation. Contingency fee basis with no upfront costs.
2. James Kennedy, P.L.L.C.
Focus Area: Personal injury trial law, trucking accidents, workplace injuries
Practice Areas: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, workplace injuries, oil field accidents, construction accidents, premises liability, wrongful death
Background: Attorney James Kennedy is Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. The firm has secured millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts. Licensed to practice in Texas, Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico.
Location: 201 E. Main Street, Suite 600, El Paso, TX 79901
Contact: (915) 544-5200 | https://www.epinjury.com
Consultation: Free consultation. Contingency fee arrangement with no fees unless the case is won.
3. Cesar Ornelas Law
Focus Area: Personal injury, commercial truck accidents, oilfield accidents
Practice Areas: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, oilfield accidents, workplace injuries, construction accidents, wrongful death, premises liability
Background: The firm serves clients across Texas and the southwestern United States. Attorneys have recovered millions for clients in West Texas and El Paso. The legal team includes experienced trial lawyers with courtroom experience in complex injury cases.
Location: 110 Mesa Park Drive, Suite A, El Paso, TX 79912
Contact: (855) 846-7529 | https://www.cesarornelaslaw.com
Consultation: Free case review. Contingency fee structure.
4. Cal Mundell Law Firm, PLLC
Focus Area: Motor vehicle accidents, personal injury litigation
Practice Areas: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, slip and fall injuries, workplace accidents, wrongful death
Background: The firm represents injured clients throughout Texas and New Mexico from its El Paso headquarters. Attorney Cal Mundell and his team focus exclusively on personal injury matters. The firm emphasizes thorough case investigation and evidence gathering.
Location: 3800 N. Mesa Street, Suite C2, El Paso, TX 79902
Contact: (915) 250-0700 | https://www.calmundelllaw.com
Consultation: Free initial consultation. Contingency fee basis.
5. Law Offices of Ruben Ortiz
Focus Area: Personal injury, motor vehicle accidents, workplace injuries
Practice Areas: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, workplace accidents, premises liability, dog bites, defective products
Background: Attorney Ruben Ortiz has helped hundreds of clients achieve compensation for their injuries. The firm serves El Paso and surrounding areas including Sierra Blanca, Van Horn, and Hudspeth County. The firm emphasizes personal attention and accessibility to clients.
Location: 7361 Remcon Circle, El Paso, TX 79912
Contact: (915) 308-8850 | https://www.rubenortizlaw.com
Consultation: Free initial consultation and case evaluation. No fees unless the case is won. The firm advertises competitive contingency fee rates compared to industry standards.
Personal Injury Laws in Texas
Statute of Limitations:
Texas law requires personal injury lawsuits to be filed within two years from the date of the accident under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 16.003. This deadline applies to car accidents, slip and falls, product liability, and most other injury claims. Wrongful death claims also carry a two-year deadline starting from the date of death. The discovery rule may extend this deadline in cases where the injury was not immediately apparent.
Negligence Rules:
Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule, also known as proportionate responsibility. Injured parties can recover damages as long as they are not more than 50% responsible for the accident. If the injured party is 51% or more at fault, they are barred from any recovery. When the injured party bears some fault below the 51% threshold, their compensation is reduced by their percentage of responsibility.
Damage Caps:
Texas does not cap compensatory damages in general personal injury cases. However, caps apply in specific situations. Medical malpractice claims are capped at $250,000 per individual physician and $500,000 total for multiple defendants for non-economic damages. Claims against the State of Texas or government entities are limited to $250,000 per person and $500,000 per incident. Punitive damages are capped at the greater of $750,000 or twice the economic damages plus up to $200,000 of non-economic damages.
Auto Insurance Requirements:
Texas requires minimum liability insurance coverage of $30,000 per person for bodily injury, $60,000 per accident for bodily injury to multiple people, and $25,000 for property damage (commonly referred to as 30/60/25 coverage). Uninsured motorist coverage is optional but recommended.
At-Fault System:
Texas operates under a fault-based auto insurance system. The driver who caused the accident is responsible for damages. Injured parties can file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company, file a claim with their own insurance company and allow subrogation, or file a lawsuit directly against the at-fault driver.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What should I do immediately after a car accident on Interstate 10 or Loop 375 in El Paso?
A: First, call 911 if anyone is injured and ensure medical treatment is provided. Contact El Paso Police or Texas Department of Public Safety to file an official accident report. Document the scene by taking photographs of vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Collect contact and insurance information from all parties involved. Seek medical attention even if injuries seem minor, as some conditions like whiplash or internal injuries may not show symptoms immediately. Contact an attorney before speaking with insurance adjusters.
Q: How does the 51% bar rule affect my accident claim if I was partially at fault in El Paso?
A: Under Texas proportionate responsibility law, you can still recover compensation if you are 50% or less at fault for the accident. Your damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 30% responsible and your damages total $100,000, you would receive $70,000. However, if you are found 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover any compensation. Insurance companies often try to shift blame onto injured parties, making legal representation valuable.
Q: Are there special considerations for oil field and industrial accident claims in the Permian Basin region?
A: Oil field and industrial accidents in the El Paso and West Texas region often involve multiple parties including employers, contractors, equipment manufacturers, and property owners. Workers’ compensation may bar claims against direct employers, but third-party claims against other negligent parties remain available. OSHA regulations and industry safety standards play important roles in establishing liability. These cases frequently involve specialized knowledge of drilling operations, heavy equipment, and industry practices.
Q: What compensation can I recover for a trucking accident on I-10 between El Paso and Van Horn?
A: Trucking accident victims can pursue compensation for medical expenses, future medical care, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, mental anguish, physical impairment, and disfigurement. When a commercial truck is involved, multiple parties may be liable including the truck driver, trucking company, cargo loader, or vehicle manufacturer. Federal trucking regulations require companies to maintain higher insurance limits, often $750,000 or more, providing greater potential recovery.
Q: How do cross-border accidents between El Paso and Ciudad Juarez affect personal injury claims?
A: Accidents occurring on the international bridges or involving drivers from Mexico present unique challenges. Texas courts may have jurisdiction if the accident occurred on U.S. soil, but enforcing judgments against Mexican residents or companies requires additional legal procedures. Insurance coverage from Mexican policies may differ from U.S. standards. An attorney experienced in border region cases can navigate the complexities of jurisdiction, insurance coverage, and potentially pursuing claims in multiple legal systems.