The New Mexico Commercial Truck Accident Lawyers
Commercial truck accidents involving delivery vehicles from major companies like Amazon, FedEx, and UPS are some of the most devastating and complex collisions on New Mexico roads. Due to their size, weight, and speed, these vehicles can cause severe injuries, property damage, and even fatalities.
These trucks are a regular sight on New Mexico’s highways, with major routes such as I-40 and I-25 seeing high traffic from delivery vehicles. When these trucks are involved in accidents, the consequences can be catastrophic for other motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a commercial truck accident, Flores Mendez Law is here to provide the experienced legal representation necessary to pursue justice and fair compensation.
What Are Common Causes of Commercial Truck Accidents in New Mexico?
A combination of driver negligence, poor vehicle maintenance, and unsafe driving conditions often causes commercial truck accidents. Common causes of these accidents include:
- Driver Fatigue: One of the primary causes of commercial truck accidents is driver fatigue. Due to long shifts and the pressure to meet deadlines, truck drivers may work long hours without adequate rest. This exhaustion impairs judgment, reaction times, and decision-making, leading to dangerous driving behavior such as drifting between lanes or failing to stop at intersections.
- Distracted Driving: Like all drivers, commercial truck drivers can be distracted by their phones, navigation devices, or other sources of distraction. Truck drivers who fail to stay focused on the road may cause accidents that result in serious injuries to others.
- Vehicle Maintenance: Mechanical failure is another leading cause of commercial truck accidents. Trucks are heavy-duty vehicles that require regular maintenance to remain roadworthy. When trucking companies or independent drivers neglect maintenance tasks, it can lead to accidents due to brake failure, tire blowouts, or engine malfunctions.
- Improper Loading of Cargo: How a truck is loaded is critical to safe operation. Overloaded or improperly secured cargo can cause the truck to become unstable, increasing the risk of rollovers, tipping, or loss of control.
- Driving Under the Influence: In some cases, truck drivers may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol while operating their vehicles. Truck drivers who fail drug and alcohol tests or use substances to stay awake endanger everyone around them on the road.
Accidents Involving Amazon, FedEx, and UPS Trucks
With the rapid growth of e-commerce, the number of delivery trucks on the road has risen dramatically, including those operated by companies like Amazon, FedEx, and UPS. These trucks are integral to delivering goods across New Mexico and the nation. Unfortunately, the pressure these drivers face to meet tight schedules can lead to unsafe driving practices, which put others at risk.
- Amazon Trucks: Amazon relies on a large network of drivers—both employed and contracted—to meet the demand for fast delivery. While Amazon has delivery guidelines, the need for drivers to meet deadlines can encourage risky driving behavior, such as speeding or ignoring safety rules. The use of independent contractors also complicates liability, as these drivers may not have received the same level of training or follow the same protocols as company drivers.
- FedEx Trucks: FedEx operates a vast fleet of trucks responsible for transporting packages nationwide. With massive shipments, FedEx drivers are often under pressure to meet demanding deadlines. This stress can result in dangerous driving, such as speeding, tailgating, or failing to make necessary stops for rest. FedEx also employs company drivers and independent contractors, which can complicate liability issues when an accident occurs.
- UPS Trucks: UPS is another major player in the commercial delivery space, and its vehicles are frequently seen on New Mexico highways. UPS drivers are often under pressure to deliver packages quickly, which can lead to aggressive driving tactics. UPS has safety protocols in place, but accidents can happen when drivers or the company fail to maintain vehicles or operate safely. Additionally, UPS trucks can be involved in accidents due to improper loading or cargo shifts during transport.
What Are Common Injuries in Commercial Truck Accidents?
Commercial trucks’ sheer size and weight mean the injuries sustained in these accidents are often severe. Some common injuries include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Collisions involving large trucks often lead to head injuries, which can cause lifelong cognitive and physical impairments.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: The force of a commercial truck crash can lead to spinal injuries, which may result in partial or complete paralysis.
- Broken Bones and Fractures: Victims may suffer broken arms, legs, ribs, or other bones due to the intense impact of a commercial truck collision.
- Internal Injuries: These can include damage to organs such as the liver, kidneys, and lungs, which often require extensive medical treatment and surgery.
- Burns and Disfigurement: In some cases, the collision may cause explosions or fires, leading to burns or severe disfigurement.
- Emotional and Psychological Trauma: Beyond the physical injuries, victims of commercial truck accidents may experience long-term emotional distress, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Determining Liability in New Mexico Commercial Truck Accidents
Determining liability in commercial truck accidents can be complex, as multiple parties may share responsibility. These parties can include:
- The Truck Driver: If the driver was negligent—whether through distracted driving, fatigue, speeding, or other unsafe behaviors—they may be directly liable for the accident.
- The Trucking Company: If the trucking company fails to ensure the driver’s safety, provides inadequate training, or pushes the driver to operate under unsafe conditions, it may also be liable.
- The Vehicle Manufacturer: If the truck’s mechanical failure contributed to the accident, the vehicle manufacturer could be held responsible for defects.
- The Cargo Loaders: Improperly loaded cargo, whether by the trucking company or a third-party logistics provider, can lead to an accident, and they may be liable for the incident.
How Compensation Is Calculated in Commercial Truck Accident Cases
Victims of commercial truck accidents may be entitled to significant compensation, including:
- Medical Expenses: Covers current and future medical costs, such as hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and physical therapy.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost while recovering and any long-term reduction in earning capacity due to injuries.
- Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages that compensate for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
- Property Damage: Covers repairing or replacing your damaged vehicle and other property.
- Punitive Damages: In extreme cases of gross negligence, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the responsible parties and deter future misconduct.
At Flores Mendez Law, we ensure that all these factors are considered when seeking compensation on behalf of our clients.
Why Choose Flores Mendez Law
Commercial truck accidents, especially those involving large companies like Amazon, FedEx, and UPS, require skilled and experienced legal representation. At Flores Mendez Law, we offer personalized, client-centered services.
Additionally, our attorneys are bilingual in Spanish and English. We understand that language barriers can add stress during such a difficult time, and we are committed to making sure you feel fully supported throughout the legal process. Our team is fluent in both languages and can explain every detail of your case in your preferred language.
Contact Our New Mexico Commercial Truck Accident Lawyers at Flores Mendez Law Today
Do not wait to take action if you or a loved one has been involved in a commercial truck accident. The longer you wait, the more difficult it can become to gather evidence and pursue your claim. Call Flores Mendez Law at 915-308-9999 or contact us online today for a free consultation. The New Mexico commercial truck accident lawyers are here to protect your rights. Located in El Paso, Texas and Las Cruces, New Mexico, we serve clients in the surrounding areas.
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