Santa Fe Truck Accident Lawyer

Crashes involving massive commercial trucks rarely happen by pure “accident.” Negligence on the part of the truck driver, the trucking company, and other parties can leave you with devastating losses. If you’ve been hurt in a crash, turn to a Santa Fe, NM truck accident lawyer at Parnall Law Firm, LLC. Our trusted firm has earned a reputation for holding big trucking companies and insurers accountable to accident victims.

Parnall Law Firm, LLC has been helping truck accident victims in Santa Fe, Albuquerque, and across central New Mexico since 1997. We stand by our work and our commitment to superior client service. That’s why we offer a 100 percent client satisfaction guarantee – if you’re not satisfied with the work we’ve done on your case within the first 30 days of hiring our firm, you can take your case file at no cost to you and no questions asked. Let us handle the hard work of pursuing your case while you stay focused on your physical and emotional recovery.

Hurt? Call Bert. Contact us today to speak to a Santa Fe, NM truck accident attorney for free.

Why Choose Our Santa Fe Truck Accident Attorney

Our law firm has successfully handled truck accident cases in Santa Fe and throughout New Mexico. We understand the complications of these cases and have a proven track record of success when obtaining compensation for injured clients.

• Experience in Truck Accident Laws and Claims: Truck accident cases involve unique laws and regulations that don’t apply to regular car accidents. Our attorneys have a specialized knowledge of federal and state trucking regulations, including Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules, regulations, and policies.
• Proven Track Record: At Parnall Law, we have successfully represented numerous truck accident victims in Santa Fe. In the history of our injury firm, we have secured millions of dollars in compensation for approximately 7,000 clients injured in a variety of accidents.
• Resources: Truck accident cases often require extensive investigation and expert testimony. We have the resources and connections required to investigate your case. We can call on accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and industry specialists to support and build your case.
• Personalized Attention: We understand that every case is different. That’s why our attorneys provide personalized attention to each client. We are committed to ensuring that your specific needs and circumstances are addressed.
• No Upfront Costs: We do not charge for our legal services unless you receive a settlement.
• Aggressive Negotiation and Litigation: While we strive to settle cases through negotiation, we’re not afraid to take your case to trial. We are dedicated to helping you receive a fair and equitable settlement.

How Much is My Truck Accident Claim Worth?

One of the most common questions we hear from clients is, “How much is my truck accident claim worth?” The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The value of your claim depends on various factors, including:

1. The seriousness of the injuries: More serious injuries take more time to heal. Therefore, you usually need more money to settle these claims.
2. Long-term impact: If your injuries result in permanent disability or require ongoing medical care, this will increase the value of your claim.
3. Lost wages and earning capacity: If you’ve missed work due to your injuries or your ability to earn in the future has been impacted, this is factored into your claim.
4. Property damage: The cost to repair or replace your vehicle will be added in your claim as well.
5. Pain and suffering: Non-economic damages include loss of enjoyment of life and pain and suffering. These damages are specific to each person’s individual situation.
6. Insurance coverage: The available insurance coverage from the at-fault parties can impact the total compensation you eventually receive.
7. Liability: If the evidence shows it’s clearly the truck driver’s or company’s fault, you’ll also have a stronger claim.

Our experienced Santa Fe truck accident attorneys will carefully evaluate all aspects of your case to determine a fair value for your claim. We’ll consider both your current expenses and future needs to ensure you receive what you deserve.

Do I Need an Attorney After a Truck Accident in Santa Fe, New Mexico?

If you were injured in a truck accident in Santa Fe, New Mexico, you should at least speak with a big rig accident lawyer to better understand your legal rights and options. Truck accident cases often rank among the most complex personal injury claims. There may be multiple liable parties and multiple insurers involved in your case.

In addition, after a crash, trucking companies and insurers know you may be struggling with expensive medical bills and lost income. They may try to take advantage of your vulnerable situation to get you to accept a settlement that pays you far less than your claim is worth. A truck accident lawyer can look out for your rights and interests and help you pursue the fair and full compensation you need.

What Parnall Truck Accident Lawyer Can Do For You

When you choose Parnall Law Firm, LLC to help with your truck accident case, you’ll have a legal team with a proven track record of success on your side. Our law firm focuses on helping crash victims maximize their recoveries after serious truck accidents. Some of our notable recoveries include $700,000 for the victim of a reckless truck driver accident and $600,000 for a worker who was hurt in a construction truck accident.

Let us take on the work of investigating your truck accident. Our skilled legal team will quickly recover and review potentially critical evidence, such as driver logs, electronic data recorder information, and load manifests. We’ll also handle all communication with the trucking companies and insurers, aggressively pursuing a recovery that provides you with the full compensation you deserve.

