How Do Truck Accident Lawsuits Work?
A glance at truck crashes in New Mexico can make you never want to get behind the wheel of your automobile again. New Mexico is the number three state in the nation for dangerous driving. Only Texas and Mississippi ranked higher for reckless drivers. New Mexico averages 52 deadly crashes per 100,000 drivers. According to the New Mexico Department of Transportation’s annual crash report, commercial trucks were involved in nearly 3,000 crashes. Fifty-six of those were fatalities.
It is not difficult to understand why so many traffic accidents involving heavy trucks happen in New Mexico. The state is home to some of the busiest highways in the U.S., including Interstates 25 and 40. Some of these roadways are dangerous enough without adding in distracted drivers, speeders, and those under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
What causes truck crashes in New Mexico?
New Mexico is popular with commercial truckers who must travel to California because it is the most direct route. I-25 and I-40 are two of the most frequented, increasing the probability of being involved in a traffic accident if you also travel along these busy corridors.
What causes truck crashes in New Mexico? Here are some of the contributing factors, according to data obtained from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
- Distracted driving accounted for 21,000 crashes and 167 fatalities in New Mexico according to the latest figures available. Texting and talking on your mobile phone count as distracted driving. In Albuquerque and five other New Mexico cities, it is illegal for drivers to use a handheld device while behind the wheel. Other ways truck drivers may become distracted include setting their navigation systems and eating food or drinking beverages.
- Sleepiness behind the wheel happens when truckers work long hours or get into a rhythm while driving down a long, lonely highway. Federal regulations, called Hours of Service, control when commercial drivers must take breaks. Even truckers who adhere to the rules are not immune to become sleepy while driving.
- Speeding is dangerous when you are driving a 3,000-pound vehicle. Go too fast when you are at the helm of a truck weighing 80,000 pounds and the results can be fatal. New Mexico does not require commercial trucks to drive at a reduced speed on its roadways, meaning a tractor-trailer can slam into your car going as fast as 75 mph. Trucks cannot stop on a dime. As a rule, the heavier the truck, the more difficult it is to get it stopped quickly.
- Weather plays a role in commercial truck accidents. New Mexico is home to frequent weather changes, some of which involve extreme conditions like flash flooding.
How do you prove fault in a truck accident?
Determining who is at fault is key to pursuing a personal injury lawsuit. If you believe you are the victim of a truck crash, it can be an uphill battle without an experienced legal representative on your team. Commercial trucking companies have a multitude of resources at their disposal to help fight your claim. They are notorious for pressuring victims to agree to low-ball settlements to save their clients money. Contacting an attorney should be one of the first steps you take before speaking with anyone from the trucking company or legal representation for the truck driver. A personal injury lawyer can serve as a buffer and negotiate the best possible outcome on your behalf.
One of the things an experienced personal injury attorney does is gather evidence to help prove your claim. Police reports and any citations issued at the scene of the accident are crucial to building a case. Most on-scene police investigations include eye-witness testimony and information gathered from all parties involved in the crash. Insurance adjusters also issue separate reports. Their findings may be factored into the decision on who is at fault.
Selecting the best representation
Truck crash cases in Albuquerque, New Mexico can get complicated quickly. Do not risk the outcome of your case by choosing an attorney who is not equipped to handle personal injury claims involving commercial truck drivers. Ron Archibeque is an experienced and compassionate Albuquerque personal injury lawyer. He knows which strategies produce the best results and will not back down until he gets victims fair compensation for their injuries. Schedule your free consultation and case review today by calling 505-750-2363 or by contacting the Archibeque Law Firm online.