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Commercial trucks are responsible for thousands of collisions annually. Even though trucks are an essential part of our economy, their size and weight are dangerous in the event of a crash. Because of this, victims in a trucking accident are likely to sustain catastrophic, or even fatal, injuries.
Unfortunately, loose regulations on the part of trucking manufacturers and a reluctance to impose stronger safety standards have created a profit-above-safety climate. If you or a loved one was the victim of a trucking accident, don’t wait to reach out. Get the representation you deserve by contacting the personal injury lawyers at Shapiro Law Team.
Big rig accidents are rarely minor. Accidents caused by semi-trucks and 18-wheelers often involve serious injuries and can even cause death. If you’ve been involved in a trucking accident, you need to hire an experienced truck accident attorney who knows how to handle the implications of a crash.
The Santa Fe lawyers at Shapiro Law Team proudly represent truck injury victims. Backed by years of experience and a proven track record, including a $2.7 million truck collision settlement, we’re ready to fight for maximum compensation on your behalf.
At Shapiro Law Team, we handle your case from start to finish.
Once you call us, we’ll begin investigating the details of your collision. Our team starts the investigation by contacting our network of trucking accident experts, including reconstructionists, biomechanical engineers, automotive design experts, and others.
We consider the following to help us build your case:
We also consider the severity of your injuries, eyewitness accounts, and the driver’s logbook.
A trucking company may be held liable in the event of:
Trucking companies are equipped with resources to fight your accident claim. Protect your rights by working with Shapiro Law Team. We’ll negotiate your case and go up against even the largest trucking companies.
Life can be chaotic following a trucking accident. You’re probably feeling stressed, confused, and overwhelmed. Even though things don’t feel normal right now, it’s important to stay calm and take the proper steps. Get the best possible outcome by following these five steps:
Don’t flee the scene; remain at the 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.
If you, your passengers, or the truck driver have any injuries, request an ambulance. Obtaining immediate medical attention is crucial, even if you think the injuries are minor.
Documenting the accident is easy thanks to our smartphones. If you can, pull out your phone to take pictures of all vehicles involved, any injuries, and the other party’s contact and insurance information.
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.
Just like planes, most commercial trucks have black boxes. But important information from the truck’s black box won’t be available forever. Hire an attorney to begin collecting evidence before it’s too late.
Your compensation depends on the specifics of your case. If you were at fault for a trucking accident, you’ll rely on your health insurance for compensation. If the crash wasn’t your fault, you may get compensation from their insurance company or the trucking company.
Remember, 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 make sure you call someone who is on your side. Contact Shapiro Law Team today for a free consultation.
In New Mexico, there are three different types of compensation you could be eligible for. As a trucking accident victim, you may be entitled to the following:
Also referred to as “special damages,” economic compensation refers to the losses that are considered calculable. Economic damages may include a victim’s medical bills, out-of-pocket expenses, lost wages, and property damage costs.
This is also known as “general damages” and refers to losses that can’t be assigned 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.
Also known as “exemplary damages,” punitive damages are awarded not to compensate the injury victim but to punish the negligent party. Punitive damages are rare and not awarded in most cases.
Negligence is the most common cause of truck accidents in Santa Fe. Whether the truck driver was driving while impaired or failed to follow traffic laws, we see a long list of truck collision causes at Shapiro Law Team:
Trucking companies can be considered negligent for the following reasons:
Finally, there’s truck failure. Truck failure may be either the truck company’s fault or the parts manufacturer’s fault. Common problems include operational failures and malfunctions.
Trucks are massive and carry thousands of pounds in cargo weight. Due to their size and weight, a lot can go wrong. At Shapiro Law Team, our lawyers continuously help Santa Fe truck accident victims who have experienced the following injuries:
Not all injuries are visible. In addition to physical injuries, our Santa Fe lawyers are skilled in helping those who have emotional or psychological trauma. These “hidden” injuries can often be just as serious as physical injuries and usually have costly long-term effects.
Losing a loved one is devastating, especially when their death is considered wrongful. If your loved one passed away due to a trucking collision, Shapiro Law Team is here to help. We have expert wrongful death lawyers who give your family the compassionate assistance they need while navigating the legal process during this difficult time.
Thousands of trucking accidents happen every year, 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.
The last thing you want to do is represent yourself following a truck accident. That’s what Shapiro Law Team is here for. We’re ready to take on your case to help you achieve maximum compensation. Contact New Mexico’s trusted truck accident lawyer, David Shapiro, today. We operate on a contingency fee basis, which means if we don’t win, you won’t pay.