Las Vegas, NM Truck Accident Lawyer

Las Vegas, NM Truck Accident Attorney

Truck accidents can have some of the most devastating impacts of any type of collision due to the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks. These crashes frequently result in severe injuries, significant property damage, and sometimes, the unfortunate loss of life. Having a skilled Las Vegas, NM, truck accident lawyer in these cases can help to ensure victims receive the support they need to start rebuilding their lives.

At Berenson & Associates, PC, our dedicated team of truck accident attorneys understands how profound the impact can be in these cases. An experienced Las Vegas, NM, personal injury lawyer from our firm is standing by, ready to fight for the rights of those affected by the wrongful death of their loved ones.

What Causes Truck Accidents in New Mexico?

There are many different issues that could cause truck accidents to occur. Some of the most common in New Mexico include:

Driver Fatigue

Because commercial truck drivers are often required to spend many long hours on the road performing their job duties, fatigue can strike at any moment. When a driver becomes fatigued, it significantly reduces their ability to react quickly to hazards and make snap decisions. Fatigue is common in scenarios where a truck driver has ignored the hours-of-service driving regulations in order to make greater progress in a single day or meet a tight deadline.

Distracted Driving

It’s not uncommon for a truck driver to become distracted while on the road. This could happen while they are using their GPS to find an alternative route or while grabbing their cell phone to make a call about their shipment. During these distracting activities, a driver will temporarily divert their attention away from the road. This may cause them to miss a hazard that they would have otherwise been able to avoid.

Speeding

Any truck driver who chooses to disobey the posted speed limits poses a significant risk to everyone else driving around them. Because tractor-trailer trucks are so large, they need even more time to slow down and stop their vehicle when a hazard appears. The faster they are driving, the harder it will be to stop quickly. This could cause an accident that might have been avoided if they were driving within the recommended limit.

Impaired Driving

It is illegal in New Mexico to drive a car under the influence of drugs or alcohol because it makes it more difficult to safely operate your vehicle. The same applies to truck drivers, who might cause a car accident due to the reduction in their cognitive and motor functions. However, truck drivers have the potential to cause more damage in an accident. Their BAC limit is 0.04, while it’s 0.08 for other drivers.

Because driving under the influence is the cause of many significant fatalities throughout New Mexico, the state imposes strict penalties for anyone who engages in this reckless behavior.

Lack of Experience

A truck driver new to the profession may have a more difficult time operating the vehicle compared to more seasoned employees in the industry. While all new drivers must undergo training with their company before driving independently, it doesn’t mean they are as capable of avoiding hazards that could cause a truck accident as their more experienced colleagues.

Weather Conditions

Poor weather conditions during a truck driver’s trip could cause even the most experienced driver to crash. Conditions like intense rain, snow, or fog can make it harder for the driver to operate the vehicle and avoid hazards. For example, they may try to stop the truck quickly due to a hazard on the road but skid on ice, causing them to crash into other cars on the road.

FAQs for Las Vegas Truck Crash Lawyers

Q: How Much Are Most Truck Accident Settlements?

A: The final amount of a truck accident settlement is dependent on the combination of many unique factors in each case. The severity of the injuries, property damage, medical expenses, and lost wages from any surviving parties will all play a role in the settlement calculation. If a truck accident case includes a wrongful death claim due to the accident’s fatal nature, these settlements can be on the higher end in order to provide support to a victim’s surviving family.

Q: What Is the Longest a Truck Accident Settlement Can Take?

A: How long it takes to reach a settlement in a truck accident case varies based on the complexity of the case and how willing each stakeholder is to negotiate. The quickest settlements are issued in truck accident cases where liability is clear, and the calculation of damages is straightforward. If there are disputes over how severe someone’s injuries were or who is responsible for the accident, the settlement process may be prolonged.

Q: At What Point Do Most Truck Accident Cases Settle?

A: Many truck accident cases in New Mexico will settle before going to trial. After gathering all evidence available during the investigation process, both the plaintiff and defendant have a better idea of what strengths and weaknesses exist in their case. This clarity helps both parties negotiate what they believe is a fair deal, which eliminates the costs and extra time associated with going to trial.

Q: How Do Lawyers Negotiate Truck Accidents Settlements?

A: A lawyer will negotiate a truck accident settlement by gathering evidence and collecting professional opinions to help demonstrate the damages their clients have suffered. The lawyer then typically creates a demand letter that outlines the damages and compensation requirements. Negotiations often go back and forth until both parties come to an agreement. If disputes still remain, a truck accident case will need to advance to court to reach a final verdict.

Contact Berenson & Associates, PC, Today

If you have recently been in a truck accident and are looking to secure compensation for the damages you have sustained, the personal injury attorneys of Berenson & Associates, PC, can help. We empathize with the struggles you are currently facing and know how to leverage personal injury law in order to maximize the amount of compensation you may receive. Contact us today to see why others have chosen us for their truck accident cases.