Los Lunas, New Mexico Truck Accident Lawyer

Experienced Attorney for Truck Accident Claims in Los Lunas, NM

Collisions involving semi-trucks are the kinds of auto accidents that often make headlines, with catastrophic injuries or fatalities being common results. Reading about these stories is one thing, but actually dealing with the aftermath of a truck crash is a harrowing experience. Pursuing compensation for your losses while recovering from a serious injury can be a trying task, which is why it helps to have legal representation on your side. A Los Lunas, NM truck accident attorney can help you pursue full payment for your damages.

At James Kennedy, P.L.L.C., we have a history of success in personal injury claims, with many notable case results in truck accident claims. You can rely on Attorney James Kennedy to fight for a full remedy for your damages.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Truck Accident in Los Lunas?

Truck accidents often involve more than one potentially liable party, unlike a typical car accident. The truck driver may be at fault for speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, or failing to follow traffic laws. However, the trucking company that employs the driver can also share responsibility, particularly if the company encouraged drivers to rush a delivery route, failed to properly train the driver, or ignored a pattern of unsafe behavior.

A truck's owner may be a different party from the driver or the company that hired the truck for a delivery, which can add another layer to a liability investigation. Maintenance providers can also bear responsibility if poor repairs or skipped inspections contributed to a mechanical failure that caused the crash. A manufacturer can be liable if a defective part, such as faulty brakes or a tire defect, played a role in the collision. A cargo loading company can be responsible if improperly secured freight caused the truck to become unstable or contributed to a rollover.

Truck accident cases can involve federal trucking regulations, multiple insurance policies, and several potentially responsible parties, so a thorough investigation is often necessary to identify every party who should be held accountable.

Documenting Evidence After a Truck Accident

Strong documentation can make a significant difference in a truck accident claim. Evidence tends to disappear quickly after a crash, so gathering it early is important. Useful evidence in a truck accident case can include:

• Photographs of the vehicles, the crash scene, and any visible injuries
• The police report and any citations issued at the scene
• Contact information for witnesses
• The truck driver's logs and hours of service records
• Maintenance and inspection records for the truck
• Data from the truck's onboard event recorder, if available

Our firm works to obtain and preserve this evidence before it is lost or destroyed, which can happen quickly with commercial trucking records.

Should You Accept a Settlement After a Truck Crash in New Mexico?

After a truck crash, the trucking company's insurer may offer a quick settlement. While a fast payout can feel appealing when medical bills are piling up, an early settlement offer is often lower than what your claim may actually be worth. Once you accept a settlement and sign a release, you generally cannot go back and ask for more money later, even if your injuries turn out to be more serious than first expected.

Before accepting any settlement offer, it is worth having an attorney review the offer and compare it against the full extent of your medical expenses, lost income, and other losses. Some injuries, such as those affecting the spine or brain, may not be completely evident at first. A rushed settlement can leave you responsible for costs that a fair settlement would have covered.

At James Kennedy, P.L.L.C., we work to make sure any settlement reflects the true value of your claim before you agree to anything. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to pursue your case further to protect your right to compensation.

Contact a Los Lunas Truck Accident Attorney Today

If you were injured in a truck accident in Los Lunas, do not wait to speak with an attorney about your legal options. Contact our Los Lunas, New Mexico truck accident lawyer or call 915-544-5200 to schedule a free consultation with James Kennedy, P.L.L.C. today.