Hobbs Truck Accident Lawyer

Helping New Mexico Families After Devastating Truck Accidents

Truck accidents often result in catastrophic injuries and death because of the size and weight of the vehicles involved. The trucking companies responsible for these accidents are often more interested in protecting their bottom line than they are in compensating the victims. 

If you or someone you love was involved in a truck accident, Simon Perdue Law is here to help. Our Hobbs truck accident lawyers have extensive experience handling these types of cases and are prepared to aggressively advocate for you throughout the legal process. 

We understand that no amount of money can make up for the pain you have experienced, but we can help you recover the fair compensation you are owed to help you get back on your feet.

Call us today at (505) 588-5962 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our truck accident attorney in Hobbs.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Truck accidents are often caused by the negligence of a truck driver, trucking company, or another third party. Identifying the cause of the accident and establishing liability is key to recovering the compensation you are owed. 

Our truck crash attorneys have the skills and resources to investigate your case and determine who is at fault. We can then build a strong case on your behalf and help you seek the maximum compensation you are owed.

Truck accidents are most commonly caused by the following:

• Driver error: Truck drivers are often fatigued, distracted, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. These behaviors can make it difficult for them to safely operate their vehicles and can easily cause an accident.
• Aggressive driving: Truck drivers are often under pressure from their employers to deliver their loads as quickly as possible. When this happens, they may engage in aggressive driving behaviors, such as speeding, tailgating, and changing lanes without signaling, which can cause serious accidents.
• Improperly loaded cargo: Truck drivers and their employers are responsible for properly loading and securing cargo. When they fail to do so, the cargo can shift, causing the truck to become unsteady and difficult to control.
• Defective truck parts: Sometimes, truck accidents are caused by defective truck parts, such as brakes, tires, or steering systems. When this happens, the manufacturer may be held liable for the accident.
• Poor road conditions: In some cases, truck accidents are caused by poor road conditions. In these cases, the government entity responsible for maintaining the road may be held liable for the accident.

What to Do After a Truck Accident

Truck accidents can be incredibly overwhelming, but it is important to remain calm and take the appropriate steps to protect your rights and safety. Immediately following a truck accident, there are several things you should do to ensure you are in the best possible position to recover the fair compensation you are owed.

After a truck accident, you should:

• Seek medical attention: You should seek medical attention as soon as possible after a truck accident, even if you do not think you are injured. Some injuries do not become apparent until hours or even days after an accident, and seeing a doctor can help you identify these injuries and get the treatment you need. Additionally, a medical report can serve as valuable evidence in your case.
• Call the police: You should call the police after a truck accident, even if it was relatively minor. The police can file an accident report, which can serve as valuable evidence in your case.
• Exchange information: You should exchange insurance and contact information with the truck driver and any other drivers involved in the accident. You should also get the names and contact information of any witnesses at the scene.
• Take pictures: If you are able, you should take pictures of the scene of the accident, including the damage to all vehicles involved, any skid marks on the road, and any visible injuries you have suffered.
• Do not admit fault: You should avoid apologizing or admitting fault for the accident, even if you think you may have caused it. You may not know all of the factors that contributed to the accident, and the other driver may have been partially or entirely at fault.
• Do not speak to the insurance company: You should not speak to the insurance company without first consulting with our truck accident lawyer in Hobbs. The insurance adjuster may try to get you to say something that can be used against you and reduce the amount of money you are owed.
• Hire a lawyer: You should hire a truck accident attorney as soon as possible after a truck accident. Your attorney can handle all aspects of your case and help you avoid making any mistakes that could jeopardize your claim.

What Damages Could Be Recovered in a Truck Accident Claim?

Truck accident cases are often much more complex than other types of motor vehicle accident claims because they typically involve multiple parties, including the truck driver, the trucking company, and the truck manufacturer. 

Additionally, trucking companies and their insurers have extensive resources and are prepared to fight to protect their bottom line. Our truck accident lawyers in Hobbs have the skills, experience, and resources to effectively handle these types of cases and are prepared to aggressively advocate for you. We can help you navigate the complexities of the legal system and are committed to providing you with the personalized legal representation you deserve.

We can help you recover compensation for the following and more:

• Medical expenses: You may be entitled to compensation for all current and future medical expenses, including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and physical therapy.
• Lost wages: You can recover compensation for any wages you lost as a result of the accident. If you are unable to return to work, you may also be entitled to compensation for your reduced earning capacity.
• Pain and suffering: You may be able to recover compensation for any physical pain and emotional suffering you endured as a result of the accident.
• Property damage: You can recover compensation for the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle.

Understanding Trucking Laws & Regulations in New Mexico

New Mexico enforces both federal safety requirements and its own set of rules, which cover truck weight, rest breaks for drivers, and the transportation of hazardous materials. In Hobbs and across Lea County, commercial drivers must follow these standards to help keep the roads safe. The New Mexico State Police monitor commercial vehicles along busy highways, such as US 62/180, and enforce these rules aggressively. When a company breaks these laws, consequences range from fines to suspension. These violations are significant in injury cases and can impact who is held responsible.

When truck accidents occur in or around Hobbs, we assess whether the driver adhered to the required hours of service and whether the company maintained proper inspection records. Local road conditions and heavy industry-related traffic significantly influence every case, making these regulations a crucial tool in liability and compensation decisions. Understanding these requirements allows us to identify liable parties and support your claim with clarity and detail.

How Preserving Evidence After a Truck Accident Can Impact Your Claim

After a truck accident, the prompt collection and preservation of evidence significantly impact the outcome of a claim. Commercial vehicles often have event data recorders, also known as "black boxes," that capture speed, braking, and driver actions immediately before a crash. Securing black box data, accident photos, eyewitness accounts, and maintenance and inspection records ensures the facts are accurate and complete. In Hobbs, some crashes occur on highways or outside the city, where weather or debris can affect evidence as well as scene safety. Trucking companies may repair vehicles or alter records soon after an incident, so acting quickly prevents evidence from being lost or altered.

Contacting an attorney in the days after a truck accident increases your chance of collecting data and documentation before crucial evidence disappears. Careful evidence preserves the story of what happened, strengthens your case with insurers, and supports you if you need to go to court. Along Hobbs transit corridors used by oilfield and farm trucks, good evidence provides clear proof about responsibility for the accident, helping you make a strong claim for fair compensation.

FAQs About Truck Accidents

How long do I have to file a truck accident claim?

In New Mexico, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. If you fail to file your claim within this time frame, you will likely lose your right to recover compensation. If your loved one was killed in a truck accident, you have three years from the date of their death to file a wrongful death claim.

Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault for the accident?

New Mexico follows a pure comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover compensation as long as you were not entirely at fault for the accident. However, your total compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. 

For example, if you were found to be 20% at fault for the accident and were awarded $100,000 in damages, your total compensation would be reduced to $80,000.

How much is my truck accident claim worth?

The value of a truck accident claim will depend on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the cost of your medical treatment, and the extent of your pain and suffering. Our truck accident attorneys can review your case and help you understand what it may be worth.

How long will it take to resolve my case?

Most truck accident cases are resolved through a settlement. We will attempt to negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf, but the trucking company and their insurer may refuse to agree to a reasonable settlement. If this happens, we will not hesitate to take your case to court. 

Resolving a truck accident case can take several months or even years, depending on the specific circumstances of the case. We will do everything we can to resolve your case as quickly as possible while still ensuring you recover the maximum compensation you are owed.

Contact Our Truck Accident Attorney in Hobbs Today

Call Simon Perdue Law at (505) 588-5962 or online to schedule a free consultation with our Hobbs truck accident lawyers.