Being involved in an 18-wheeler or tractor-trailer accident in New Mexico can be an incredibly traumatic experience. Knowing what steps to take to protect your rights and ensure that your medical and financial needs are taken care of is essential.
Suppose you have been injured in a crash involving a commercial truck. In that case, you must seek the help of an experienced Albuquerque accident lawyer who can help you through the process and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
This article will discuss the steps you should take after an 18-wheeler accident in New Mexico to protect yourself and your rights.
We will explain the importance of gathering evidence, speaking with witnesses, and filing an insurance claim to receive the compensation you deserve.
We will also provide information on the laws surrounding truck accidents in New Mexico so that you can understand your legal rights and ensure that you are treated fairly.
Gather evidence
Documenting relevant facts after a tractor-trailer accident in New Mexico is crucial to protect your legal rights. It is essential to get the contact information of all involved parties, including the truck driver, the trucking company, and any witnesses.
Additionally, if you are able, take photographs of the accident scene, the vehicles involved, and any visible injuries you have. If the police were called to the scene, get a copy of the police report.
Get a medical evaluation.
Seeking medical attention after a truck accident in New Mexico is essential.
Even if you don’t think you have been injured, it is essential to get checked out by a medical professional. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and seeking medical attention may prevent further harm.
Speak to a legal professional
Consulting with an experienced attorney after an 18-wheeler accident in New Mexico is essential. An attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options and advise you on moving forward with your case. An attorney can also help you protect your rights by negotiating with the trucking company’s insurance provider.
Additionally, an attorney can help ensure you get the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
The Trucking Industry in New Mexico
The trucking industry plays a vital role in the economy of New Mexico. Hundreds of trucks travel across the state daily, delivering goods to businesses and consumers. This industry brings in billions of dollars in revenue for New Mexico, but with that comes the potential for serious accidents.
18-wheeler and tractor-trailer accidents can cause devastating property damage and injuries, and if you find yourself in this unfortunate situation, it’s essential to know what steps to take.
You should do a few things if you’ve been involved in a tractor-trailer accident in New Mexico.
- Call the police and get medical help if needed.
- Collect as much evidence as possible, including photos of the scene, contact information for witnesses, and the truck driver’s license and registration.
- Contact an experienced attorney who can help you file an insurance claim and pursue legal action if necessary.
It’s essential to understand the trucking industry in New Mexico and the regulations that truck drivers and companies must follow. Various federal and state laws govern the operation of large trucks and the safety of others on the road.
Additionally, truck drivers and companies must comply with the hours of service regulations, limiting how long they may drive in a given period.
Accidents can occur if these regulations are not followed, and victims may be entitled to compensation.
Truck Accident Fatalities Are Increasing in New Mexico
Truck accident fatalities in New Mexico are on the rise, with a sharp increase in deaths reported since the start of 2018.
According to the New Mexico Department of Transportation, there have been 64 truck accident fatalities in the state in 2018 – a staggering 40% increase over the same period in 2017.
These fatalities have included truck drivers and other motorists and have been attributed to various factors, including distracted driving, fatigue, and unsafe driving practices.
The Department of Transportation is taking steps to combat this trend, including increasing enforcement of traffic laws and launching public awareness campaigns to educate drivers on the dangers of truck accidents.
While more work needs to be done to reduce the number of fatalities, it is clear that New Mexico is making progress in the fight against truck accident fatalities.
Tips for Truck Accident Victims
Truck accident victims should take immediate steps to protect themselves following an accident.
- If possible, move to a safe area away from the scene of the accident. Second, take pictures of the scene, if possible, as soon as possible.
- Seek medical attention for any injuries and keep all medical records.
- Collect information from the truck driver, such as the driver’s name and the name of the trucking company, as well as contact information from any witnesses.
- Contact an experienced truck accident attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help victims understand their legal rights and get the compensation they deserve.
Following these steps can help truck accident victims protect their rights and get the help they need.
An experienced truck accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and options if you’ve been involved in a truck accident in New Mexico.
Our ABQ accident lawyers have extensive experience in dealing with trucking accidents, and we are dedicated to helping accident victims get the justice and compensation they deserve.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you.