When a routine tow turns deadly, families are left grieving and seeking answers. This was the tragic reality for the son of Aldo Jenkins, a 65-year-old truck driver who burned alive in the cab of a heavy wrecker in El Paso, Texas. The fatal tow truck crash occurred on May 8th, when Jenkins was riding in the passenger seat of a 1994 Kenworth heavy wrecker towing his own disabled semi. The wrecker driver allegedly failed to brake at a busy intersection, resulting in a massive crash involving 11 vehicles. The wreck burst into flames, killing Jenkins and injuring seven others.
Now, a wrongful death lawsuit has been filed by Kherkher Garcia on behalf of Jenkins’ son, targeting Sheffield Towing Service for negligence. This heartbreaking case highlights the dangers of tow truck accidents and the legal options available to victims and their families.
El Paso Tow Truck Crash Details
A devastating crash in El Paso, Texas, has prompted a wrongful death lawsuit filed by Kherkher Garcia LLP on behalf of the son of the man who died in a fiery wreck. On May 8, Aldo Jenkins was riding in the passenger seat of a 1994 Kenworth heavy wrecker that was towing his own disabled semi-truck along Transmountain Road near Loop 375 and N. Desert Boulevard. According to reports, the wrecker’s 28-year-old driver failed to slow down at the intersection, causing a catastrophic collision involving 11 other vehicles. The wreck resulted in a deadly fire, tragically killing Jenkins and injuring seven others.
The lawsuit targets Sheffield Towing Service, accusing the company and its driver of negligence. Specific allegations include speeding, distracted driving, possibly involving an electronic device, and failing to maintain a safe following distance. The suit argues that Sheffield Towing is liable for failing to train its drivers properly, implement safe driving policies, and enforce rules against distracted driving.
Kherkher Garcia LLP contends that this tragic loss of life could have been prevented with reasonable care and oversight, and the firm is seeking justice for Jenkins’ family.
“Aldo Jenkins is dead, and his family left devastated because this company and its driver demonstrated a brazen disregard for the safety of others while in the pursuit of profits,”
Kherkher Garcia, firm founder and attorney Jesus Garcia, Jr., who is representing the Jenkins family, said in a statement.
“Sheffield Towing Service had both a moral and legal obligation to develop, implement, and enforce safety measures, and this company absolutely failed to do so with the most horrifying outcome. Mr. Jenkins lost his life, and many other innocent, unsuspecting people were severely injured. None of this would have happened if the company and its reckless driver had not acted in the most negligent and careless manner possible. We are determined to aggressively fight for our client, ensure the wrongdoers are held accountable, and recover maximum damages.”
The Dangers of Tow Truck Accidents
Tow trucks play a critical role in clearing disabled vehicles from roads and assisting drivers in distress. However, due to their size, weight, and the complexity of the equipment they haul, tow trucks can pose significant hazards when operated negligently.
A fully loaded tow truck or wrecker can weigh tens of thousands of pounds, making them capable of causing catastrophic damage in a crash. When combined with high speeds, distracted driving, or mechanical failure, the results can be deadly, as seen in the El Paso tragedy.
Additionally, tow truck drivers often work long hours and respond to emergencies under pressure, increasing the risk of fatigue and split-second errors.
Types of Driver Negligence in Tow Truck Accidents
Driver negligence is a leading cause of tow truck collisions. In the lawsuit against Sheffield Towing, the wrecker driver is accused of several key failures, including:
- Speeding: Driving too fast for conditions or failing to brake in time can cause devastating chain-reaction crashes.
- Distracted Driving: The driver may have been using an electronic device at the time of the crash, a common and dangerous form of distraction.
- Following Too Closely: Failing to maintain a safe distance limits a driver’s ability to respond to sudden stops or obstacles.
- Reckless Disregard for Safety: Operating a heavy vehicle with disregard for known risks is not only careless, it is grounds for liability.