Our firm is dedicated to the highest standards of legal representation. We strive to provide you with:

• Honest assessments of your legal rights and options.
• Prompt communication and regular updates in your case.
• The knowledge needed to make smart decisions in your case.
• Legal service at a fair fee, with no charge unless we recover payment for you.

Who is Liable in a Santa Fe Truck Accident Case?

Determining liability in a truck accident can be more complicated than the factors in a typical vehicle accident. Multiple parties may be held responsible, including:

• The truck driver: If the driver was negligent (e.g., driving while fatigued, under the influence, or violating traffic laws), they may be held liable.
• The trucking company: Under the legal doctrine of “respondeat superior,” employers are often responsible for their employees’ actions while on the job. Additionally, the company may be directly liable if they failed to properly maintain the truck or encouraged unsafe practices.
• The truck manufacturer: If a defective part contributed to the accident, the manufacturer could be held liable.
• The cargo loading company: Improperly loaded cargo can cause trucks to become unstable and lead to accidents.
• Government entities: If poor road conditions or inadequate signage contributed to the accident, a government agency might be partially responsible.
• Other drivers: In some cases, the actions of other drivers on the road may have contributed to the accident.

Our Santa Fe truck accident attorneys at Parnall Law will thoroughly investigate your case to identify all potentially liable parties. This comprehensive approach helps us pursue all available avenues for compensation on your behalf.

Truck Accidents Are Common in Santa Fe, NM

The following statistics from the New Mexico Department of Transportation illustrate just how common and deadly truck accidents are in the state:

• In a single recent year, a crash involving a semi-truck or other large truck occurred roughly once every three hours throughout the state of New Mexico.
• That year, there were 3,176 large trucks involved in collisions statewide. Of these 3,176 large trucks, 767 were involved in crashes that resulted in injuries, and 55 were involved in fatal crashes.
• Heavy trucks were disproportionately represented among vehicles involved in fatal crashes in New Mexico, accounting for 4.8 percent of vehicles involved in all crashes but 8.6 percent of vehicles involved in fatal crashes.
• Santa Fe, New Mexico was cited as having some of the highest overall crash rates, alcohol-involved crash rates, and fatal crash rates in New Mexico.

The Most Common Types of Trucking Accidents

No two truck accidents are exactly alike, but many share common elements. Some of the most common types of trucking accidents in Santa Fe, NM include:

Who Is at Risk of Being Involved in a Truck Accident?

Anyone who shares public roads with large trucks could potentially be involved in a big rig accident in Santa Fe, NM. This includes:

• Car and truck drivers – Motorists operating passenger cars, pickup trucks, SUVs, or even other large trucks are most likely to be involved in truck accidents. These vehicles make up the majority of road traffic and interact with large trucks more frequently than other road users.
• Motorcycle riders and passengers – Motorcycle riders and their passengers are extremely vulnerable in large truck accidents because of their direct exposure in the event of a collision. Furthermore, a motorcycle can easily become hidden in the expansive blind spots around a large truck, which presents unique risks for motorcyclists traveling near big rigs.
• Bicycle riders and pedestrians – Cyclists and pedestrians are perhaps the most vulnerable in any accident case, especially so in truck accident cases. Pedestrians and cyclists who are traveling through crosswalks or along roadsides can be struck by truck drivers who aren’t paying attention.

Why Do Semi Trucks Crash So Often?

There are several key reasons why large trucks are disproportionately involved in traffic accidents despite being operated by professional drivers. Here are some common examples of contributing factors in New Mexico truck accidents:

• Large blind spots – Commercial trucks are several times longer and taller than most passenger vehicles, which means they have correspondingly huge blind spots. Many truck accidents occur when truckers fail to monitor their blind spots or other motorists linger in blind spots unintentionally.
• Long stopping distances – Large trucks take much longer to slow and stop than smaller vehicles, and their stopping distances increase with heavier loads. Truck accidents frequently occur because drivers follow other vehicles too closely and don’t have enough room to stop before colliding.
• Industry shortages – The trucking industry has been struggling with driver shortages for years, so many truckers who have remained in the industry are overworked and exhausted. Some truck accidents occur when trucking companies encourage their operators to engage in unsafe practices to compensate for the lack of available drivers.
• Driver inexperience – The widespread truck driver shortage has also led to increases in the number of inexperienced operators on the road. A trucker with limited experience is more likely to commit simple errors and cause wrecks.
• Driver negligence – Finally, many truck accidents occur due to simple driver negligence. Common examples of truck driver negligence include talking or texting on the phone while driving and speeding.

What Should I Do After an Accident?

