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Truck accidents are among the most dangerous motor vehicle collisions that occur on the roads every day. In fact, it is not uncommon for victims of truck accidents to be left with severe, lifelong injuries that require long-term medical treatment, rehabilitative services, and significant adjustments to their day-to-day lives. If you believe someone else was at fault for the accident, a skilled personal injury lawyer may be able to recover the compensation you deserve for any damages related to the accident, including property damage, lost wages, medical expenses, and pain and suffering.
Attorney Paul Dominguez is a strong advocate for his clients, providing compassionate and personalized legal representation to truck accident victims in Albuquerque and throughout New Mexico.
Unlike a standard-sized car, the size and weight of a tractor-trailer greatly increases the potential for severe injury or death when involved in a crash. As such, it is crucial that truck drivers be properly trained to operate such a massive vehicle.
When these responsibilities are not met, the driver or their employer should be held liable for the harm they cause. State and federal regulations govern a driver’s actions and set minimum requirements regarding the trucking industry, such as a truck driver’s permissible hours and mandated drug and alcohol testing before commercial licenses can be issued.
If these regulations aren’t met, you may be able to retain compensation for the ensuing property damage, medical expenses, lost wages, and psychological effects experienced as a result of the negligent driver or trucking company.
In a regular passenger vehicle crash, while there are exceptions, liability will typically either sit with you or the other driver. Accidents with commercial vehicles, on the other hand, can involve a multitude of at-fault parties. Depending on the distinct circumstances involved, any of the following groups may be held responsible for a commercial vehicle accident:
Fortunately, who could be held liable for your truck accident is not something you have to determine on your own. A Dominguez Law truck accident lawyer in Albuquerque can work to determine fault and put together a concrete plan of attack against the negligent party.
When it comes to truck accidents, there is a good chance there are severe injuries. Semi-trucks are nearly 20 times bigger than the average vehicle and can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, which puts the average car at a distinct disadvantage if involved in an accident.
The aftershock of a truck accident can be as confusing as it is destructive. Understanding the steps you should take after a crash can be instrumental in helping you protect yourself and a future claim to financial recovery. Here is what you need to know:
Truck accidents in Albuquerque are devastating events that often result in severe injuries due to the massive size and weight of commercial vehicles. The average semi-truck weighs up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, compared to the typical passenger vehicle weighing around 4,000 pounds. This extreme weight disparity creates catastrophic outcomes when these vehicles collide. Understanding the common injuries that result from truck accidents can help victims recognize the seriousness of their situation and the importance of proper legal representation.
At Dominguez Law, we routinely work with clients who have sustained serious injuries from truck accidents throughout New Mexico. Our experience has shown us that prompt medical attention and legal guidance are essential following a collision with a commercial vehicle.
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are among the most serious consequences of truck accidents. These injuries occur when a sudden impact causes the brain to move violently within the skull, resulting in bruising, bleeding, or tearing of brain tissue.
TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe trauma, resulting in:
Even a seemingly minor head injury can lead to long-term complications, which is why immediate medical evaluation is crucial after any truck collision. Many TBI symptoms may not appear immediately, making follow-up medical care essential.
The tremendous force exerted during a truck accident frequently leads to spinal cord injuries. These injuries occur when vertebrae are fractured or dislocated, causing damage to the spinal cord itself.
Spinal cord injuries are particularly devastating because they often result in:
The financial impact of spinal cord injuries extends far beyond initial medical treatment. Victims often require extensive rehabilitation, assistive equipment, home modifications, and ongoing care. The lifetime costs associated with these injuries frequently reach millions of dollars, emphasizing the importance of securing proper compensation with the help of an experienced truck accident attorney.
The force generated in truck accidents commonly results in multiple fractures and orthopedic injuries. These can include:
Multiple broken bones often require extensive surgeries followed by lengthy rehabilitation. Many victims face temporary or permanent disability, preventing them from returning to their previous employment or enjoying activities they once loved.
The force of impact in truck accidents often causes internal injuries not immediately visible to first responders or victims. These injuries can be life-threatening if not promptly diagnosed and treated.
Common internal injuries include:
These injuries require immediate emergency medical attention and often necessitate surgical intervention. The recovery process may be lengthy, involving hospital stays, multiple surgeries, and ongoing monitoring to prevent complications.
When truck accidents involve fires or chemical spills, victims may suffer severe burns. Commercial trucks often carry large quantities of fuel or hazardous materials that can ignite upon impact.
Burn injuries are classified by their severity:
Severe burns can lead to permanent disfigurement, limited mobility, chronic pain, and psychological trauma. Victims often require skin grafts, reconstructive surgery, and extensive rehabilitation. The physical and emotional toll of these injuries can be immense, affecting every aspect of a person’s life.
In catastrophic truck accidents, the extreme forces involved sometimes result in traumatic amputation or injuries so severe that surgical amputation becomes necessary. The loss of a limb is a life-altering injury that affects not only physical abilities but also psychological well-being and quality of life.
Victims who experience amputation face:
The psychological impact of losing a limb cannot be overlooked. Many victims experience depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder following such a profound physical change.
While physical injuries receive immediate medical attention, the psychological trauma resulting from truck accidents often goes unrecognized. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other psychological injuries can be just as debilitating as physical injuries, yet they may not manifest until weeks or months after the accident.
Symptoms of PTSD and psychological trauma may include:
These psychological injuries often require professional treatment, including therapy and medication. Courts increasingly recognize the legitimacy of these injuries in personal injury cases, allowing victims to seek compensation for psychological treatment and emotional suffering.
The severe injuries resulting from truck accidents typically require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care. The associated costs can quickly become overwhelming, especially when victims are unable to work during recovery. Insurance companies representing trucking companies understand the potential financial liability these cases represent and often deploy tactics to minimize payouts.
At Dominguez Law, we understand the complex nature of truck accident injuries and the devastating impact they have on victims and their families. Our aggressive and compassionate legal team has extensive experience handling catastrophic injury cases throughout New Mexico. We work tirelessly to ensure our clients receive the full compensation they deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care needs.
Injured truck accident victims who prevail in their case may be awarded compensation in the form of past and future medical expenses, lost income, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and other damages. For assistance in avoiding many of the common pitfalls that plague injured victims in your shoes, look no further than the Albuquerque personal injury attorneys at Dominguez Law. Our team vigilantly protects victims after a truck wreck. We know the devastation these accidents cause, and we have successfully secured compensation for many clients through our top-of-the-line courtroom strategies.
Our trusted and compassionate team has represented clients in the Los Ranchos and Albuquerque areas with a wide range of claims. We understand the specifics of New Mexico truck accident laws and will help you achieve the best results possible based on the circumstances of your injury. Determine your next legal steps by calling our team of commercial truck accident lawyers today at 505-850-5854 or by contacting us online to set up a free appointment. Our team also speaks Spanish.
At Dominguez Law, we believe in holding parties who act recklessly accountable for their actions and are dedicated to making their insurance companies pay top dollar for your claim. If you believe the at-fault party acted negligently or recklessly, contact us as soon as possible.
To schedule a free consultation with one of our compassionate and aggressive Albuquerque car accident attorneys, call Dominguez Law today at 505-850-5854 or contact us online. Se Habla Español.