Rio Rancho Truck Accident Lawyers

Step-by-Step Guide for Filing a Truck Accident Compensation Claim

Like other legal cases, there are steps that you should take to file a truck accident compensation claim successfully. They include consulting with a personal injury attorney and following their guidance. However, please note that each case is unique, and as such, this is not an exhaustive guide, and no guarantees can be made. Always consult with an attorney for your specific case.

Step 1: Seek Medical Attention

The first and most crucial step after the truck accident is to seek medical attention for injuries sustained. Even if you feel OK and have no pain, it’s vital to go for a complete body checkup from a nearby healthcare facility. If left untreated, internal injuries can result in more severe conditions later in life.

Step 2: Contact the Rio Rancho Police Department

Don’t leave anything to chance. Get in touch with the Rio Rancho Police Department to report the accident. Traffic officers will be dispatched to the scene to collect evidence and document the accident. The report will support your compensation claim as it’s enough proof that the accident occurred and that the truck mentioned in the claim was involved.

Step 3: Collect the Evidence

Collect as much evidence as possible from the accident scene. Use your phone to take photos of the truck and other vehicles involved, not just your car. Take pictures of the visible injuries and the surrounding area. Get the contact information of the driver(s) and witnesses. If you’re injured and cannot do this, request a friend or anyone else at the scene to do it as you await the police.

Step 4: Contact Ornelas & Serna

With the accident evidence, contact Ornelas & Serna law firm for legal advice on the way forward. The attorney will guide you through the entire process, from filing and submitting the claim to the insurance company, to negotiating with the insurance adjusters for a fair settlement.

The claim will include all the nitty gritty details of the accidents, such as the medical expenses, cost of repairing the car, lost wages, mental trauma, and more. All this information will prove that the compensation you’re seeking is justified. Keep in mind, though, that this is a general guideline and not a legally binding disclaimer.

Concisely, the compensation claim process is more complex and straightforward than most people perceive. It’s essential to have an experienced personal injury lawyer in Rio Rancho to guide you and ensure you get fair compensation. If not, the attorney will file a lawsuit and take the case to court.

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What To Expect From Your Truck Accident Lawyer in Rio Rancho

Having an experienced truck accident lawyer in Rio Rancho handle the claim for you is your best bet to getting fully compensated. Here are the things you should expect from your personal injury attorney:

• Conduct a thorough investigation to determine who is at fault and collect evidence to support your claim.
• Identify all potentially liable parties and list them in the claim.
• Calculate the full extent of your damages by considering the medical expenses, property damage, pain and suffering, and medical expenses.
• Consult with experts such as accident reconstruction specialists and medical professionals to ensure there are no loose ends in your claim.
• Negotiate with the insurance company for a fair settlement.
• File a lawsuit if necessary to pursue maximum compensation for your losses.
• Keep you informed and updated on the status of your case, including any potential outcomes and settlement offers.
• Work diligently to resolve the case as efficiently and quickly as possible while pursuing maximum compensation.
• Provide personalized and compassionate service. This goal is achieved by understanding your unique situation and needs.
• Advocating for your best interests every step of the way

Should I Hire a Lawyer for a Minor Truck Accident?

If you get involved in a minor car accident such as a fender bender and only sustain minor injuries or damages, you may be tempted to handle the insurance claim and settlement process independently. However, it’s best to hire a truck accident lawyer to be on the safe side.

Should I Inform My Insurance Company of a Minor Accident?

Yes, it’s better to err on the side of caution and immediately report the accident to your insurance company. Even if you don’t plan to file a claim, it’s important to inform the insurance company if the truck driver or trucking company decides to file a claim against you.

What Should I Do After Hiring a Truck Accident Lawyer in Rio Rancho?

After hiring a truck accident lawyer to handle your claim, there are several things you can do to help your lawyer build a strong case. They include gathering ample evidence, providing all necessary resources, and cooperating with them.

• Allow the lawyer to oversee the process and follow their advice.
• Keep detailed case records, including vehicle repair receipts and medical bills.
• Adjust your schedule to make time for all necessary appointments, such as medical checkups.
• Stay organized and store the documents in a secure place.
• Regularly communicate with the lawyer to receive and give updates, such as new medical expenses that should be included in the claim.

Get Professional Legal Advice Today

If you have been injured in a truck accident, Ornelas & Serna is here to help. We have vast hands-on experience and knowledge in the legal process. We will use our expertise to fight for your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

With us on your side, you can focus on your recovery while we handle the legal details of your case. Take the first step toward justice by calling us today.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Rio Rancho

Like other auto accidents, many causes or events increase the risk of a truck accident. They include but are not limited to the following;

Driver Fatigue

Due to the nature of the trucking industry, drivers often have to work long hours. This results in fatigue, consequently lowering their ability to concentrate on the road. Fatigue also reduces their response time, that is, the ability to react quickly to changes in the road. It may also result in them falling asleep while behind the wheel.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is another leading cause of truck accidents. Drivers are distracted from the road ahead by phones, GPS installed in the trucks, and other devices.

