Santa Fe Truck Accident Attorney
Truck accidents often cause devastating injuries and significant financial strain. The size and weight of commercial vehicles create a higher risk of serious harm, leaving victims and their families facing long recovery times and mounting expenses.
When a collision with a tractor-trailer or delivery truck changes your life, an experienced Santa Fe truck accident lawyer can help guide you through the legal process and fight to get you the compensation you need and deserve.
Truck Accidents in Santa Fe
Santa Fe’s highways and interstates bring heavy truck traffic through the city every day. From 18-wheelers hauling freight to smaller commercial delivery vehicles, these trucks share the road with passenger cars, motorcycles, and pedestrians. Accidents can happen when drivers speed, fail to yield, or ignore traffic signals. Mechanical issues, poor maintenance, and overloaded cargo also contribute to crashes.
Because semitrucks are so much larger than passenger vehicles, even a low-speed collision can cause catastrophic injuries or fatalities.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents in Santa Fe occur for many reasons. Some of the most common causes include:
- Driver fatigue from long road hours
- Distracted driving, such as texting or using computer navigation systems
- Improperly secured cargo that shifts during transit
- Inadequate vehicle maintenance or faulty brakes
- Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Each crash has unique factors, and a thorough investigation helps uncover the specific cause and responsible parties.
Steps To Take After a Truck Accident
The moments following a truck accident are stressful, but the actions you take can protect your health and your legal rights.
Call 911, report the accident, and request medical assistance for anyone injured. If possible, move to a safe location and exchange contact information with all other drivers, including insurance and license details.
Collect contact information from witnesses and take photographs of the scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. Even if you feel fine, seek medical attention promptly because some injuries may not show symptoms right away.
Finally, contact a truck accident attorney before speaking with the trucking company’s insurance representative.
Why Hiring a Santa Fe Truck Accident Lawyer Matters
After a truck accident, you may face hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, lost income, and emotional distress. Dealing with trucking companies and their insurers can be challenging.
They often have legal teams ready to limit their financial responsibility. A Santa Fe truck accident lawyer levels the playing field by investigating the crash, gathering evidence, and negotiating on your behalf. Your attorney can help determine who is at fault and identify all possible sources of compensation.
They can help with:
Determining Liability in a Truck Accident
Truck accident cases often involve multiple parties. The truck driver, the trucking company, a maintenance provider, or even a manufacturer of defective parts may share responsibility. New Mexico law allows injured victims to pursue claims against any party whose negligence contributed to the crash. Your lawyer will review driver logs, maintenance records, and electronic data from the truck’s onboard systems to determine how the accident occurred and who is at fault.
Seeking Compensation After a Truck Accident
Victims of truck accidents may be eligible for several types of compensation. Medical expenses, including emergency treatment, surgery, and physical therapy, often represent the most significant portion of a claim.
Lost wages and reduced earning capacity can also be recovered if your injuries prevent you from working. Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life are additional damages that recognize the impact of the accident on your daily life.
In cases of extreme negligence or reckless conduct, courts may award punitive damages to punish wrongdoers and deter similar behavior.
Settlement vs. Trial
Many truck accident cases settle before trial. Settling can provide quicker compensation and reduce the uncertainty of a court verdict.
However, some cases require litigation, especially when the trucking company disputes liability or offers inadequate compensation. Your lawyer will advise you on the best course of action based on the strength of your evidence and the insurance company’s response. Whether negotiating a fair settlement or presenting arguments in court, your attorney remains focused on protecting your interests.
Protecting Your Rights Throughout the Process
The aftermath of a truck accident can be overwhelming. Insurance companies may pressure you to give statements or accept a low settlement. Remember that you are not obligated to speak with the trucking company’s insurer without legal representation.
A Santa Fe truck accident lawyer acts as your advocate, handling all communications and ensuring your rights are protected.
With professional guidance, you can focus on recovery while your lawyer manages the legal details.
How a Truck Crash Attorney Builds Your Case
An experienced lawyer will begin by conducting a detailed investigation of the crash. This includes reviewing police reports, examining the accident scene, and working with accident reconstruction experts if necessary.
Your attorney will obtain the truck’s electronic logging device data, driver qualification records, and maintenance logs to identify any regulatory violations.
Witness statements and medical records help establish the full extent of your injuries. By assembling this evidence, your lawyer can negotiate with insurance companies from a position of strength and, if needed, present a persuasive case in court.
The Role of Federal and State Regulations in a Trucking Accident
Commercial trucking is subject to strict federal and state regulations designed to improve safety.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration sets limits on driving hours, maintenance standards, and cargo securement. New Mexico also has laws governing the operation of commercial vehicles within the state. When a trucking company or driver violates these rules, it strengthens a victim’s claim by demonstrating negligence.
A knowledgeable Santa Fe truck accident lawyer understands these regulations and uses them to support your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in New Mexico?
Generally, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, but it is best to act quickly.
Can I still recover damages if I was partly at fault?
Yes. New Mexico follows a comparative negligence rule, so you may recover compensation reduced by your percentage of fault.
Who can be held liable for a truck accident?
Depending on the circumstances, the truck driver, trucking company, maintenance provider, or parts manufacturer may share responsibility.
Do truck accidents require different evidence than car accidents?
Yes. Truck cases often involve driver logs, electronic data recorders, and federal regulation compliance records.
How much does it cost to hire a Santa Fe truck accident lawyer?
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing up front, and the attorney only receives payment if you win.
Moving Forward After a Truck Accident with Barrera Law Group LLC
Recovering from a truck accident can involve more than healing from physical injuries. You’ll need financial stability, emotional support, and confidence that justice will be served.
Our dedicated Santa Fe truck accident lawyers can provide the legal guidance you need during this challenging time. With the proper representation, you can seek justice and pursue the maximum compensation for your losses and focus on rebuilding your life.
Contact us today for a free consultation.