Luna County Truck Accident Lawyers

Truck accidents can have devastating consequences for those involved, followed by complicated legal processes. The sheer size and weight of commercial trucks often result in severe injuries, substantial property damage, and significant medical expenses for other motorists.  

When a truck accident disrupts your life, you need a lawyer who can skillfully handle the challenging aspects of your case. Our Luna County truck accident lawyers at Flores Mendez Law are familiar with federal transportation regulations, industry standards, and the numerous parties that might be responsible for a commercial vehicle collision. Our talented legal team has the knowledge and resources to handle these demanding cases while you focus on your recovery.

What Should I Do Immediately After a Truck Accident in Luna County?

The moments following a truck accident are critical for both your health and a potential legal claim. First, seek medical attention regardless of how minor your injuries may appear. Some injuries, including whiplash and internal trauma, might not show symptoms right away but can develop into serious health problems.

If you are able, collect evidence at the scene. Take photographs of the vehicles involved, the surrounding area, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Obtain contact information from the truck driver, including their names, phone numbers, insurance details, and the company they work for. Report the accident to law enforcement and ask about obtaining a copy of the police report when available. Then, contact our Luna County truck accident lawyers to discuss your situation before speaking with insurance representatives.

How Are Truck Accidents Different from Car Accidents?

Truck accident cases involve certain factors that distinguish them from typical car accident claims. Commercial trucks are subject to federal and state regulations that do not apply to passenger vehicles. These regulations govern hours of service, maintenance requirements, load restrictions, and driver qualifications.

Additionally, the liability structure is more complicated. Potentially responsible parties may include the truck driver, trucking company, vehicle manufacturer, maintenance contractor, cargo loader, or even government entities responsible for road maintenance. The number of potentially liable parties makes truck accident cases particularly challenging to resolve without professional legal assistance.  

What Compensation Can I Recover After a Truck Accident?

The financial recovery available after a truck accident depends on the specific circumstances of your case but may include:

• Medical Expenses: This covers all healthcare costs related to your injuries, including emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, prescription medications, physical therapy, and ongoing medical treatment.
• Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may recover compensation for lost income, including future earning capacity, if you cannot return to your previous occupation.
• Property Damage: This includes repairs or replacement of your vehicle and other personal property damaged in the accident.
• Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages compensate you for physical pain and emotional distress resulting from the accident and your injuries.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries limit your ability to participate in activities you previously enjoyed, you may receive compensation for this loss.

Our Luna County truck accident lawyers can provide a detailed assessment of the potential compensation in your specific situation.

How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit in New Mexico?

In New Mexico, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including truck accidents, is generally three years from the date of the accident. This means you must file your lawsuit within this timeframe or lose your right to pursue legal action.

However, there are exceptions to this rule. If your accident involved a government entity, you may have a much shorter window to file notice of your claim. Additionally, if you discover injuries later that were not immediately apparent, the timeline might be extended under certain circumstances.

Because of these varying deadlines, it is advisable to schedule a prompt legal consultation after your accident. Three years might seem like a long time, but delays are common. Prompt legal action not only preserves your right to file but also helps in gathering time-sensitive evidence that might otherwise be lost.

How Do I Prove Negligence in a Truck Accident Case?

Establishing negligence requires demonstrating four key elements: duty, breach, causation, and damages. In truck accident cases, this means showing that:

• The truck driver or another party had a duty to operate safely.
• They breached that duty through negligent action or inaction. 
• That breach directly caused the accident.
• You suffered actual damages as a result.

Evidence used to prove negligence might include:

• Eyewitness and expert witness statements.
• Photographs and traffic camera footage from the crash scene.
• Electronic logging device data.
• Truck maintenance records.
• Driver background information.

Our Luna County truck accident lawyers coordinate thorough investigations to gather as much evidence as possible and build compelling cases for clients.

Should I Accept the Insurance Company’s Settlement Offer?

Insurance companies frequently make initial settlement offers that are significantly lower than what cases are truly worth; their primary goal is to resolve claims quickly and for as little money as possible. Before accepting any offer, it is important to understand the full extent of your injuries, future medical needs, and other long-term impacts of the accident.

An experienced lawyer can evaluate settlement offers, negotiate with insurance companies, and advise you on whether an offer adequately compensates you for all your losses. In many cases, having legal representation results in substantially higher settlements than accepting an insurance company’s initial proposal.

Experienced Luna County Truck Accident Lawyers at Flores Mendez Law Fight to Protect Clients’ Rights

If you or a loved one was injured in a truck accident, do not face this difficult time alone. The dedicated Luna County truck accident lawyers at Flores Mendez Law stand ready to advocate for your rights. Call us at 915-308-9999 or submit our online form for a free consultation. Located in El Paso, Texas and Las Cruces, New Mexico, we serve clients in the surrounding areas.