What to Do after a New Mexico Truck Accident

Posted on: Aug 16, 2018 By Flores Tawney & Acosta, P.C.

On roads and highways throughout New Mexico, motorists share space with commercial truck drivers.

The average automobile is dwarfed in size next to massive 18-wheelers, tractor-trailers, and other big rigs. When truck accidents happen, it is often automobile drivers who suffer the most serious harm. To ensure you get the compensation you need to recover, it is important to know what to do after a truck accident in New Mexico.

Determining Fault for A Semi-Truck Accident

When any type of road crash happens, determining who is to blame plays a key role in getting compensation for the medical expenses, lost wages, and other expenses you suffer.

With a semi-truck accident, actions on the part of the driver and the trucking company itself may be the cause of your injuries. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), common causes of truck accidents include:

• Reckless behavior on the part of the truck driver, such as speeding or going too fast for conditions;
• Driver inexperience, such as not knowing how to handle curves;
• Improper loading practices, such as overloading or not evenly distributing cargo weight;
• Poor truck maintenance practices, such as improperly inflated tires and worn brakes; and
• Trucking company practices, such as overly tight schedules and not allowing time for breaks, which makes drivers more dangerous behind the wheel.

In any of the above situations, the driver and the company they work for may be liable for injuries you suffer in a claim.

Steps to Follow after a New Mexico Truck Accident

To protect yourself and your ability to seek compensation for a New Mexico truck accident, it is vitally important to follow certain steps in the aftermath. In addition to ensuring you are in compliance with guidelines under the New Mexico statutes, doing the following can help you protect yourself when filing a claim:

• Notify law enforcement immediately.
• Exchange personal contact, vehicle, and insurance information with the driver. Get the name of the company they work for and their license plate number.
• Call 911 and request an ambulance for any injured victims.
• Make note of exactly where the accident occurred and any witnesses at the scene.
• Using your cell phone or a camera, take photos or videos of the area, the damage to your vehicle, and any injuries you suffer.
• Get medical attention as soon as possible, even if you think your injuries are minor. Many serious and potentially disabling conditions have symptoms which take days or weeks to appear.
• Notify your own insurance company and obtain copies of the police accident report.

Reach Out to Us Today for Help

One of the most important steps you can take in the aftermath of a crash is to speak with our New Mexico truck accident attorneys before making statements to the insurance company or accepting any settlements. At Flores, Tawney & Acosta, P.C., we can help you get the maximum amount you are entitled to in your claim.