Los Alamos Truck Accident Lawyer

Los Alamos Truck Accident Attorney

Because truck accident cases can be so complex, navigating the legal system after a crash can be particularly complicated. Trucks are much larger than ordinary passenger cars, and with this increased size comes an increased risk of serious injuries. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, you should be more focused on recovering than fighting insurance companies for the compensation you deserve. That’s where a Los Alamos truck accident lawyer from Youngers Law can represent you.

Who Is Liable for My Truck Accident?

Liability in truck accidents is rarely straightforward. Liable parties could include:

• • The truck driver
  • The trucking company
  • Mechanics responsible for repairs and maintenance
  • Government organizations responsible for road upkeep
  • Other motorists

In some cases, multiple parties could share liability.

To establish liability, you must prove the four elements of negligence—duty of care, breach of duty, causation, and damages. You must show that a party owed you a duty to behave responsibly and that they breached that duty. You must then prove that their breach caused the accident and that you suffered damages as a result.

How Do Truck Accidents Happen?

In 2023, 7.4% of all vehicle collisions in New Mexico involved heavy trucks, yet they accounted for 22% of traffic fatalities. Knowing this, it’s important to understand what causes these accidents. Some of the major factors that contribute to truck accidents include:

• • Drowsy driving. The trucking industry has a serious problem with drowsy driving. In fact, driver fatigue is a contributing factor in 13% of truck crashes. With increased pressure to meet deadlines, drivers may exceed the federal regulations for operating times, though emerging technology offers new ways to manage this chronic risk.
  • Speeding. Exceeding the speed limit reduces a driver’s reaction time and increases the time it takes to make a complete stop. Trucks already require a greater distance to stop than passenger vehicles, and speeding only increases that distance.
  • Driving under the influence. Driving while intoxicated is a major cause of accidents, especially in the trucking industry. Drugs and alcohol reduce a driver’s decision-making ability, and they can also impact their reaction times.
  • Mechanical failures. Faulty brakes, steering system failures, issues with the tires, and other mechanical problems can cause the driver to lose control of the truck. These issues often stem from improper inspections or repairs, leading to multiple parties potentially sharing liability.
  • Poor road conditions. Potholes, improper signage, and poor lighting can all contribute to truck accidents. In these cases, the local municipality may be liable for your damages.
  • Inclement weather. Rain and snow can reduce visibility and make it harder for drivers to control their vehicles. When a trucker doesn’t adjust their driving to the weather conditions, they can be liable for any resulting injuries.

Compensation for Truck Accidents

Victims of truck accidents may be entitled to various economic, non-economic, and punitive damages. Economic damages can include:

• • The cost of your hospital bills and related medical expenses
  • The cost to repair or replace your vehicle
  • Lost wages
  • Any other tangible losses you incurred due to the accident

Non-economic damages, also known as pain and suffering, are intangible damages, like loss of enjoyment of life or disfigurement.

If your case goes to trial before a judge, you may receive punitive damages as well. These are less about making you whole again and more about punishing the liable party for particularly egregious behavior. These damages aren’t typically included in settlements, so don’t expect to pursue them as part of your truck accident claim with the insurance company.

How Can Youngers Law Help Truck Accident Victims in Los Alamos?

Joleen K. Youngers, founding attorney of Youngers Law, has the knowledge and experience to fight for the compensation you deserve. Ms. Youngers has consistently been recognized among the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by The National Trial Lawyers since 2014, and she’s been selected to Southwest Super Lawyers since 2013. Her familiarity with the Los Alamos County District Courthouse and Los Alamos truck accident laws can make her an invaluable ally as you pursue compensation, using every available tool from witness testimony to modern accident analysis.

FAQs

What Makes Truck Accident Cases in New Mexico More Complex Than Standard Car Accidents?

Among other factors, what makes truck accident cases so complex is that multiple parties can be liable for your damages. Potentially liable parties include:

• • The company that owns the truck
  • The driver
  • The mechanic responsible for maintenance
  • Government agencies responsible for road upkeep
  • Other drivers

Your truck accident attorney can review the evidence to determine who is at fault for the crash.

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

In Los Alamos, New Mexico, you generally have three years from the date of the crash to file a claim. There are exceptions to the statute of limitations, which can extend or shorten this deadline. For example, if you were a minor at the time of the accident, you have three years from your 18th birthday to file. If you’re suing the government, you must notify them within 90 days, and then you have two years to file the claim.

What Evidence Is Most Important to Collect After a Truck Accident in New Mexico?

The most important pieces of evidence to collect after a truck accident are photos or videos of the scene and the information of everyone involved. However, if you can’t collect any information at the scene due to your injuries, don’t worry. Your attorney can investigate to get any evidence you might need for your case.

How Do Federal Trucking Regulations Impact New Mexico Truck Accident Claims?

Federal trucking regulations, like proper licensure and training, vehicle maintenance standards, and hours of service guidelines, can all determine the liability of negligent parties in your case. When companies and drivers violate these regulations and cause accidents, it serves as evidence of their negligence. Your attorney can collect this evidence to strengthen your claim.

Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been involved in a truck accident in Los Alamos, you should be focused on your recovery. The last thing you should be worrying about is the financial burden these crashes can cause. Hire a truck accident lawyer from Youngers Law to pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.