Truck accidents cause severe, lasting injuries because of the violent impact of such large, heavy collisions with smaller motor vehicles. The weight and size of the truck when moving at high speeds can cause substantial property damage and increased severity in injuries or possibly even death. An accident involving a big truck can result in mounting debt due to medical bills, rehabilitation, lost wages, recovery time, and suffering due to mental and physical health issues.
In 2019, about 4,000 people died in a truck-related accident in the US. More often, the occupants of smaller vehicles experience accident-related fatalities and injuries. If you have been extremely injured in a truck accident due to a truck driver’s negligence, contact a New Mexico truck accident lawyer for an assessment of your case and to get accountability for your losses.
Most Frequent Causes of Truck Accidents in New Mexico
Truck accidents can occur for a plethora of reasons. Most accidents occur due to driver negligence or truck defects. When one or more of the following reasons occur, it can cause serious injuries and death to those sharing the road with the big rig or semi-truck:
Overloaded Cargo
Commercial trucking vehicles can carry a specific amount of cargo, both in terms of weight and volume. An overloaded truck is difficult to control on the road and can increase the chances of an accident occurring. The likelihood of an accident also increases if the cargo is not balanced properly in the truck bed or if it is not securely fastened. Cargo negligence can cause serious issues like rollovers.
Speeding
Truck drivers face a time constraint every time they hit the road. Some drivers choose to speed to make a faster delivery and make more money. This creates unsafe driving habits like frequent speeding. When trucks speed, it makes it hard to control the vehicle at sudden stops in traffic or to react in time to a hazardous situation.
Driver Fatigue
Truck drivers work strenuous schedules that sometimes force them to make deliveries on a tight schedule. If they do not make deliveries on schedule, they may be subject to heavy penalties. Unfortunately, these types of schedules result in drivers overworking and not being able to take breaks. Their lack of sleep is detrimental to those sharing the road with them because they can lose concentration and coordination easily and fall asleep at the wheel.
Truck Defects
Trucking companies are responsible for routine maintenance and check-ups on their large vehicles. Sometimes errors in maintenance can result in severe accidents like blown tires or faulty brakes leading to collisions. Trucking companies could be held liable if they lapse on adequately maintaining their motor vehicles.
What Damages May Be Available to a Truck Accident Victim
If you have been terribly injured due to a large truck such as a big rig, commercial vehicle, or semi-truck, you may have the right to compensation if it was due to driver or company negligence. You must work with an experienced attorney to prove their careless actions led to your injuries to obtain compensation.
Damages from the accident you may be able to receive include the following:
- Economic damages
- Non-economic damages
- Punitive damages
In order to recover damages, you may need to work with an experienced New Mexico truck accident attorney to gather persuasive evidence and conduct an investigation to prove negligence in your accident. With the help of a skilled New Mexico attorney, you may be able to get financial compensation for the injuries you endured.
Contact a New Mexico Truck Accident Lawyer at Dominguez Law
If you have been badly hurt in a truck accident because of a truck driver or company negligence, you may be able to recoup compensation for your severe injuries. Speak with a knowledgeable New Mexico truck accident attorney for guidance surrounding your case. We know how truck accidents take a toll on a victim’s life and finances.
The legal team at Dominguez Law offers compassionate and determined advocacy for victims of trucking accidents. We understand the laws and legal complexities surrounding such cases and can help you recoup the best possible results for your case based on the circumstances of your injuries. Contact a New Mexico truck accident lawyer today at (505) 317-9837 or fill out our contact form for more information. We also speak Spanish.
