Farmington Truck Accident Lawyer

Big rigs, 18-wheelers, and semi-trucks call them what you will, but commercial trucks can be deadly. As essential as they are to the economy, the size and weight of a semi can cause serious harm to motorists during a collision. They’re highly dangerous if not properly operated and maintained. Because of this, victims in a trucking accident are likely to be killed or sustain catastrophic brain damage, spinal injuries, or amputations.

Loose regulations for trucking companies and manufacturers increase the chance of a deadly crash. Unfortunately, this reluctance to impose stronger safety standards has created a climate where profit trumps safety. If you or a loved one was the victim of a trucking collision, don’t wait. Contact the Farmington personal injury lawyers at Shapiro Law Team today.

Why You Need to Hire a Farmington Truck Accident Lawyer?

Any accidents involving semi-trucks are rarely minor. These types of accidents often involve serious injury or death. Even pick-up truck accidents are twice as likely to result in a fatality. Hire an experienced truck accident attorney who knows how to handle the legalities following a collision.

In Farmington, the lawyers at Shapiro Law Team proudly represent truck injury victims. We’re ready to fight for your maximum compensation through superior representation, backed by years of experience handling trucking cases like yours.

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We Conduct Our Investigation to Build You the Strongest Case Possible

At Shapiro Law Team, we handle your case from start to finish and immediately begin investigating as soon as you call. We start our investigation by contacting our network of trucking accident experts, including reconstructionists, biomechanical engineers, automotive design experts, and others.

Along with examining the circumstances of your collision, we consider the following to help us build a case:

• Was the truck driver properly licensed and trained?
• Was the truck driver observing safety protocols such as not exceeding their maximum hours?
• Was the truck driver speeding to meet delivery deadlines imposed by the company?
• Was the truck properly maintained and were safety checks regularly conducted?
• Was the truck driver under the influence of alcohol?
• Was the truck driver under the influence of prescription drugs?
• Were the truck’s tires unsafe or defective?
• Did the truck have improper reflectors?
• Was the truck’s load unsecured or improperly mounted?
• Did the truck driver make an aggressive maneuver such as an unsafe lane change?

We also consider the severity of your injuries, eyewitness accounts, and the driver’s logbook.

When Is the Trucking Company Liable?

A trucking company could be liable in many different scenarios, including the following:

• Broken Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration rules
• Broken general traffic laws
• Poor fleet and vehicle maintenance
• Unsafe cargo loading
• Lack of proper securement of hazardous cargo
• Dangerous hiring or training procedures
• Hiring unlicensed or incompetent drivers
• Pressuring drivers to meet deadlines
• Broken hours of service regulations
• Truck driver negligence or recklessness

Remember, trucking companies are well-equipped with resources to fight your accident claim. Protect your right to compensation by working with Shapiro Law Team in Farmington, New Mexico. We’ll negotiate your case and go up against even the largest trucking companies if that’s what it takes.

5 Things to Do After a Trucking Accident

The aftermath of a trucking accident in Farmington is confusing, overwhelming, and stressful. However, taking the proper steps could make or break your right to compensation. Follow these steps to give yourself the best fighting chance:

1. Call 911:
   Stay at the scene of the truck accident, and call law enforcement. The police will create an official report of the crash a crucial piece of information you’ll need for your case.
2. Check For Injuries:
   If you, your passengers, or the truck driver have any injuries, request an ambulance. Obtaining immediate medical care is important, even if you think the injuries are minor.
3. Take Pictures:
   We’re lucky to have cameras in our pockets at all times. Pull out your phone to take pictures of all vehicles involved, any injuries, and the other party’s contact information.
4. Call an Insurance Company:
   Report the accident to the insurance company of the at-fault party as soon as possible. However, do not continue with claim negotiations until you contact an attorney.
5. Act Quickly:
   Important evidence, like information from the truck’s black box, won’t be available forever. Hire an attorney to begin collecting evidence before it’s too late.

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How Can I Be Compensated After a Truck Accident?

Compensation depends on the specifics of your case. For instance, if you were at fault for a truck accident, you’ll rely on your health insurance for compensation. If the crash was due to the negligence of another, you may get compensation from their insurance company or the trucking company itself.

Regardless of where you get your compensation, know that most insurance carriers will do everything in their power to pay you as little as possible. They’ll send you a lowball offer to save their money and, ultimately, aren’t on your side. So call someone who is on your side. Contact Shapiro Law Team for a free consultation.

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Available Compensation Types

New Mexico trucking accident victims may be entitled to the following compensation:

• Economic Compensation:
  Also referred to as “special damages,” this refers to the types of compensation considered calculable after a truck crash. Economic damages may include a victim’s medical bills, out-of-pocket expenses, lost wages, and property damage costs.
• Non-Economic Compensation:
  This is also known as “general damages” and refers to losses that can’t be tied to economic values. This type of compensation is harder to calculate because it often involves intangible damages like the loss of enjoyment of life, emotional and psychological damage, pain and suffering, and trauma.
• Punitive Damages:
  These damages are meant to punish the negligent party and show their actions are socially unacceptable. Punitive damages are rare and not always awarded.

Top Causes of Truck Accidents in Farmington

Driver Negligence

Negligence is the most common cause of truck accidents in Farmington, New Mexico. Whether the truck driver was driving while impaired or failed to follow traffic laws, we see a long list of common truck collision causes at Shapiro Law Team:

• Operating while impaired by alcohol or drugs
• Operating while distracted by a phone or another device
• Disregarding FMCSA hours of service requirements
• Purposely overloading the truck
• Failing to follow traffic laws
• Operating too fast for conditions

Truck Company Negligence

Trucking companies can also be negligent and cause accidents. Causes include:

• Failure to regularly inspect and maintain trucks
• Failure to maintain a certain amount of cargo
• Failure to properly train the truck driver

Truck Failure

Finally, truck failure may be either the truck company’s fault or the parts manufacturer’s fault. This includes operational failures or malfunctions.

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Most Common Truck Accident Injuries

Trucks are massive and carry thousands of pounds in cargo weight. Because of their size, semi-trucks can cause catastrophic or fatal injuries. At Shapiro Law Team, our lawyers experience helping Farmington truck accident victims who have sustained the following:

• Spinal cord injuries (often with paralysis)
• Other severe back or neck injuries
• Devastating soft tissue injuries
• Severe lacerations or puncture wounds
• Amputations
• Crush injuries
• Broken or dislocated bones
• Internal organ damage
• Internal bleeding
• Significant scarring and disfigurement

Our Farmington truck accident lawyers are skilled in helping those who have emotional or psychological trauma. These unseen injuries can often be just as serious as physical injuries and usually have costly long-term effects.

Wrongful Death Lawsuits

Shapiro Law Team is here to help families who have lost a loved one in a trucking accident. We have expert wrongful death attorneys who will give your family the compassionate assistance they need while navigating the legal process following the driver’s actions.

How Often Do Truck Accidents Occur?

Trucking accidents occur at an alarming rate, often occurring on major highways and expressways. According to recent reports, the United States saw 166,853 accidents involving large trucks. Of that number, 99,600 were semi-trucks. In the same year, 72,137 of those involved in a trucking collision were injured.

In a Trucking Accident? Contact Shapiro Law Team

Dealing with the aftermath of a trucking accident is stressful and taxing. Don’t go up against a trucking corporation or insurance provider alone. That’s what we’re here for. We’re ready to handle all the technical and legal aspects of your case so you can take the time you need to fully recover. Contact Farmington New Mexico truck accident lawyer David Shapiro today. If we don’t win, you won’t pay.