Free Consultation
915-544-5200Roswell, NM Truck Accident Attorney
Lawyer Providing Legal Help to Truck Accident Victims in Roswell, New Mexico
Nestled in southeastern New Mexico, the city of Roswell serves as a crossroads for commercial trucking routes for the region's industries and agricultural centers. Unfortunately, the significant truck traffic increases the risk of serious accidents between semi-trucks and smaller vehicles. When these massive trucks are involved in collisions, victims are often left with severe injuries and substantial property damage, or fatalities may even occur.
If you have been affected by a truck accident in Roswell, it is critical to work with an experienced attorney. James Kennedy, P.L.L.C. is here to investigate the incident and help you obtain the compensation you deserve. With countless positive reviews and an extensive knowledge of trucking regulations, our team has what it takes to guide you through this challenging process.
Determining Liability in Semi-Truck Accidents
One of the most complex aspects of trucking accident cases is identifying all of the responsible parties. Liability may extend beyond the truck driver to include other entities such as:
- Trucking Companies: Businesses may neglect safety protocols in order to maximize profits. They may engage in negligent behaviors like overloading vehicles or setting unrealistic delivery deadlines.
- Maintenance Providers: Third parties who are responsible for vehicle upkeep could share liability in a truck crash if their inadequate services result in a mechanical failure.
- Cargo Loaders: When cargo is incorrectly loaded, it can move during transit and destabilize the vehicle, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Manufacturers: Defective parts, such as faulty brakes or tires, may cause a collision. These flaws typically involve design errors, substandard materials, or insufficient quality control.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Roswell's role as a major transportation hub brings significant truck traffic to its highways. As a result, this can create conditions that may lead to serious accidents. Some factors that commonly contribute to these collisions include:
- Hazardous Roads: Highways in and around Roswell are prone to substantial wear and tear due to frequent truck use, which can lead to unsafe conditions for all drivers.
- Driver Fatigue: Despite federal regulations that limit driving hours, violations are not uncommon. Many truck drivers are pressured to meet tight delivery schedules, leading to extreme fatigue and reduced reaction times.
- Improperly Loaded Cargo: Freight that is not secured or evenly distributed can shift during transport. This makes trucks more difficult to control and increases the risk of rollovers or jackknife accidents. If cargo falls from a truck, it can cause severe injuries when it strikes other vehicles.
- Equipment Failures: Regular maintenance is essential to keep large trucks safe on the roads. When upkeep is neglected, problems like brake failures, tire blowouts, or other mechanical issues can happen.
Types of Truck Crashes
Truck accidents in Roswell can happen in various ways, and they often occur due to the challenges of operating large commercial vehicles. Some of the most dangerous types of these accidents include:
- Underride Accidents: When smaller vehicles become lodged underneath a truck's trailer, their occupants can suffer serious or fatal injuries. Properly installed underride guards can prevent these tragic accidents.
- Jackknife Crashes: This happens when a truck's cab and trailer fold into a sharp angle, usually caused by sudden braking or slippery road conditions.
- Wide Turn Collisions: Trucks require considerable space to complete turns. Misjudging the amount of space that is needed can lead to collisions with other vehicles.
- Blind Spot Accidents: Semi-trucks have many blind spots, and drivers who do not check these areas when changing lanes can cause serious crashes.
Compensation Available to Truck Accident Victims
The aftermath of a truck crash frequently leaves victims with medical bills, lost income, and emotional trauma. Compensation in these cases is meant to address both economic and non-economic damages. You may be entitled to recover costs for:
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Medical expenses, including ongoing care for severe injuries
- Lost wages and reduced earning potential
- Loss of companionship in wrongful death cases
Contact Our Roswell, New Mexico Truck Accident Lawyer
Dealing with the effects of a truck accident can be overwhelming, but you do not have to face this situation alone. James Kennedy, P.L.L.C. will work with financial and medical professionals to calculate the full extent of your damages so no aspect of your recovery is overlooked. We operate on a contingency fee basis for personal injury cases, meaning you pay no fees unless we win your case. Contact us at 915-544-5200 today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about our services.