Albuquerque Truck Accident Attorneys

Protecting Victims of Semi-Truck & 18-Wheeler Accidents in New Mexico

Accidents involving large commercial trucks, such as 18-wheelers, are highly destructive. People travelling in smaller passenger vehicles are at a high risk of suffering catastrophic injuries, with severe incidents sometimes resulting in loss of life. The expenses for your medical care alone after a truck accident can be substantial, not to mention the loss of earnings you may face if you have to miss work for a long period of time.

When a truck accident is caused by the negligence or recklessness of the truck driver or other party, the injured victim has the right to pursue compensation for the harm they have suffered. However, due to the complicated nature of these accidents, recovering compensation is not always simple. If you or a loved one was injured in a truck accident in the Albuquerque area, IBF Law Group can help you pursue the compensation they deserve.

Call our truck accident attorneys in Albuquerque today at (602) 833-1110.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Albuquerque

Albuquerque roadways, including congested interchanges and regular construction zones, can increase the chance of serious commercial truck or big rig accidents. Many truck accidents in Albuquerque happen along I-25 and I-40, where the density of commercial truck routes meets local commuter patterns. Common causes of these crashes include truck driver fatigue from long-haul routes, improper cargo loading, violation of local traffic laws, distracted driving, and failure to observe speed limits on urban stretches or during hazardous conditions. Inclement weather, such as sudden rain or dust storms, can also lead to collisions by reducing visibility and vehicle control. By recognizing the risks and frequent causes, residents can better understand why truck crashes require the guidance of the best truck accident lawyer in Albuquerque.

Commercial truck drivers operating in Albuquerque must comply with both state and federal laws, including strict regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and rules enforced by the New Mexico Department of Public Safety. These regulations address important factors like driver fatigue, hours of service, cargo limits, and required vehicle maintenance. If a crash occurs, violation of these rules by the truck driver, company, or manufacturer can dramatically affect liability. At IBF Law Group, our team thoroughly investigates every truck accident to identify violations and hold all responsible parties accountable, using deep knowledge of local laws and trucking industry standards.

What to Do After a Truck Accident in Albuquerque

Following a commercial truck or big rig accident in Albuquerque, your immediate priorities should be safety and collecting vital documentation. Begin by ensuring your safety and moving your vehicle out of the flow of traffic, such as to the shoulder along I-40 or another secure area. Contact 911 and await medical personnel and police, making sure to cooperate with officers dispatched from agencies like the Albuquerque Police Department or New Mexico State Police. Gather information from the scene, including truck company details, driver information, license plates, insurance details, and photographs of the vehicles, roadway, and visible injuries. Request an official accident report if available, as it will be invaluable for your case.

After you have received medical attention, reach out to a trusted truck accident attorney in Albuquerque who can help preserve critical evidence. At IBF Law Group, we recommend timely action to protect evidence such as electronic logging device (ELD) data, dashcam footage, and black box records, as well as any traffic camera recordings from intersections like Central Avenue and Coors Boulevard. Insurance adjusters for commercial carriers often respond immediately, so having an advocate safeguarding your rights from the start is crucial. Our approach includes rapid response investigations, strategic advice on handling insurance communications, and guidance rooted in years of experience helping injury victims in Albuquerque truck crash claims.

Understanding Liability in Trucking Accidents in New Mexico With Our Truck Accident Attorneys in Albuquerque

Determining liability in a truck accident can be complex and may require a thorough investigation, examination of evidence, and legal analysis. Several parties could potentially be held liable for a truck accident:

• Truck Driver: If the truck driver's negligence, such as speeding, distracted driving, or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, led to the accident, they could be held liable.
• Trucking Company: The company that employs the truck driver could be held responsible if they were negligent in their hiring practices, supervision, training, or maintenance of the truck.
• Truck Owner: If the truck is owned by a different entity than the one employing the driver, the truck owner could be liable if the accident resulted from poor maintenance or other issues related to the truck's condition.
• Truck Manufacturers: If a defective part of the truck, such as brakes or tires, contributed to the accident, the manufacturer of the faulty part might be held responsible.
• Cargo Loaders: Improperly loaded cargo that causes the truck to become unstable or leads to an accident could result in liability for the company responsible for loading the cargo.
• Government Entities: In some cases, road conditions or signage maintained by government entities might contribute to an accident, making them partially liable.
• Third Parties: Other vehicles or pedestrians involved in the accident might also share some liability if their actions contributed to the collision.

The Albuquerque truck accident attorneys at IBF Law Group can assess the specifics of your situation and determine who might be held liable for the damages and injuries caused by the accident. Schedule a free consultation with our firm today by calling (602) 833-1110.

What Compensation Can I Recover for a Truck Accident?

If you've been involved in a truck accident, there are several types of compensation you may be able to recover, depending on the circumstances of the accident and the extent of your injuries, such as:

• Medical Expenses: This includes compensation for all medical costs related to the accident, such as hospitalization, surgery, medication, rehabilitation, therapy, and ongoing medical care.
• Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for the wages you've lost due to your inability to work during your recovery.
• Future Earnings: If the accident has caused permanent disabilities that affect your ability to earn a living in the future, you may be able to recover compensation for the potential earnings you'll miss out on.
• Pain and Suffering: This compensation is for the physical pain, emotional distress, and overall decrease in the quality of life you've experienced due to the accident and your injuries.
• Property Damage: If your vehicle or other personal property was damaged in the accident, you may be entitled to compensation for repairs or replacement.

It's important to note that the process of seeking compensation can be complex, especially in truck accident cases involving multiple liable parties. Insurance companies, legal teams, and potentially even multiple jurisdictions may be involved. To ensure you receive the compensation you deserve, contact an Albuquerque truck accident lawyer from IBF Law Group to guide you through the legal process and help you build a strong case to maximize your recovery.

Get started on your truck accident case today by calling (602) 833-1110. Our experienced team can inform you of your rights and next steps during a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Evidence is Important for a Commercial Truck Accident Case?

Strong evidence is essential to build a compelling truck accident case in Albuquerque. Important documents include police reports, photos of the accident scene, eyewitness statements, vehicle damage reports, driver logs, and data from electronic logging devices installed on commercial trucks. In many Albuquerque claims, traffic camera footage from intersections such as Central Avenue and Coors Boulevard helps establish fault and provide additional proof. At IBF Law Group, our truck accident attorneys in Albuquerque act promptly to collect and preserve all relevant evidence—helping give your case the most solid possible foundation against commercial trucking companies and insurance providers.

How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Claim in Albuquerque?

The statute of limitations for filing a truck accident claim in New Mexico is generally three years from the date of the accident. If you or a loved one has been injured in a commercial truck or big rig accident in Albuquerque, you must file suit within this timeframe or risk losing your right to compensation. However, certain cases—such as those involving government vehicles—may have shorter notice deadlines. Consulting with a truck accident attorney in Albuquerque soon after the collision ensures your claim is timely and preserves evidence critical for your case.

Will My Truck Accident Case Settle or Go to Court?

Most truck accident cases in Albuquerque are resolved through settlements, but some claims require litigation if the parties cannot agree on liability or damages. The outcome depends on factors such as injury severity, the truck driver's conduct, whether multiple parties share fault, and the willingness of insurance companies to negotiate fairly. At IBF Law Group, we pursue fair settlements when possible yet are prepared to vigorously advocate in court if negotiations fail. Our deep understanding of Albuquerque courts and truck accident litigation processes ensures that clients receive guidance and representation every step of the way.

Fill out our online form to schedule your initial consultation with our legal team. We're here for you!