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What Makes Truck Accidents So Dangerous?

Semi-truck and other large-truck accidents are incredibly dangerous. Because semi-trucks are so heavy, they have more trouble stopping, and it takes more distance to stop them. This means they tend to cause more damage when they collide with other vehicles.

When semi-trucks brake hard, their trailers can swing, causing the truck to jackknife. A jackknife can damage vehicles in other lanes, road markers, and potentially buildings, property, or pedestrians.

These elements of big-truck accidents can cause catastrophic injuries to victims.

Common Truck Accident Injuries

Heavy-impact large-truck accidents can cause severe injuries that can change victims’ lives forever. These injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Whiplash
• Nerve injuries

Many of these injuries could lead to permanent damage or years of physical therapy. Victims of large-truck accidents should protect their rights. A semi-truck accident attorney can help calculate damages and pursue compensation.

How to Avoid Semi-Truck Accidents

It may not always be possible to avoid accidents with semi-trucks. However, exercising caution when driving near large trucks helps. Remember that big trucks have several blind spots, and driving in those blind spots can be dangerous for smaller vehicles.

Avoid truck blind spots. If you must be in a truck’s blind spot, move into the driver’s view as soon as possible and watch for turn signals to avoid being sideswiped. In adverse weather or on mountain roads, use headlights, keep a safe distance, and change lanes or exit the roadway if a truck is tailgating.

What to Do After a Big Truck Wreck in New Mexico

If you’ve been in a wreck with a big truck, take steps to protect your rights and preserve evidence. If you are uninjured and able, follow these steps:

1. Get help: Call 9-1-1. Even if you aren’t injured, others may be seriously hurt.
2. Move your vehicle, if possible: Clear the road if it’s safe; otherwise stay in your vehicle.
3. Preserve the scene: Take photos and video of vehicles, skid marks, road and weather conditions; narrate the video and collect witness information.
4. Cooperate with law enforcement: Request a police report and provide facts. Do not admit fault.
5. Contact a truck accident lawyer: An attorney can investigate the crash, preserve evidence, and pursue compensation. Local firms often offer free case evaluations.

How to Choose the Best Truck Accident Lawyer in Albuquerque, NM

Consider local experience with New Mexico laws and federal trucking regulations, investigative resources, ability to gather witness testimony and medical records, and availability for face-to-face meetings.

• Knowledge of local and federal trucking laws
• Resources to investigate the wreck scene
• Ability to gather witness testimony and medical evidence
• Face-to-face meetings and local presence

Experience matters in complex truck-wreck cases. Many firms offer a free case evaluation and work on contingency, meaning you pay only if they recover compensation for you. Communication throughout the case is important.

How Much Is a Big Truck Accident Case Worth, and What Damages Can You Recover?

No attorney can give an exact value until a full investigation and medical assessment are complete. Common damages include economic and non-economic losses.

Economic damages may include:

• Medical care and prescription costs
• Rehabilitation and therapy
• Ongoing care costs
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Repair or replacement of vehicles and property
• Out-of-pocket expenses

Non-economic damages may include:

• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Other emotional damages

Wrongful Death Damages

If a loved one died due to the accident, you may pursue a wrongful death action to recover losses such as funeral expenses, loss of household services, and mental anguish. Wrongful death claims require experienced counsel. See wrongful death attorney.

Common Types of Truck Accidents

Common truck collisions include:

Trailer slew or trailer swing

Trailer swings often occur in bad weather and even a slight swing can cause serious damage.

Jackknife accidents

Jackknifes happen when a trailer swing becomes uncorrectable, leaving the truck and trailer in a “V” or “L” shape. Causes include improper braking, high speeds, tight turns, empty trailers, or bad weather.

Rollover accidents

Rollovers are less common but occur; many involve driver error. See FMCSA resources for prevention.

Blindspot collisions

Trucks have “no-zones” where the driver cannot see other vehicles. Drivers must ensure blind spots are clear before merging or changing lanes.

Underride accidents

An underride occurs when a smaller vehicle collides with a truck and becomes trapped under the trailer. These are among the deadliest wrecks.

Override accidents

An override happens when a truck cannot stop and runs over vehicles in front of it. Because of the truck’s mass and speed, struck vehicles can be pushed a long distance or off the road.

Truck driver negligence can profoundly impact victims’ lives. Negligent drivers, trucking companies, and insurers may be liable and required to compensate injured parties.

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What Tesla’s Electric Semi Truck Means for Cars and Safety on the Roadway: A Truck Accident Lawyer’s Review

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5 Things to Do After a New Mexico Truck Accident

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