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Responsibility depends on why the brakes failed and who was in charge of them. A truck brake failure accident lawyer looks at the driver, the trucking company, and anyone who worked on the brakes. El Paso police say a semi driver reported brake failure before an eight-vehicle crash on Loop 375 that killed one person.
If you or a loved one was hurt, call Chhabra, Gibbs & Gustavis, P.A. at (877) 317-8005 for a free consultation; early help protects evidence.
What Happened on Loop 375 in Northwest El Paso?
The crash happened Monday morning, October 19, 2026, on Loop 375, known as Transmountain Road, near the Interstate 10 overpass. Police received the call at about 10:33 a.m., KFOX14 reported.
On Tuesday, the El Paso Police Department’s Special Traffic Investigations unit released early findings. Investigators said a truck tractor pulling a semitrailer was heading south on Loop 375 toward North Desert. The driver reported brake failure, police said, and the truck went through the intersection.
Police described a chain of impacts. The semitrailer sideswiped a Toyota RAV4 and pushed it into a Ford F-150 at South Desert. It then struck a Chevrolet Colorado. The Colorado’s driver, a 42-year-old West El Paso man, died at the scene. Next, the truck hit a Ford F-350, pushing it into a Subaru Forester. Debris from that impact struck a GMC Sierra.
The F-350’s driver reported serious injuries, police said. The El Paso Fire Department said one person went to a hospital by air. Crews took four others to hospitals, and four more declined transport. Police counted the crash as El Paso’s 55th traffic death this year, CBS4 reported.
Police have not said what caused the reported brake failure. No charges have been announced, and the investigation remains open.
Why Does Transmountain Road Matter for Trucks?
Loop 375 drops down a long, steep grade toward I-10. Semi drivers told KFOX14 they avoid the route because of the downgrade and the wear on their trucks. The station also reported earlier runaway semi crashes there, including one that caused an explosion. After years of deadly wrecks, TxDOT opened the first mechanical runaway truck ramp in Texas.
Who Is Responsible When a Truck’s Brakes Fail?
A brake failure report does not settle who is at fault. It raises the next question: why did the brakes fail? Investigators usually look at a few common causes.
Brakes can overheat and fade on a long downgrade when a driver leans on them too hard or picks too high a gear. Worn or poorly adjusted brakes lose stopping power. An overloaded trailer takes longer to stop. A defective part can also give out. Nothing released so far points to any one of these in the El Paso crash.
Each cause can point to a different party. The driver controls speed and gear choice. The trucking company usually answers for a driver working on the job and for keeping its equipment safe. A repair shop, the loader, or a parts maker may also share responsibility. Our guide on how trucking company liability works explains these claims.
What Federal Rules Cover Truck Brakes?
Under 49 CFR 392.7, a driver must be satisfied that the brakes work before driving. Part 396 requires carriers to inspect, repair, and maintain their trucks. Under 49 CFR 396.11, drivers must report brake defects in written inspection reports. Part 393 sets the brake equipment standards.
Inspection reports, repair orders, and brake adjustment records can show whether anyone knew about a problem before the trip. Our article on how federal trucking regulations affect accident claims explains which records matter. The federal inspection and maintenance rules in Part 396 are public.
How Does Texas Law Handle a Fatal Truck Crash?
Texas law would govern claims from this crash. A surviving spouse, children, and parents may bring a wrongful death claim under Chapter 71 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code. Texas uses a modified comparative fault rule. A person found more than 50 percent responsible cannot recover, and others recover less by their share of fault. The general deadline for injury and death claims in Texas is two years. Exceptions may apply. Our wrongful death lawyer page explains how families pursue these claims.
Why Call a Truck Brake Failure Accident Lawyer Early?
Evidence in a brake failure case can change fast. Shops may repair or replace brake parts once a truck leaves the tow yard. The engine control module can record speed and braking in the final seconds, but new driving can overwrite it. Dash camera video can be lost too.
A lawyer can send a preservation letter asking the carrier to keep the tractor, trailer, and brake parts as they are. The letter can also cover electronic logging device data, inspection reports, maintenance files, dispatch records, and load papers. A truck brake failure accident attorney can also request the police reconstruction once it is complete.
What Should You Do After a Multi-Vehicle Truck Crash?
Get medical care, even if you feel fine. Ask police for the crash report number. Take photos of your vehicle, the scene, and any debris. Write down witness names and keep every bill. Do not give a recorded statement to the trucking company’s insurer before talking to a lawyer. Our article on evidence that can strengthen an injury claim lists what to save.
We are sorry for the family who lost a loved one in this crash.
Talk With a Truck Accident Lawyer About a Brake Failure Crash
CGG Law helps people after serious commercial truck crashes. We investigate what happened and preserve evidence. We deal with insurance companies and identify every company that may share responsibility. We pursue compensation when the facts support it. Learn more on our truck accident lawyer page.
Call CGG Law at (877) 317-8005 for a free consultation, or reach us through our contact page. Protecting Victims. Pursuing Justice.
This post is for general information only and is not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Attorney advertising.
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