Semi-trucks form an important part of our nation’s shipping infrastructure. On any road trip, you’re bound to pass more than a few on the highway. However, their size and large cargo loads make them dangerous to other drivers.
When trucks collide with standard-sized passenger vehicles, it is often the smaller car that bears the brunt of the accident. If you’ve been involved in such an accident, a Las Cruces truck accident lawyer from Zinda Law Group can help you seek financial recovery.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Las Cruces
Our Las Cruces personal injury lawyers are aware of all the factors that can lead to a truck collision. When they investigate your crash, they’ll look for evidence that points to the cause of the incident and identify the at-fault party. They’ll be able to seek compensation for a collision caused by any of the following circumstances:
Tired Driver
For most drivers on the road, driving constitutes only a small portion of their day. But for truck drivers, it is their full-time job. Truck drivers can become fatigued after spending hours on the road, which can lead to a lack of focus and serious accidents.
While federal laws exist to restrict the number of hours that drivers are allowed to drive on a given day, many truck operators are incentivized by their employers to stay on the road as long as possible. If you were injured in a crash caused by a fatigued driver, a Las Cruces truck accident attorney can help you file a claim.
Improperly Loaded Cargo
Collisions with another vehicle are not the only way semi-trucks can cause accidents. A truck’s cargo can also come loose and hit another vehicle or cause an obstruction of the roadway.
Trucking companies are required to comply with cargo securement rules, but these regulations are not always followed, and even properly loaded cargo can come loose. If a cargo issue caused your crash, our Las Cruces truck accident attorneys can hold the party responsible for loading the vehicle’s cargo liable for your injuries and losses.
Driver Error
Even if a truck driver is complying with Hours of Service Regulations, it is still possible for them to make a poor decision and end up causing an accident. Driving an 18-wheeler is difficult, given the extensive distance that it takes to come to a complete stop.
The size of a tractor-trailer also makes it difficult to stay aware of other vehicles around you. Any small lapse of focus or poor decision may contribute to an accident. If we find that your crash was caused by an error on the truck operator’s part, our team can take the steps necessary to obtain the compensation you’re owed.
John (Jack) Zinda
Founder / CEO
Over 100 years of combined experience representing injured victims across the country.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationWho Is Liable for My Injuries?
When you work with our Las Cruces truck accident lawyers, they’ll investigate your collision and use the evidence they find to prove that the at-fault party should be held liable for your losses. Proving liability is critical in any case, as it will allow you to collect compensation from the liable party’s insurer.
When it comes to 18-wheeler accidents, there are several parties that may be held liable. Our team will work hard to determine which of the following parties should be held responsible for your medical bills, pain, and other accident-related challenges:
The Driver
As in a standard accident involving passenger vehicles, the truck driver can be at fault for your injuries. The truck operator may be liable if they were driving while drunk, distracted, texting, or if they failed to obey the rules of the road.
The Trucking Company
One of the critical differences that distinguish a trucking accident from a car accident is that most 18-wheeler drivers drive for a trucking company. This fact adds another party to the mix when determining liability.
Employers are generally liable for the actions of employees who cause accidents on the job. Similarly, if the company was negligent when hiring or training the driver, it might share liability for the effects of the collision.
The City or Township
Though it is relatively rare that this category comes into play, the government in charge of the road where the accident occurred could be at least partially liable for injuries. That’s because it’s the city or town’s responsibility to maintain a road to ensure that it is safe and that any lights or signs are functioning properly.
If the city’s failure to maintain its roads caused your collision, our truck accident lawyers from Las Cruces could hold the local government responsible for your injuries and financial losses.
Neil Solomon
Partner
Real results matter. We do not get paid unless we win your case.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationWhat Is My Case Worth?
After a truck accident, many victims might wonder, “What is my case worth?” There is no way to give a realistic answer without knowing the details of an accident, and you should be wary of any lawyer or law firm who promises that they can deliver certain monetary results.
