In the immediate chaotic aftermath of a truck accident in New Mexico or elsewhere, there will be a lot of confusion. Even if there aren’t serious injuries (that you’re aware of), it’s certainly worrying when passenger vehicles are involved in collisions with semi-trucks. You may not even be thinking about filing a personal injury lawsuit, but you can be certain that the trucking company and their insurance company are preparing for you to pursue compensation.
What happens in those critical seconds and minutes after accidents involving commercial trucks can determine the outcome of any truck accident lawsuits. Contacting Santa Fe truck accident lawyers experienced with New Mexico truck accidents for immediate assistance is crucial to preserve your legal rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Truck Accident Victims
1. What should I do immediately after a truck accident?
It’s crucial to ensure your safety and seek medical attention after a semi-truck accident. Call 9-1-1 to report the accident and get a police report. Gather evidence, such as photos of the scene, contact information of witnesses, and details about the truck and its driver.
2. What if the truck driver doesn’t realize an accident was caused?
If possible to do so safely, get the name of the trucking company and the truck’s license number. Record the time, day, and location where it happened so the trucking company can confirm that the semi-truck would have been in that area when the damage took place. If you can, take photos of the truck and photograph the damage as soon as possible. The trucking company’s insurance should be able to cover a smaller accident.
3. The insurance company offered a pretty good settlement. Should I accept it?
No, you should not accept the first settlement offer from the insurance company for a trucking accident, especially one that may include a personal injury claim such as those including significant injuries or fatal crashes.
Insurance companies often provide a low initial offer to minimize their payout, even if it may seem like a fair insurance settlement for the truck accident. The offer may signal that a much larger settlement is possible with the right personal injury lawyers on your side.
It’s important to consult with experienced personal injury lawyers like the truck accident lawyer team at Prince, Schmidt, Baca & Woods to evaluate truck accident claims and negotiate a fair settlement.
4. How do I determine if I have a valid truck accident claim?
To have a valid claim, you must demonstrate that the truck driver’s negligence caused the accident and resulted in your injuries. A truck accident lawyer can help assess the specifics of your case, including evidence and legal liability.
5. What types of compensation can I pursue after a truck accident?
Truck accident compensation can cover hospital bills, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and other related costs. Experienced personal injury lawyers can help you identify all potential areas of compensation.
6. How long does it take to settle a truck accident claim?
The timeline for settling a truck accident lawsuit varies depending on the complexity of the case, the severity of injuries, and the willingness of trucking companies to negotiate. Settlements for truck accident claims can take anywhere from a few months to several years.
7. What factors affect the settlement amount in a truck accident case?
Factors affecting the settlement amount in a truck accident case include the extent of injuries, medical expenses, lost income, impact on quality of life, and the degree of negligence by the truck driver or trucking company. The Santa Fe truck accident attorneys at Prince, Schmidt, Baca & Woods can provide a detailed evaluation based on your specific circumstances.
8. Can I still file a claim if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Yes. New Mexico follows a pure comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. It is crucial to seek legal representation from an experienced Albuquerque truck accident lawyer to navigate the complexities of comparative negligence and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your trucking accident case.
9. What is the statute of limitations for filing a truck accident claim in New Mexico?
In New Mexico, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including semi-truck accidents, is typically three years from the date of the accident. It’s important to act promptly to preserve your rights.
10. How can a personal injury attorney help with my truck accident case?
Experienced truck accident lawyers can handle all legal aspects of commercial truck accident settlements, including gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and representing you in court for your truck accident claims if necessary. They can ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
11. What should I bring to my initial consultation with a New Mexico truck accident attorney?
Bring any relevant documents for your truck accident claims, such as the police report, medical records, insurance information, photos of the accident scene, and contact details of witnesses. This information will help the attorney assess your case effectively. Working with experienced Santa Fe truck accident lawyers like Prince, Schmidt, Baca & Woods can ensure you receive the best possible representation and compensation for truck accident cases.
