Rio Rancho Truck Accident Attorney
The team at The Barrera Law Group LLC has experience helping many clients involved in an accident with a truck to achieve the maximum benefits they are due. You can forgive someone for getting into an accident with you, but that doesn’t mean you have to pay your medical expenses and lose wages as a result of your injuries. Y
You owe it to yourself and your family to get information about your options for pursuing the compensation you’re entitled to.
What To Expect From the Barrera Law Group, LCC
If you were involved in an accident with a big rig, you could face a veritable army of lawyers representing the insurance company and the trucking carrier. You need the support of a legal team that has experience going up against those companies and has a proven track record of success. That is what you’ll find when you get support from the Barrera Law Group, LCC.
Here’s what you can expect from our Rio Rancho truck accident lawyers:
A Thorough Investigation
When we agree to work with a new client to help with a truck accident claim, it is because we recognize the validity of their claim. Now, it has to be proven. That can only happen with a thorough investigation that will involve a deep dive into the following:
- Dashcam footage
- Traffic surveillance
- Truck black box data
- Cell phone records
- Driver’s history
- Driver logs
- Maintenance reports
- Inspection record
- Crash reports
That might seem like an insurmountable amount of evidence to collect and review, but our truck accident attorneys are well-versed in how to get the investigation done right.
Depose Witnesses
The two primary witnesses in a truck accident are the victim and the driver.
However, there could also be additional witnesses who directly witnessed the accident or were involved in other aspects, such as loading the cargo and making repairs on the rigs. We will carefully depose all the relevant witnesses in order to build a complete narrative of how the accident occurred.
Determine Who’s Liable
In addition to the truck driver, there could be scenarios where the truck company, cargo loaders, mechanics, and the manufacturer of the truck itself would share some of the responsibility for the accident. We will determine who is liable and ensure that they share the responsibility of paying your compensation.
Represent You in Court
There might come a time in your claim process where the insurance company isn’t cooperating, or the trucking company is denying responsibility. That is when we might recommend filing a civil complaint, which moves the claim to a courtroom.
Our litigation skills allow us to present all the evidence to a jury and make sure you are fully prepared to share your story.
Be Available
Most importantly, we’ll be available to answer your questions about any phase of the claim process. We want to provide you with all the viable options and a complete understanding of the challenges and complexities of the case to help you make an informed decision about what is best for your claim.
Serious Injury and Wrongful Death Claims After a Truck Accident
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has the responsibility of setting the regulations for truck drivers and carriers. Those regulations cover everything from service hours to how to properly secure a load. The FMCSA also collects crash data and found the following for 2024:
- 151,515 – total number of crashes involving large trucks
- 147,423 – total number of non-fatal crashes involving large trucks
- 4,092 – total number of fatal crashes involving large trucks
The impact from a collision with a fully loaded semi-truck can be devastating. In addition to the destruction of a vehicle, there are two primary types of claims that you could file in the aftermath of a truck accident. That includes the following:
Serious Injury Claims
With a serious injury claim, the victims can be facing mounting expenses for the following:
- Emergency room visit
- Examinations
- Surgery
- Hospitalization
- Physical therapy
- Special transportation
- Medical supplies
- Prescriptions
In addition to those medical expenses, a serious injury claim can also mean lost wages, diminished future earning potential, and pain and suffering associated with your injuries.
Wrongful Death Claims
According to the FMCSA, there were 41 fatalities from truck accidents in 2024. The surviving family members are entitled to seek compensation for their losses. These damages can include any medical expenses, funeral costs, future earnings, and the pain and suffering related to the loss of companionship and guidance.
The Rio Rancho truck accident attorneys at Barrera Law Group, LLC, understand the struggles that the victims of truck accidents go through. We are unwavering in our support for our clients to help them find a fair and fast resolution for their claim.
Who Can Be Held Liable After a Truck Crash?
