Espanola Truck Accident Lawyer

Espanola Truck Accident Attorney

Due to their sheer size, truck accidents usually result in greater damage and more severe injuries than crashes involving only passenger cars. In addition to the increased risk of these collisions, truck accident cases often involve multiple liable parties, making it more challenging to file a claim. Luckily, you don’t have to go through this process alone. An Espanola truck accident lawyer can help you file a truck accident claim and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Why Choose Youngers Law for Your Truck Accident Case?

When you’ve been involved in a truck accident, it’s smart to have an experienced and knowledgeable lawyer on your side. The founder of Youngers Law, Joleen K. Youngers, has been consistently included in The National Trial Lawyers’ list of Top 100 Trial Lawyers since 2014, and the National Association of Distinguished Counsel has included her in the top 1% of lawyers since 2015. Ms. Youngers is also a member of the American Association for Justice and the New Mexico Trial Lawyers Association.

You can count on Youngers Law to provide compassionate support throughout your case.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Espanola

Truck accidents are quite prevalent in Espanola, New Mexico, with the state seeing 3,235 heavy truck crashes in 2022. It’s no wonder Route 285 has been nicknamed the Highway of Death. Various factors can contribute to truck accidents, including:

• Speeding. Speeding reduces a driver’s reaction time and increases the time it takes to stop. This dangerous behavior is often a symptom of rushing, where drivers take excessive risks to meet tight schedules. A problem often fueled by aggressive driving or road rage on New Mexico highways. Fully loaded tractor-trailer trucks require 20% to 40% more stopping distance than passenger cars, so speeding is especially dangerous for these vehicles.
• Drowsy driving. Truck drivers can only drive 11 hours within a 14-hour on-duty window, which also requires a minimum 10-hour break afterward. Exceeding these hours or driving on short rest can lead to severe driving impairments that impact a driver’s ability to control the vehicle.
• Drugs or alcohol. Driving under the influence is a major challenge in the trucking industry. Alcohol or drug use can impair a driver’s decision-making and cognitive abilities, increasing the likelihood of a crash.
• Mechanical failures and poor maintenance. Trucks are subject to strict maintenance guidelines that drivers and companies must adhere to. Faulty brakes, improperly maintained tires, and steering system failures can all contribute to crashes. This is why it’s essential for drivers and companies to properly check each vehicle before it hits the road.
• Road conditions. Poorly maintained roads, inclement weather, and poor visibility can cause truckers to lose control. They may also fail to see other motorists or pedestrians.

How Do You Prove Liability in a Truck Accident?

Proving liability in truck accidents can be challenging because many parties may share fault for the crash, often stemming from common and preventable causes. Trucking companies, drivers, mechanics, and even local government agencies responsible for road maintenance could share liability. To prove negligence in a truck accident, you must establish the following elements:

• Duty of care
• Breach of duty
• Causation
• Damages

Gathering the evidence needed to support these claims often requires a detailed investigation.

What Damages Can You Recover Following a Semi-Truck Crash?

Following a truck accident, you can seek three types of damages—economic, non-economic, and punitive. Economic damages include the following:

• Cost to repair or replace your vehicle
• Cost to treat your injuries
• Wages you lost from missing work during recovery

Non-economic damages are intangible losses, such as:

• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Disfigurement stemming from your injuries

Less common are punitive damages, which serve to punish particularly egregious behavior by the liable party. Judges often award punitive damages to discourage similar negligent behavior in the future. Speak to your truck accident attorney to learn what damages you can pursue.

FAQs

How Much Are Most Truck Accident Settlements?

It’s impossible to give an average settlement amount for truck accidents, because the payout for these cases can vary so widely. Some truck crash cases settle for as little as a few thousand dollars, while others can be hundreds of thousands. Furthermore, settlement amounts aren’t on the public record, so there’s no way to say what the average truly is.

How Do I Choose the Right Truck Accident Lawyer?

After your truck accident, do your research to find a local attorney. Attorneys in your area will be familiar with Espanola truck accident laws and the local courts, giving them knowledge of necessary procedures and any statutes that can directly impact your case. Many lawyers offer initial consultations, where you can get to know them and learn about their record for similar cases. It’s important that you choose a lawyer you’re comfortable with.

What Types of Compensation May Be Available to Truck Accident Victims in New Mexico?

Truck accident victims may be entitled to compensation for the damage to their vehicles, time missed from work, and the cost of treating their injuries. You can also pursue compensation for wrongful death. Trucks were involved in 13% of all fatal vehicle crashes in 2020, and your attorney can recover damages resulting from losing a loved one. Beyond these economic damages, compensation for non-economic damages, like pain and suffering, may also be available.

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

Personal injury cases, like truck accidents, have a statute of limitations of three years from the date of the accident in New Mexico. If you’re suing the government, you must notify the appropriate office within 90 days, and then you have two years to file your case. There may be other exceptions that apply, so it’s smart to discuss your accident with a lawyer. Even though you generally have three years, you’ll want to get started on your case as soon as possible.

Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer From Youngers Law Today

Truck accidents in Espanola can be complex, and the last thing you want to do while you’re recovering from your injuries is contend with insurance companies and their legal teams. Let Youngers Law represent you in settlement negotiations or before a judge and jury while you focus on healing. Contact us today to hire a truck accident lawyer from our firm. You can schedule a consultation to learn more about how we can help.