Speeding

Failing to adhere to the speed limits endangers the lives of drivers and other motorists. Large commercial trucks require a longer stopping distance than conventional passenger vehicles. When traveling at high speeds, stopping in time to avoid a collision may not be possible.

Poor Truck Maintenance

Trucks that are inadequately maintained are a danger on the roads. For example, defective brakes, worn-out tires, and other mechanical issues can cause accidents that could have been avoided through proper maintenance.

Weather Conditions

Sometimes, mother nature predisposes road users to accidents. Heavy fog, ice, and rain make it difficult for truck drivers to maintain lane discipline due to poor visibility. The trucks often slip off the road, especially when driving over ice.

No matter the cause of the accident, the insurance company should and will compensate you for the injuries and damages. We will file the claim on your behalf and follow up with the insurance company for a speedy resolution.

Who Are the Main Parties Liable for Truck Accidents in Rio Rancho

Truck accidents can have one or multiple liable parties, depending on the circumstances that led to the crash. Your truck accident attorney in Rio Rancho will collaborate with the police to determine who is liable for the accident.

In a nutshell, here are the main entities or people that may be found liable for the truck accident.

Truck Driver

The truck driver is the first to be investigated in a truck accident case. The driver will be held liable if sufficient evidence shows they were driving recklessly, speeding, not adhering to traffic rules, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Trucking Company

The trucking company that employed the driver might be liable for the accident if they failed to properly vet and train them before assigning them the truck. Not doing a background check or coercing the driver to work long hours without adequate rest breaks are enough reasons to find the trucking company liable for the accident.

The Mechanic

The mechanic might be liable if the accident was caused by a mechanical failure that could have been detected and corrected before the truck left the yard. One of the mechanic’s duties is performing the necessary repairs and maintenance before the truck driver arrives.

Truck Manufacturing Company

The truck manufacturing company might be held responsible if a defective part or design flaw causes the accident, under the legal principle of product liability. Employers of the truck driver or other parties may also be liable in certain circumstances.

Knowing who is most liable for the accident will help steer the truck accident claim in the right direction. A reputable law firm adept in handling such lawsuits will collect all the necessary evidence from the police and witnesses to build a solid case. We won’t rest until your claim is determined and the agreed compensation amount is awarded to you, minus the necessary legal fees and other applicable charges.

The State of Driving in New Mexico

New Mexico has unfortunately gained a reputation for having some of the worst drivers in the country. In 2015, The Las Cruces Sun News reported that New Mexico drivers were ranked as the second-worst in the entire nation. This ranking takes into account various factors, including rates of drunken driving and careless driving, which have contributed to the state’s decline in driving standards. Previous years’ rankings placed New Mexico as the 19th state with the worst drivers, indicating a concerning deterioration in recent years.

Prevalence of Semi-Truck Accidents in New Mexico

Involvement of Semi-Trucks: Out of approximately 43,000 car wrecks that occur annually in New Mexico, it is estimated that around 1,400 of these crashes involve semi-trucks. The involvement of semi-trucks in accidents is particularly alarming as these incidents are four times more likely to result in fatalities compared to accidents not involving semi-trucks.

Impact on Injuries

New Mexico trucking accidents often lead to severe injuries. Shockingly, one out of every fifteen commercial truck accidents in New Mexico results in severe injuries to one or more drivers. The gravity of these injuries emphasizes the need for swift legal action and fair compensation.

Key Trends and Factors in New Mexico Trucking Accidents

December Crashes: According to the New Mexico Department of Transportation’s 2015 Community Report, December stands out as the worst month for crashes in the state consistently from 2011 to 2015. This surge in accidents during December can be attributed to increased holiday traffic and adverse winter weather conditions, among other factors. The five-year average for December crashes amounts to a staggering 3,977 accidents per month

​Let us Help

At Ornelas & Serna, we understand how devastating truck accidents are to the victims and families. The injuries sustained are often life-altering and leave victims with emotional trauma and physical disabilities. The financial burden plunges families into financial turmoil and sometimes wrecks marriages.

With years of experience handling complex truck accident cases in Rio Rancho, we have the knowledge and skills to navigate the legal system and fight for our client’s rights. We are committed to providing compassionate and professional representation in negotiation meetings with insurance companies and courts. We work tirelessly to ensure that our clients receive the compensation they deserve from the insurance companies.

If you or a loved one have been involved in a truck accident in Rio Rancho, don’t hesitate to contact us today for a free and non-obligatory review of the case.