It’s natural to feel shocked and uncertain in the aftermath of a truck accident in Santa Fe, NM. If you’re not sure what to do next, you can take the following steps to protect your rights and establish a strong foundation for your injury case:

• Seek prompt medical attention to ensure your injuries are diagnosed, treated, and included in your official medical records.
• Follow your doctor’s care plan and attend follow-up appointments.
• Gather evidence from the accident scene, such as photos of vehicle damage, employer and insurance details from the truck driver, and eyewitness statements.
• Keep track of hospital bills, medical records, pay stubs, bank statements, repair estimates, and any other documentation with proof of your crash-related losses.
• Watch what you say to others or post online after the accident, as anything you say or share could be used to discredit your claim.
• Contact a Santa Fe, New Mexico truck accident lawyer for dependable legal guidance.

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

You usually have up to three years to submit a claim for a truck accident in New Mexico.

While three years may seem like a long time, it’s not really that long, as you have to gather evidence and gain witness testimonies during this period. Therefore, it’s important to start the legal process as soon as possible.

Why You Don’t Want to Delay Your Claim

Delaying your case can lead to problems, such as:

• Loss of evidence: Critical evidence may be lost or destroyed over time.
• Fading memories: Witnesses’ recollections may become less reliable as time passes.
• Difficulty locating witnesses: People may move or become unreachable.
• Complications with insurance claims: Insurance companies may be less cooperative if you wait too long to file a claim.

Additionally, if your claim involves a government entity (for example, if a city-owned vehicle was involved), you may have a much shorter timeframe to file a notice of claim – typically 90 days.

Our Santa Fe truck accident attorneys will ensure all deadlines are met, and your rights are protected. We’ll start working on your case without delay, gathering evidence and building a strong claim on your behalf.

How Much Will My Case Cost?

Many crash victims hesitate to seek legal help when they need it due to the perceived cost of hiring an attorney. If you’re concerned about costs, you should know that the personal injury attorneys of Parnall Law Firm, LLC are proud to accept cases on a contingency fee basis. This means that we charge no upfront or out-of-pocket fees to begin work on your case, and you won’t have to pay us unless we win money for you. It’s that simple.

What Kind of Compensation Can I Expect?

If you have been injured in a Santa Fe, NM truck accident through no fault of your own, you could be entitled to compensation for:

• Costs of medical treatment for your injuries
• Estimated costs of care you will need in the future
• Lost wages from missed time at work
• Lost earning capacity if your injuries are permanent
• Pain, suffering, and lost quality of life

When Should I File My Claim?

If you wish to file a personal injury lawsuit after a truck accident in New Mexico, you have three years from the date of the wreck to do so. If you attempt to sue after the three-year deadline, your case will most likely be dismissed, and you will lose your right to demand compensation through the courts. A skilled truck accident lawyer can identify important deadlines and keep your case on track.

Truck Accident FAQs

If you were injured in a truck accident, you may have many questions about your legal rights and options. We’ve provided answers to commonly asked questions below, and our truck accident lawyers in Santa Fe, NM are available to answer all of your individual questions during a free consultation.

How do I file a truck accident claim?

Filing a truck accident claim usually begins with filing a notice of claim with the truck driver’s insurance company. Once you’ve filed your claim with the insurance company, negotiations for a settlement will usually follow. If you can’t reach a settlement, your attorney will file a lawsuit in court to continue pursuing your claim.

Who could be responsible for a truck accident?

The trucking industry involves multiple parties, any of whom may bear some responsibility for a truck accident. Examples of potentially liable parties in truck accident cases include the truck driver, the trucking company, the owner of the truck (if not the driver or trucking company), the freight company, the garage that services the truck, and the manufacturer of the truck or parts used in the truck.

How long does it take to settle a truck accident claim?

The length of time it can take to resolve a case will depend on multiple factors, including the amount of evidence involved in your case, the severity of your injuries, whether you are still undergoing treatment, and whether the other side is disputing facts in the case. If the other party accepts liability for the accident, your claim may be settled within a matter of a few months. However, if liability is disputed or you have extensive injuries and ongoing treatment, it can take years to eventually settle your claim.

How much does it cost to hire a truck accident lawyer in Santa Fe?

At Parnall Law Firm, LLC, you never have to pay anything upfront to hire us. We handle truck accident cases on a contingency fee basis. This means that we don’t get paid unless and until we win compensation on your behalf. Then, we get paid a legal fee equal to an agreed-upon percentage of the total recovery we obtain for you, plus expenses we incurred in handling your case.

Contact a Santa Fe, NM Truck Accident Attorney Today

If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Santa Fe, New Mexico contact Parnall Law Firm, LLC today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We can discuss your rights, answer your questions, and go over your options. Our 18-wheeler accident lawyers in Santa Fe, NM can begin working on your case immediately with no upfront costs to you. We only get paid if we recover compensation for you.