Albuquerque, NM Truck Accident Lawyers

Truck Accident Attorneys Serving Albuquerque, NM

Albuquerque, New Mexico, is a bustling city that serves as a major transportation hub for commercial vehicles, including tractor-trailer trucks. While these large vehicles are vital to transporting goods and keeping the economy moving, their size and weight can pose significant risks on the road. Unfortunately, truck accidents are common in Albuquerque, and they often result in devastating injuries or even fatalities.

If you have been involved in a truck accident in Albuquerque, it is important to seek legal representation from a skilled attorney who understands the complexities of these cases. At James Kennedy, P.L.L.C., we are experienced in handling truck accident claims, and we have successfully represented numerous clients who have suffered harm as a result of these catastrophic incidents. With our extensive experience and dedication to pursuing justice, we will fight tirelessly to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Causes of Truck Accidents

Truck accidents can take place because of a variety of factors, many of which are the result of negligence on the part of truck drivers or their employers. Some common causes include:

• Distracted driving: Truck drivers may be distracted by cell phones, GPS devices, food and drink, or other activities while behind the wheel.
• Fatigue: Long hours on the road without adequate rest breaks can lead to exhaustion, drowsiness, and impaired judgment.
• Speeding: Exceeding speed limits or traveling too fast for the conditions on the road reduces a driver's ability to stop quickly or maneuver safely around potential obstacles.
• Unsafe lane changes: Failure to signal properly or check blind spots before changing lanes can lead to collisions with other vehicles.
• Improperly loaded cargo: Unsecured cargo can shift while a truck is in motion, causing it to become unbalanced and unstable and increasing the risk of an accident.
• Defective equipment: Faulty brakes, tires, or other defective parts can contribute to serious accidents.

Common Types of Semi-Truck Accidents

• Rear-end collisions: Accidents in which semi-trucks strike other vehicles from the rear are unfortunately more common than one might think. Due to their size and weight, stopping a fully loaded truck requires much more time and distance compared to smaller passenger vehicles. If a truck driver fails to maintain a safe following distance or becomes distracted behind the wheel, they may not be able to stop in time when traffic slows or stops ahead.
• Jackknife accidents: These types of truck wrecks occur when a trailer swings out at an angle greater than 45 degrees from its original path while the cab continues moving forward. This type of accident resembles a folding pocket knife where both ends meet together—hence its name: "jackknife."
• Tire blowouts: Deflated or exploding tires are another common cause of semi-truck accidents that can lead to serious consequences for both truck drivers and other road users. Semi-trucks carry heavy loads over long distances, putting significant strain on their tires. If proper maintenance measures such as regular inspections and tire replacements are neglected, tires can become worn down and prone to blowouts while traveling at high speeds.
• Wide turn accidents: Due to their size, tractor-trailers require extra space when turning. When truck drivers fail to account for this need for extra space, accidents can occur. This happens when trucks swing out too far while negotiating a turn and collide with nearby vehicles or pedestrians who may be in the truck driver's blind spot.

In order to determine liability in a truck accident case, it is important to conduct a thorough investigation. Our experienced attorney has access to expert witnesses who can analyze accident scenes, obtain data from the truck's black box recorder, and review driver logs for potential violations of federal regulations.

The Consequences of Truck Accidents

Due to their size and weight, collisions involving trucks often result in serious injuries. Victims may suffer from:

• Spinal cord injuries: These injuries can result in paralysis or long-term disability.
• Head and brain injuries: Traumatic brain injuries can have lasting physical, cognitive, and emotional effects.
• Broken bones: The impact of a truck accident can cause multiple fractures that require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
• Internal organ damage: Serious internal injuries may require surgery or ongoing medical care.
• Cuts and lacerations: Victims often suffer deep cuts from shattered glass or sharp debris during a collision with a large commercial vehicle.

Contact Our Albuquerque Truck Accident Attorney Today

At James Kennedy, P.L.L.C., we are ready to provide you with experienced guidance and help you obtain the compensation you deserve following a truck accident. Contact us today for more information or call us at 915-544-5200 to schedule a consultation.