However, the average truck accident claimant can expect to receive the following compensatory damages:
Economic Damages
Economic damages can be calculated with a relatively high degree of certainty. They include medical expenses, property damage, and lost wages from being unable to work due to injury.
A truck accident lawyer from Las Cruces can refer to your medical bills, auto repair invoices, and other relevant documents to obtain the correct amount of compensation for your economic losses.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages refer to intangible challenges like the pain and suffering a victim experiences due to their injuries. Attaching a precise dollar value to non-economic damages is usually more difficult. Fortunately, our team can use special formulas to calculate how much compensation you’re owed for the following non-economic losses:
- Physical pain and discomfort
- Emotional distress or post-traumatic stress disorder caused by the collision
- Loss of enjoyment of life
CASE RESULTS
Jason Aldridge
Attorney
Standing by 24 hours a day, 7 days a week ready to answer in your time of need.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationTruck Accident Statistics
Large semi-trucks comprise a larger percentage of the vehicles on the road than most people may think. This is especially true for a city like Las Cruces, which sits at the intersection of two major interstates. Some statistics to consider about truck accidents in the US, and more specifically in New Mexico, include:
- According to data compiled by the University of New Mexico, truck-involved crashes comprised 5.6% of all crashes in New Mexico in 2018. These crashes led to 60 fatalities.
- According to the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety, trucks often weigh as much as 20-30 times more than a standard passenger vehicle. In addition, a loaded tractor-trailer takes around 20-40% longer than a car to come to a complete stop.
- A total of 4,136 people died in large truck crashes across the country in 2018. Sixteen percent of these deaths were truck occupants, 67 percent were occupants of cars and other passenger vehicles, and 15 percent were pedestrians, bicyclists, or motorcyclists.
As you can see, the highway can be a dangerous place, especially in Las Cruces. This unfortunate fact makes it all the more important to have a trusted truck accident attorney on speed dial. If you’ve been involved in an 18-wheeler collision, make sure you get in touch with an attorney from Zinda Law Group ASAP.
Cole Gumm
Attorney
We are here to ensure you won’t have to face this difficult time alone.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationDon’t Delay Hiring a Las Cruces Lawyer After a Truck Accident
Reaching out to an attorney as soon after your accident as possible is critical to your claim’s success. That’s because New Mexico has a strict statute of limitations that limits how long you have to file a truck accident claim.
According to the law, you have exactly three years from the date of the collision to hire an attorney to file a civil suit. If you fail to act within the prescribed time frame, you won’t be able to benefit from the damages you need to get your life back on track.
Instead of delaying your case and risking your financial and physical recovery, get in touch with a truck accident attorney from Las Cruces today. They’ll get started on your case as soon as they can and ensure your suit is filed well within the legal filing time frame.
Get Help With Your Las Cruces Truck Accident Case
At Zinda Law Group, we believe no one should have to worry about affording legal representation after an accident, which is why we offer a No Win, No Fee Guarantee. If we win your case, we’ll take a portion of your compensation. If we lose, you won’t have to pay us a cent.
To get the affordable and effective representation you need to get back on your feet, contact us today and schedule a free consultation with a Las Cruces truck accident lawyer. They’ll guide you through the legal process with patience, answer any questions you have, and fight for the financial relief you deserve.
Our Awards
AWARDED TO JOHN C. (JACK) ZINDA BY THE NATIONAL TRIAL LAWYERS ASSOCIATION (2016-2020)
AWARDED TO JOHN C. (JACK) ZINDA (2009, 2011-2012, 2014-2021), & NEIL SOLOMON (2020-2021)
AWARDED TO JACK ZINDA (2016-2020)
LIFETIME MEMBERS JOHN C. (JACK) ZINDA
Jason Aldridge
Attorney
We have successfully represented clients in a wide variety of cases across the country.
Available 24 / 7|Free Consultation
