Santa Fe Truck Accident Lawyers

1. Investigation: A truck accident lawyer can conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident to determine liability and identify potential sources of compensation. This may involve reviewing accident reports, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with accident reconstruction specialists.
2. Documentation: A truck accident lawyer can help you gather and document evidence to support your claim, such as medical records, accident reports, and witness statements.
3. Negotiation: A truck accident lawyer can negotiate with insurance companies and other parties involved in the accident on your behalf to secure a fair settlement.
4. Litigation: If necessary, a truck accident lawyer can represent you in court to pursue legal action and seek compensation for your injuries and losses.
5. Understanding of regulations: Truck accidents are subject to specific state and federal regulations, and a truck accident lawyer will have a thorough understanding of these regulations and how they may impact your case.
6. Experience with insurance companies: Insurance companies often try to minimize their liability in truck accident cases, and a lawyer who specializes in this area will have experience dealing with these companies and can help ensure that you receive fair compensation.

If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Santa Fe, it’s recommended to consult with an experienced truck accident lawyer who can help you understand your legal rights and options for seeking compensation for your injuries and losses. At Ornelas & Serna, a law firm that specializes in these cases, 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. Our truck accident lawyers work diligently to build a strong attorney-client relationship and strive for the best outcome in your truck accident case.

How can a Santa Fe truck accident lawyer help you with your truck accident claim?

If you have been involved in a Santa Fe truck accident, a truck accident attorney can help you in several ways. Here are some ways a Santa Fe truck accident attorney can assist you:

1. Investigating the Accident: A truck accident lawyer can investigate the accident to determine the cause and fault. This may involve collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with experts.
2. Evaluating Your Case: A truck accident lawyer can evaluate your case to determine the strength of your claim. They can advise you on the potential outcomes of your case and the compensation you may be entitled to.
3. Communicating with Insurance Companies: Dealing with insurance companies after a truck accident can be stressful and complicated. A truck accident lawyer can handle communication with the insurance companies on your behalf, ensuring that you are not taken advantage of and that your rights are protected.
4. Negotiating a Settlement: A truck accident lawyer can negotiate a settlement with the insurance company or the other parties involved in the accident. They can use their experience and knowledge to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
5. Representing You in Court: If a settlement cannot be reached, a truck accident lawyer can represent you in court. They can argue your case in front of a judge and jury and fight for your rights.
6. Providing Legal Advice: A truck accident lawyer can provide you with legal advice throughout the process. They can explain your rights, answer your questions, and guide you through the legal system.

In summary, a Santa Fe truck accident attorney can be an invaluable asset if you have been involved in a truck accident. They can provide you with legal guidance and support, help you navigate the legal system, and fight for your rights to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.

Santa Fe Truck Accident Statistics

According to the New Mexico Department of Transportation, there were a total of 2,235 crashes involving commercial vehicles (which includes trucks) in Santa Fe County between 2015 and 2019. Here are some additional truck accident statistics specific to Santa Fe:

• In 2019, there were a total of 16 fatal crashes in Santa Fe County, and 3 of those involved commercial vehicles.
• From 2015 to 2019, there were a total of 28 fatal crashes in Santa Fe County, and 8 of those involved commercial vehicles.
• In 2019, there were a total of 328 injury crashes in Santa Fe County, and 41 of those involved commercial vehicles.
• From 2015 to 2019, there were a total of 1,363 injury crashes in Santa Fe County, and 208 of those involved commercial vehicles.

These statistics highlight the serious impact that truck accidents can have on individuals and families in Santa Fe. If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, it’s important to seek legal advice from an experienced truck accident attorney to help you understand your legal rights and options for seeking compensation.