When two cars get into a fender bender, the case isn’t complicated. However, with a truck accident, there is the likelihood of multiple parties being named as part of the lawsuit. It is vital to investigate all the potentially liable parties, including the following:
Truck Driver
The truck driver’s direct actions will be the focal point of the investigation. Were they driving recklessly by speeding or changing lanes without using their turn signals? Were they texting while driving, or were they driving drowsy? Did they drive past the regulated service hours? These are all the types of actions that can contribute to an accident.
Trucking Company
On many levels, a trucking company is responsible for the actions of its employees, much in the same way any company would be. The primary difference with trucking companies is the extensive set of regulations established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) that they are required to follow. If it can be established that a trucking company tried to cut corners or failed to properly screen their drivers, they could be partially responsible for the accident.
Cargo Loaders
Cargo loaders are often independent vendors who coordinate with the trucking company to load and properly secure the cargo. Whether that cargo is pallets of goods, liquids, frozen materials, or livestock, it has to be placed on the truck to prevent it from shifting during transport. If that cargo shifts on a decline or sharp curve and that leads to a rollover, those cargo loaders could be responsible for the accident.
Mechanics
A truck fleet needs to be properly maintained. That means consistent inspections and upkeep. A mechanic needs to inspect the brakes, tires, fluid, electrical systems, and all other components. If a mechanic fails to keep that truck in good operating condition, they could also be named in the claim.
As experienced Rio Rancho truck accident attorneys, we know who to consider when building a case. We will make sure that any potential party who is responsible for the accident will be named in the claim.
Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accidents
If you’ve been involved in a collision with a truck, you will undoubtedly have questions about what happens next. We can provide those answers. Our support begins with these frequently asked questions:
How long do I have to file a truck accident claim?
If you’re seeking compensation from a truck accident, it would be considered a personal injury claim. In New Mexico, the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim is three years. That time starts on the date of the accident. Even though three years might seem like a long time, when you consider the amount of time needed to investigate the accident, that time can pass quickly. That is why you want to get in contact with the Barrera Law Group, LLC as soon as possible to discuss your options.
What if there were more than one vehicle involved in my crash?
An accident involving a truck can trigger a chain reaction of collisions. There could be multiple cars involved in the crash. You are entitled to file an individual complaint against the truck driver and trucking company. Even if a class action lawsuit is generated, you can still file an individual complaint.
What if I were partially at fault for the crash with the truck?
Fortunately, New Mexico follows a pure comparative fault system for personal injury claims. That means you can still seek compensation that would be reduced by the amount of the fault assigned to you. Because of this option, the trucking company and insurance carrier will go to great lengths to shift some of the blame for the accident to you. That is why you need a fierce advocate fighting for what you’re due to cover your losses.
How much would my truck accident claim be worth?
Every truck accident claim is unique. There isn’t a fixed amount that can be applied to every case. Instead, we will carefully calculate all the damages you are entitled to seek. It is vital that we agree on an amount that will cover all your current and future losses. Once a settlement is agreed to, you won’t be able to seek any further compensation. We know what damages should be included and will make sure you ask for the maximum amount you’re entitled to.
How long will it take before I get paid?
The amount of time it takes to settle a truck accident claim depends on many factors. There needs to be a complete assessment of your damages along with a thorough investigation. That could take several months, even before the claim is filed. If the matter proceeds to a lawsuit, it could be a year or more before a resolution is reached. We’ll explain all of these potential challenges in your first consultation.
Should I accept the first offer?
There might be a situation where the trucking company acknowledges fault but offers a lowball settlement. You might be tempted to take that money, but you have to consider how much you’ll be out of pocket and what your pain and suffering are worth. The final decision will be yours to make, but we’ll provide you with all the options about the best way to pursue your claim.
Talk to a Skilled Rio Rancho Truck Accident Lawyer Today
If you’ve been involved in an accident with a truck that left you seriously injured and your car totaled, you could feel overwhelmed. As you go through your recovery, you don’t need the added stress of struggling with an insurance company. The Barrera Law Group LLC can be your advocate.
If we agree to work with you, you’ll have the support of our entire legal team. We pride ourselves on our fierce advocacy and dedication to our clients. That support begins with a free consultation, where we can discuss your accident and explore your options.
When you’re ready, we’ll be standing by. Call to schedule your consultation today.