Edgewood Truck Crash Lawyers

Truck crashes can have devastating consequences, leading to severe injuries, significant property damage, and emotional trauma. If you have been involved in a truck crash in Edgewood, it is essential to understand your legal rights and the steps you should take to protect yourself. The legal process is often complex, involving multiple parties and various laws and regulations. Buchanan Law Firm, LLC is here to help you navigate this challenging time.

What Should I Do Immediately After a Truck Crash?

Your safety and well-being should be your top priority immediately after a truck crash. If you can, move to a safe location away from traffic and call 911 to report the crash and request medical assistance. Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s crucial to get checked by a medical professional. The shock of a crash can mask symptoms of serious injuries that may not be immediately apparent.

While waiting for emergency services, document the scene if it’s safe to do so. Take photographs of the vehicles involved, skid marks, road conditions, and visible injuries. This visual evidence can be crucial when filing a claim. Also, gather contact information from the truck driver, witnesses, and others involved in the crash. Avoid discussing fault at the scene, as statements made in the heat of the moment can complicate your case later.

After the crash, keep all medical records and follow your doctor’s advice carefully. This not only aids in your recovery but also strengthens your legal claim by providing clear documentation of your injuries.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Truck Crash?

Determining liability in a truck crash is more complex than in a typical car crash because multiple parties could be involved. The truck driver might be liable if their negligence, such as distracted driving or speeding, caused the crash. However, the trucking company could also be responsible if they failed to maintain the truck properly, hired an unqualified driver, or violated federal safety regulations.

In some cases, the company that loaded the truck might be liable if improperly secured cargo caused the crash. Additionally, if the crash was due to a mechanical failure, such as a brake failure, the truck’s manufacturer or its parts could be held accountable.

A thorough investigation is necessary to establish liability. This may include examining the truck’s black box data, driver logs, and maintenance records and interviewing witnesses. Buchanan Law Firm, LLC, works with experts to piece together how the crash occurred and who is at fault.

How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Crash Lawsuit?

The statute of limitations sets the deadline for filing a lawsuit after a truck crash. In Edgewood, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is generally two years from the date of the crash. However, there are exceptions that could extend or shorten this period. For example, if the crash involves a government vehicle, you might have to file a notice of claim within a much shorter timeframe, sometimes as short as six months.

Acting promptly is important because evidence can deteriorate over time, and witness memories may fade. Additionally, if you discover injuries or damages long after the crash, such as when a minor injury develops into a more severe condition, you may have additional time to file a claim, depending on the specifics of your case. Consulting with Buchanan Law Firm, LLC early can ensure that all deadlines are met and that your right to pursue a claim is preserved.

What Damages Can I Recover After a Truck Crash?

Truck crash victims may be entitled to various types of damages. Economic damages cover financial losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. Non-economic damages address more subjective aspects, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

In some cases, if the crash has severely impacted your relationship with your spouse or family, you might also be entitled to loss of consortium damages. Each case is unique, and the amount of damages you may recover depends on the specific circumstances of your crash and injuries. Buchanan Law Firm, LLC can help assess the full extent of your damages to ensure you seek fair compensation.

What Evidence Is Needed to Prove a Truck Crash Claim?

Proving a truck crash claim requires a comprehensive collection of evidence. The police report is critical evidence, providing an official account of the crash. Witness statements are also crucial, offering third-party accounts that can corroborate your version of events.

Medical records documenting your injuries and treatment are essential for proving the extent of your damages. These records should include all diagnoses, treatments, and the prognosis for your recovery. Photographs and videos from the scene, showing vehicle damage, road conditions, and injuries, serve as powerful visual evidence.

The truck’s black box data, maintenance records, and driver logs can provide critical information on the truck’s condition and the driver’s behavior leading up to the crash. Buchanan Law Firm, LLC may also hire experts to analyze the evidence and recreate the crash to determine how it occurred. This expert testimony can be crucial in complex cases.

Should I Accept a Settlement Offer from the Trucking Company’s Insurance?

It’s not uncommon for trucking companies and their insurers to offer a settlement soon after a crash. While it may be tempting to accept a quick payout, especially if you’re facing mounting medical bills and lost income, consulting with a legal professional before accepting any offer is essential.

Insurance companies often try to settle claims for as little as possible, and their initial offer may not fully cover your long-term medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Once you accept a settlement, you typically waive your right to pursue additional compensation, even if your injuries worsen or you discover new damages later.

A legal professional can help evaluate the fairness of the settlement offer, taking into account the full extent of your damages and the long-term impact of your injuries. If the offer is insufficient, they can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf or take your case to court if necessary.

The Edgewood Truck Crash Lawyers at Buchanan Law Firm, LLC Understand the Needs of Injured Truck Crash Victims

Truck crashes can be life-altering events, leaving victims with significant physical, emotional, and financial burdens. Understanding your rights and the legal process is crucial to ensuring you receive fair treatment. If you have been involved in a truck crash, the Edgewood truck crash lawyers at Buchanan Law Firm, LLC can help navigate the complexities of your case and protect your rights.  Call us today at 505-900-3559 or fill out our online form for a free consultation.  With our offices located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, we proudly serve clients in Santa Fe and surrounding areas.