I-40 Truck Accident Lawyers in New Mexico, Texas & Arizona

Why I-40 Is One of the Deadliest Highways in the Country

I-40 isn’t just another highway — it’s one of the primary arteries of U.S. commerce. Thousands of tractor-trailers pass through New Mexico every day, hauling freight between the East and West Coasts. With this volume comes risk:

• Long-haul fatigue. Drivers on cross-country routes often push the limits of federal hours-of-service rules, leading to fatigue-related crashes.
• Extreme weather. Crosswinds near Gallup and snowstorms in winter create treacherous conditions.
• Congested urban stretches. Albuquerque sees a high mix of commercial trucks and commuter traffic.
• High-speed trucking. With open desert stretches, drivers often speed to make deadlines, raising the severity of collisions.

These factors make I-40 one of the most hazardous interstates for motorists sharing the road with heavy trucks. In fact, it is consistently ranked as one of the top 10 deadliest highways in the U.S.

Cross-Border Trucking Claims: New Mexico, Texas, and Arizona

Because I-40 spans multiple states, trucking accidents on this route often involve companies, insurers, and defendants based outside New Mexico. That can make a case more complex.

At Buckingham & Vega Law Firm, we’re uniquely positioned to handle cross-border trucking claims. With offices in New Mexico and Texas and a practice that extends into Arizona, we have the reach, resources, and experience to pursue negligent companies wherever they are based. 

Whether the trucking company is headquartered in Phoenix, Dallas, or beyond, we know how to build cases that hold them accountable in New Mexico courts.

Common Causes of I-40 Truck Accidents

Crashes on I-40 aren’t random — most can be traced back to preventable negligence. 

Some of the most frequent causes include:

• Driver fatigue. Long-haul truckers on I-40 often push past safe limits or violate hours-of-service rules. Fatigued drivers may drift out of lanes, misjudge braking distances, or fall asleep at the wheel, all of which can cause devastating crashes.
• Speeding and aggressive driving. With delivery schedules to meet, truck drivers may speed through open desert stretches or weave through traffic in Albuquerque. These choices reduce stopping ability and increase the severity of collisions.
• Distracted driving. Using cell phones, navigation systems, or even eating takes a driver’s attention off the road for precious seconds. At highway speeds, those seconds can mean the difference between safety and tragedy.
• Overloaded or unsecured cargo. Freight companies that overload trailers or fail to properly secure cargo risk rollovers, jackknifes, or debris spilling onto the roadway, all of which endanger other motorists.
• Poor maintenance and equipment failure. Trucking companies are responsible for keeping brakes, tires, and other critical systems in safe working order. A tire blowout or brake failure at 70 mph can lead to catastrophic multi-vehicle crashes.

When these preventable errors occur, it’s not just the truck driver who may be liable. Trucking companies, freight shippers, and even third-party contractors can share responsibility. At Buckingham & Vega Law Firm, we investigate every angle to hold all negligent parties accountable.

Serious Injury and Wrongful Death Claims

Crashes on I-40 frequently result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities. These cases are about more than covering bills — they’re about helping families recover stability and security after devastating losses.

• Serious injury claims help victims secure compensation for future medical care, lost earning capacity, rehabilitation, and the suffering caused by permanent disabilities.
• Wrongful death claims allow families to pursue justice when a loved one is fatally injured. Compensation may cover funeral expenses, lost financial support, and the immeasurable loss of companionship.

Our team approaches these claims with both skill and compassion, ensuring families know they are supported throughout the process.

The Importance of Early Investigation

Trucking companies act quickly after a crash to protect their interests. Their defense teams often work to secure evidence, control the narrative, and limit liability from the start. Victims deserve the same urgency.

Our firm takes immediate steps to:

• Preserve electronic logging and black box data.
• Secure driver qualification and training records.
• Identify all layers of insurance coverage.
• Work with accident reconstructionists and industry experts.

Prompt legal action ensures that critical evidence isn’t lost and strengthens your claim from the beginning.

Statute of Limitations for I-40 Truck Accidents

In New Mexico, most personal injury lawsuits, including those involving trucking collisions, must be filed within three years of the crash. Wrongful death claims generally have the same three-year deadline from the date of death.

However, some cases may have shorter notice requirements, particularly if government vehicles or contractors were involved. Missing a deadline can bar recovery entirely. The sooner you speak with a lawyer, the stronger your case will be.

FAQ: I-40 Truck Accidents in New Mexico        

Why are long-haul trucks on I-40 such a high risk?

Truckers on I-40 often drive coast-to-coast and may push the limits of hours-of-service rules. Fatigue is a major factor in many crashes, especially in remote stretches of the highway.

What makes cross-border trucking accidents more complex?

I-40 runs through New Mexico, Arizona, and Texas. Crashes may involve drivers, companies, or insurers based out of state, which can complicate jurisdiction and liability. Our multi-state practice is built to handle these challenges.

How do lawyers investigate trucking accidents on I-40?

We work quickly to secure black box data, driver logs, freight records, and witness statements. Accident reconstruction experts help us understand exactly what happened and who is responsible.

What damages can I recover after an I-40 truck accident?

Compensation may cover medical bills, rehabilitation, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering. In fatal crashes, families may also have claims for financial and emotional losses.

Call for a Free Consultation: (505) 388-0066

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a truck accident on I-40, you don’t have to face powerful trucking companies alone. At Buckingham & Vega Law Firm, we’ve been representing victims across New Mexico and the Southwest since 1999, and we know what it takes to win.

Call (505) 388-0066 or contact us online for a free consultation. You pay no legal fees unless we win. Se habla español.