Transporting goods throughout the United States is vital to the economy and our everyday lives. Commercial trucks deliver food, medical supplies, fuel, furniture, clothing, and more. One of the most traveled routes is Interstate 40, which extends over 2,500 miles from Wilmington, North Carolina to Barstow, California, and is considered one of the most dangerous interstates in the country. Nearly 400 miles of I-40 crosses through New Mexico. Roughly 43,000 motor vehicle accidents occur yearly in New Mexico, almost 1,400 of which involve tractor-trailers.

Who Is Responsible for My Truck Accident Injuries?

Commercial truck accidents are complex cases often involving multiple responsible parties, such as:

• Driver: Dangerous actions while operating the truck, such as speeding, tailgating, running others off the road, or weaving in and out of lanes, can put the responsibility on the driver.
• Trucking company: If the company owns the truck, the driver’s employer is often liable in truck accidents. 
• Owner: Trucks are often owned by a third party, including drivers, who could be liable if the truck violated federal safety regulations, was improperly maintained, or failed inspection.
• Manufacturer: If a defective part or safety system ultimately caused the accident, the manufacturer could be responsible, particularly if they were aware of the problem but failed to inform the truck owner or continued manufacturing and distributing the product.

Evidence in Truck Accident Cases

Federal truck regulations require extensive record-keeping, making it much easier to obtain evidence than car accidents and help determine liability. Evidence can be obtained from:

• Black box data
• Braking data at the time of the collision
• Cargo loading manifests
• Driver’s violation records
• Dashcam images
• Driving maneuvers
• Maintenance reports
• Service records

What Compensation Am I Entitled to After a Truck Accident?

Compensation is significantly higher in truck accidents due to the severity of injuries and the magnitude of damage. Medical expenses alone are typically staggering. Compensation ranges widely in truck accidents based on economic and non-economic damages. Hiring a lawyer who can help you pursue compensation after a truck accident is critical.

What Should I Do After a Truck Accident in Albuquerque?

Gathering evidence at the time of the accident can significantly benefit your injury claim. If you are physically able, you should do the following:

• Report the accident and injuries to the police.
• Photograph the scene, including damage, your injuries, road and weather conditions, signage, and any other contributing factors.
• Exchange contact and insurance information with the truck driver but avoid conversation or arguments with the other driver. What you say can be used against you later.
• Gather contact information and statements from any witnesses.
• Seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some serious internal injuries have delayed symptoms that can be life-threatening if left untreated. The doctor’s report is also a crucial element of your claim.
• Keep all records, expenses, and communication related to the accident and your injuries.
• Hire a knowledgeable lawyer with extensive experience handling complex truck accident claims, negotiating with insurance companies, and recovering maximum client compensation.

Our Albuquerque Truck Accident Lawyers at Buchanan Law Firm, LLC Represent Clients Severely Injured in Tractor-Trailer Accidents

If you have suffered injuries or lost a loved one in an accident with a commercial semi-truck, our Albuquerque truck accident lawyers at Buchanan Law Firm, LLC can help you seek compensation and justice. Call today at 505-900-3559 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, we serve clients in Santa Fe and the surrounding areas.