Determining fault in a Santa Fe truck accident

Determining fault in a Santa Fe truck accident typically involves a thorough investigation by law enforcement, insurance companies, and possibly other experts. Here are some steps that may be taken to determine fault in a Santa Fe truck accident:

1. Collect Evidence: Collecting evidence is the first step in determining fault. Evidence may include police reports, eyewitness accounts, photos of the accident scene, and damage to the vehicles involved. This information will help investigators reconstruct the accident and determine who was at fault.
2. Interview Witnesses: Eyewitness accounts can provide valuable information about the accident. Witnesses may be interviewed by law enforcement or insurance adjusters to gather additional details about what happened.
3. Review Traffic Laws: Traffic laws are important in determining fault. Investigators will review traffic laws to determine whether any of the parties involved in the accident violated any laws or regulations.
4. Evaluate Driver Behavior: Investigators will evaluate the behavior of all drivers involved in the accident to determine whether any of them were negligent or reckless in their driving. This may include reviewing driving records and conducting drug and alcohol tests.
5. Analyze the Accident Scene: The accident scene will be analyzed to determine the cause of the accident. This may involve examining skid marks, vehicle damage, and other physical evidence.
6. Consult with Experts: In some cases, experts may be consulted to help determine fault. This may include accident reconstruction experts, who can use computer models to recreate the accident and determine what happened.
7. Determine Liability: Once all the evidence has been gathered, liability can be determined. Liability may be shared among multiple parties, or it may be assigned solely to one party.

Determining fault in a Santa Fe truck accident can be a complex process that requires a thorough investigation. It’s important to work with experienced truck accident attorneys who can help guide you through the process and ensure that your rights are protected.

Common injuries sustained in Santa Fe truck accidents

Truck accidents in Santa Fe can cause a range of injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to severe and life-changing injuries. Some common injuries that can result from a truck accident include:

1. Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): The impact of a truck accident can cause a driver or passenger’s head to hit the steering wheel, dashboard, or window, resulting in a TBI. Symptoms of a TBI can include headaches, memory loss, and cognitive impairment.
2. Spinal cord injuries: The force of a truck accident can cause damage to the spinal cord, which can result in paralysis or other life-changing injuries.
3. Broken bones: The impact of a truck accident can cause bones to fracture, which can result in significant pain and long-term disability.
4. Internal injuries: The force of a truck accident can cause damage to internal organs, which can result in internal bleeding or other life-threatening conditions.
5. Soft tissue injuries: Truck accidents can cause strains, sprains, and other soft tissue injuries that can result in chronic pain and discomfort.
6. Psychological injuries: Being involved in a truck accident can be a traumatic experience, and many victims may experience anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

If you have been injured in a truck accident in Santa Fe, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible and to speak with an experienced truck accident attorney, like a personal injury lawyer, who can help you pursue the compensation you need to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

Common causes of truck accidents in Santa Fe

There are a number of factors that can contribute to truck accidents in Santa Fe, including:

1. Driver error: Truck drivers can make mistakes, just like any other driver, which can lead to accidents. Examples of driver error include distracted driving, fatigue, speeding, and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
2. Equipment failure: Trucks require regular maintenance to ensure that they are in good working order. If a truck’s brakes, tires, or other systems fail, it can lead to an accident.
3. Poor weather conditions: Santa Fe experiences a range of weather conditions, including snow, rain, and high winds, which can make driving more hazardous. Trucks can be particularly susceptible to accidents in poor weather conditions.
4. Improper loading of cargo securement: If a truck is not loaded or secured properly, it can lead to accidents. For example, if a truck is top-heavy or overloaded, it can be more difficult to control and more likely to tip over.
5. Roadway design or conditions: Poor road conditions, such as potholes, or design flaws, such as tight curves or narrow lanes, can contribute to truck accidents.

Determining the cause of a truck accident is important in order to identify all parties who may be responsible and to pursue the maximum compensation possible for your injuries and losses. An experienced truck accident attorney can help you investigate the cause of the accident and identify potential sources of compensation.

If you have been injured in a truck accident in Santa Fe, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible and to speak with an experienced truck accident attorney, like a personal injury lawyer, who can help you pursue the compensation you need to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

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