When professional drivers operate recklessly, they place everyone on the road in jeopardy.
Company Negligence and Employer Responsibility
It is not just the driver who may be at fault for a tow truck crash. In many cases, the employer bears responsibility for hiring, training, and supervising drivers. The lawsuit against Sheffield Towing claims the company failed to:
- Implement proper driver safety training
- Enforce policies regarding distracted driving.
- Ensure compliance with federal and state safety regulations.
- Monitor the condition of their vehicles and ensure proper
Trucking and towing companies are expected to uphold strict standards to protect both their employees and the public. When they fall short, they can, and should, be held accountable.
Personal Injury Claims in Tow Truck Accidents
Survivors of tow truck accidents often suffer serious, life-altering injuries. Personal injury claims allow these individuals to pursue compensation for:
- Medical expenses (both immediate and long-term)
- Lost income and reduced earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
Because multiple parties can be involved – the tow truck driver, the towing company, other motorists – determining liability requires a thorough investigation. Kherkher Garcia’s legal team works swiftly to gather evidence, analyze crash reports, and consult with experts to build a strong case.
Wrongful Death Claims and Legal Rights of Families
When someone is killed in a tow truck crash, their loved ones may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim. These claims allow certain family members to seek compensation for:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Lost companionship and emotional support
- Loss of financial contributions and services the deceased provided
- Mental anguish suffered by surviving relatives
In the case of Aldo Jenkins, his son has taken legal action against the towing company to seek justice for the loss of his father. Texas law allows children, spouses, and parents of the deceased to pursue wrongful death claims.
How Kherkher Garcia Helps Victims of Fatal Tow Truck Accidents
At Kherkher Garcia, we know that after a fatal accident, families are overwhelmed by grief, confusion, and mounting expenses. Our firm is committed to fighting for those affected by commercial vehicle crashes, especially when large companies and insurance providers try to avoid responsibility. We assist clients by:
- Conducting independent investigations of the crash
- Preserving and analyzing black box data, dash cam footage, and maintenance records
- Consulting expert witnesses to reconstruct the accident
- Negotiating aggressively with insurers
- Taking the case to trial if necessary to demand full compensation
Our team brings decades of experience and a track record of results in commercial trucking litigation. We treat each case with the care and urgency it deserves.
Questions to Ask Your Attorney After a Tow Truck Crash
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a tow truck crash, here are some important questions to ask your attorney:
- Who can be held liable for the crash?
- What evidence needs to be preserved immediately?
- How long do I have to file a personal injury or wrongful death claim in Texas?
- What damages can I recover through a lawsuit?
- Will I need to go to court, or can my case be settled?
- What is your experience with commercial truck accident litigation?
At Kherkher Garcia, our experienced attorneys and staff will walk you through each step and help you make informed decisions.
FAQs: Wrongful Death Claims Against Tow Truck Drivers and Companies
Q: Who can file a wrongful death claim in Texas?
A: Spouses, children, and parents of the deceased may file. If none of these individuals file within three months, the executor of the estate may bring the claim.
Q: How long do I have to file a claim?
A: In Texas, the statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is typically two years from the date of death.
Q: What if the company blames the victim?
A: Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule. As long as the victim was not more than 50% at fault, the family may still recover compensation, although damages may be reduced.
Q: Can I sue both the driver and the company?
A: Yes. In many cases, both the driver and their employer share liability, especially if the company failed to enforce safety policies or properly supervise the driver.
Seek Justice with Kherkher Garcia
If your family has been impacted by a fatal tow truck crash, you don’t have to face the legal system alone. The attorneys at Kherkher Garcia are here to help you hold negligent drivers and companies accountable. We offer compassionate support, clear communication, and aggressive legal advocacy from start to finish.
Contact us today for a free consultation. Our team is ready to fight for justice – and for you. Get started now by calling us at 713-333-1030. You can also reach out to us online via our contact form. Don’t wait to protect your rights and begin your journey toward justice.
