What Compensation is Available for 18 Wheeler Accident Victims in New Mexico?

Every day, semi trucks drive across the highways of Las Cruces and often, drivers don’t think about the dangers they pose until they’re in an accident with one. If you’ve been in an accident with an 18 wheeler, there’s a good chance you’ve been injured, missed work or are struggling to keep up with bills. If you’ve been in one of these accidents, call a lawyer at Carabin Shaw today to discuss your accident and the compensation to which you’re entitled.

Many factors determine the type and amount of compensation you’re entitled to as a result of Las Cruces 18 wheeler accidents, but first, you should learn what to do—and what not to do—after you’ve been in a crash. The first thing you should do after an accident is to seek medical attention, whether you think you’re injured or not. Commercial trucks are the biggest vehicles on the road, and they often cause massive damage when they collide with regular-sized passenger vehicles. Certain injuries may not be immediately noticeable, but being proactive and seeking treatment can help your lawyer advocate for you in the future.

You should also know that you are not obligated to speak to any insurance company representing the driver of the semi truck. Because large corporations often employ commercial truck drivers, there are often complicated layers of insurance to deal with and filing a claim can be complicated and confusing. Also, insurance agents can be aggressive and pressure you into saying something you didn’t intend to say that might hurt your case. Las Cruces truck accident lawyers can speak to these companies and their agents on your behalf. They know the law and will fight for you and protect your rights.

After your accident, you may find yourself wondering, “What compensation is available for 18 wheeler accident victims in New Mexico? Are there any semi truck accident lawyers near me?” The injuries caused by an 18 wheeler accident can make everything more challenging and stressful. You should contact an attorney as soon as possible, so you don’t settle for less than you deserve.

New Mexico 18 wheeler accident lawyers are experts in personal injury law and can explain the types of compensation to which you might be entitled. In most personal injury claims that result from an accident with a semi truck, you will seek economic and noneconomic damages. Economic and noneconomic damages together are called “compensatory damages,” and they are intended to make the victim whole, or to compensate the victim for any damage the accident caused them.

Economic damages compensate you for losses that can be calculated in actual dollar amounts. Examples of economic damages include:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Property damage, such as replacing a totaled vehicle

Noneconomic damages are awarded for losses resulting from Las Cruces 18 wheeler accidents that cannot be calculated with a precise dollar amount. Examples of noneconomic damages include:

• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish and emotional distress
• Loss of consortium

A trucking accident lawyer in Las Cruces may also be able to collect punitive damages on your behalf. Punitive damages are intended to punish or deter the driver or the driver's employer in the case of significant wrongdoing, such as an intoxicated truck driver. Punitive damages are awarded in addition to any compensatory damages Las Cruces truck accident lawyers collect for you. You should also be aware that the statute of limitations in New Mexico for filing a personal injury claim of this nature is three years from the date of the accident.

If you’ve been in a truck accident in Las Cruces, call an attorney at Carabin Shaw today at 915-779-2301 for a free consultation. We will fight for the compensation you deserve.