The Harsh Reality of Injuries Sustained When Hit by a Semi Truck in Albuquerque

Being involved in a vehicular accident can be difficult, but getting into one with a semi-truck can be devastating. The sheer size and weight of a semi-truck can cause severe, catastrophic damage to everyone on the road, including you. If you manage to survive such a serious incident, it’s imperative to seek justice and compensation for your damages. Understanding the harsh reality of injuries sustained when hit by a semi-truck in Albuquerque is important, and a lawyer can help with your case.

Getting in a Truck Accident in Albuquerque

When you are driving, regardless of the size of your vehicle, you should always be wary around semi-trucks, as it can be difficult for them to stop quickly if they need to. Be cautious and recognize that a truck accident can happen at any time. The size of such a vehicle greatly increases the possibility of a serious injury or a devastating accident involving multiple vehicles. Recovery from a truck accident injury can be a long road ahead.

If you find yourself dealing with the personal and financial fallout from a truck accident, it may be useful to hire an experienced Albuquerque truck accident lawyer who can help you build a strong case and determine exactly who is responsible for your injuries. The harsh reality of a truck accident injury is that they are often horrific. You could suffer a traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, severe internal bleeding, broken bones, and more. There is a strong chance of a fatality when an accident with a semi-truck occurs.

According to a recent report by the New Mexico Department of Transportation, heavy trucks were involved in 7.4% of vehicular accidents in the state in 2023, but they were responsible for 22% of the total fatalities. There were over 3,100 heavy truck accidents in the state that year, the second-highest level recorded in over a decade.

Statute of Limitations

If you decide to move forward with legal action against the individual responsible for causing your accident, it is vital to your case that you make sure it adheres to the state of New Mexico’s statute of limitations on personal injury claims, which include truck accident claims. For most cases, you will be given three years to develop your case fully. This includes establishing grounds for the claim, gathering evidence, speaking with a personal injury lawyer, and filing your claim.

If you cannot bring your claim to fruition before three years have passed, your chance at obtaining the compensation you are entitled to will have passed. The last thing you want is to learn that your case is no longer under consideration because you waited too long to file it. Building a significant truck accident injury case takes time, and you may find it especially difficult to accomplish alone if you are dealing with severe injuries. A good lawyer can make sure you don’t miss deadlines.

Who Is Responsible for My Accident?

That can be a difficult question to answer without a proper investigation. You may automatically want to blame the truck driver, and that may very well be who is responsible. However, an investigation could determine that the accident was caused by mechanical failure, which may absolve the driver and place blame solely on the manufacturer.

The trucking company itself could be found at fault if they do not properly maintain vehicles or is found to be negligent in hiring untrained drivers. Also, they could be liable if they neglect to follow hours of service laws or if cargo was improperly loaded, causing the accident. Once you know whom to pursue legal action against, you can start building your case.

FAQs

Q: What Happens if You Get Hit by a Semi-Truck?

A: If you get hit by a semi-truck, you are likely going to be facing a tough recovery ahead. Getting into an accident with such a large and powerful vehicle can be devastating. First and foremost, you should remain calm and check yourself for injuries. Be sure to call 911 as soon as you can. If you are too injured to move, try to have somebody else at the scene call 911 for you. When you are able to, reach out to a seasoned truck accident law firm to maximize your settlement.

Q: How Much Are Most Truck Accident Settlements?

A: There is no average amount that most truck accident settlements result in. Every truck accident case is going to be different. Each case has its own contributing factors that will influence the total settlement amount. Those factors often include the severity of your injuries, the stance of the insurance companies, and your lawyer’s own skill at negotiations. Accidents with large trucks are typically catastrophic and can result in large settlements for victims.

Q: Do I Really Need a Truck Accident Lawyer?

A: Yes, in most cases, you are going to need a truck accident lawyer for your case. While you are technically not required to hire a lawyer, it is recommended that you do so any time you are dealing with legal matters. Having the right lawyer by your side who is experienced with these types of cases can really make all the difference in securing proper compensation that covers all of your damages.

Contact a Lawyer Today

The legal team at Berenson & Associates, PC, understands how painful and unpredictable a truck accident can be. Truck accidents can be caused by many different situations, many of which are totally out of your control. Mechanical failure, improperly loaded cargo, a fatigued driver, or a random freak accident can all be the root cause of a truck accident. If it is due to negligence, a skilled truck accident lawyer can start building a case.

Understanding the harsh realities of a semi-truck accident can make it easier for you to prepare to handle such a situation if it happens to you. At Berenson & Associates, PC, we can provide you with the resources you need to pursue legal action. Contact us to schedule a consultation with a team member.