Las Cruces, NM Truck Accident Lawyer

Identifying Who Was Responsible for the Accident

When our lawyers are representing you, we’ll investigate who caused your injuries and losses. There are a few possible parties that may be at fault and they don’t necessarily have to be in the accident itself. Our lawyers will into the following parties:

• Truck Company. The truck company may have failed to maintain their vehicles and check for safety. They could have put an unsafe truck on the road, put too much cargo in the truck, or had negligent hiring practices and didn’t hire drivers who could operate a commercial truck. If they have a history of accidents, our lawyers will find out.
• Truck Driver. The driver could have exhibited negligence. If they were using their cell phone, trying to eat and drive, or were otherwise distracted, they could hit another vehicle. In some cases, the truck driver is too fatigued to safely operate the big rig. While truckers are supposed to take regular breaks to rest, they may not always stop when they need to. Additional factors can include unfamiliarity with the roads or inexperience with operating an 18 wheeler.
• Manufacturing Company. If an accident occurred because the truck had a defective part, then the manufacturing company could be held accountable for the accident.

To find the party who was responsible for your accident, your Las Cruces, NM truck accident lawyer will examine police reports, photographs of the scene, any data from the truck, and other additional case evidence to determine who was at fault.

What Kinds of Truck Accidents Occur in Las Cruces? 

Because large trucks have two parts, the truck and the attached trailer, they can get into different types of accidents than regular-sized vehicles. These accidents can affect any of the vehicles on the road and potentially cause a multi-vehicle crash. Some common kinds of crashes are:

• Rollover Accidents. If a driver takes a turn too quickly or something causes the trailer’s wheels to lift off the ground, the truck can go off balance and rollover. Once this starts, there’s little the truck driver can do to regain control of the semi.
• Jackknife Accidents. Speeding and overloading a trailer can lead to jackknife accidents. This occurs when the trailer swings out from behind the truck and makes an L shape. The trailer can block lanes to oncoming traffic. If other vehicles are too close, they could collide with the trailer.
• Override Accidents. A truck can trap another car underneath it, which is called an override accident. Once the car is stuck, the driver will likely not be able to maneuver their vehicle. These accidents often cause fatalities.
• Tire Blowouts: A sudden tire blowout can cause a truck driver to lose control, potentially resulting in a rollover or other dangerous situations. Tire blowouts can happen due to improper maintenance, overloading, or hitting debris on the road.
• Blind Spot Accidents: Trucks have large blind spots, particularly on their sides and rear. If a truck driver does not check these areas before changing lanes, they may collide with smaller vehicles that are hidden in the blind spots, leading to serious accidents.
• Wide-Turn Accidents: Trucks need more space to make turns, especially right turns. In a wide-turn accident, the truck may swing out into adjacent lanes or strike vehicles or pedestrians caught in the truck’s path.
• Lost Load Accidents: If cargo is not properly secured, it can fall off the truck and create hazardous conditions for other drivers. Loose debris or cargo on the roadway can lead to collisions, rollovers, or drivers losing control of their vehicles.

Even if you don’t recognize the type of accident you were involved in, you’ll still want a Las Cruces, NM truck accident lawyer on your side. When a truck collides with another vehicle, the accident scene can be full of debris and putting together what happened can be difficult. Our lawyers are trained in investigating accident scenes and understanding what happened and why.

Common causes of truck Accidents

Truck accidents can be caused by a range of factors, often involving a combination of driver, vehicle, and environmental conditions. Here are some of the most common causes:

• Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers often work long hours and may drive for extended periods without adequate rest. Fatigue impairs reaction times, decision-making, and overall driving performance, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Distracted Driving: Distractions such as using a cellphone, adjusting the radio, or eating while driving can divert a truck driver's attention from the road, leading to accidents.
• Impaired Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including prescription medications that can impair cognitive functions, is a serious risk factor for truck accidents.
• Speeding: Trucks require longer distances to stop and more time to maneuver. Speeding reduces the driver’s ability to react to sudden changes in traffic conditions and increases the severity of collisions.
• Poor Vehicle Maintenance: Regular maintenance is crucial for truck safety. Issues like brake failure, tire blowouts, or malfunctioning lights due to lack of maintenance can lead to accidents.
• Improper Loading: If a truck is overloaded or if the cargo is not properly secured, it can affect the truck’s stability and handling, leading to rollovers or other accidents.
• Weather Conditions: Adverse weather conditions, such as rain, snow, fog, or ice, can make driving hazardous. Trucks need longer stopping distances and more time to react in poor weather, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
• Driver Error: Errors such as misjudging distances, failing to yield, improper lane changes, and incorrect use of signals can lead to collisions.
• Mechanical Failures: Trucks are complex machines with many parts that can fail. Mechanical issues like brake failure, engine problems, or issues with the steering system can cause accidents.
• Inadequate Training: Drivers who lack proper training may not be equipped to handle the challenges of operating a large truck, leading to mistakes that result in accidents.
• Road Conditions: Poorly maintained roads, potholes, and debris can be particularly hazardous for trucks, which may have difficulty avoiding obstacles or maintaining control.
• Aggressive Driving: Aggressive driving behaviors, such as tailgating, frequent lane changes, and road rage, can provoke dangerous situations and contribute to accidents.
• Blind Spots: Trucks have large blind spots where other vehicles can be hidden from view. Failure to check these blind spots before changing lanes or turning can lead to collisions.
• Failure to Follow Traffic Laws: Ignoring traffic signals, signs, and speed limits can lead to accidents. Truck drivers, like all drivers, are required to follow road rules to ensure safety.