Truck Accidents

Every time you drive on the highways and streets of New Mexico, you share the road with large commercial vehicles. These include semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, delivery trucks, garbage trucks, and other oversized vehicles that can weigh many times more than a standard passenger car. While most truck drivers operate their vehicles responsibly, the reality is that even a moment of carelessness or a company’s failure to follow safety standards can result in devastating crashes. For those in smaller vehicles, the outcome is often catastrophic, leaving victims with life-changing injuries, overwhelming medical bills, and a long road to recovery.

At the Law Office of Matthew Vance, attorney Matthew Vance dedicates his practice to helping people who have been harmed by negligent trucking companies and their drivers. With years of experience in personal injury law and a background that includes work on behalf of insurance companies, he understands the tactics that trucking corporations and insurers use to avoid responsibility. His focus is always on leveling the playing field and giving victims the best chance at full and fair compensation.

The Unique Dangers of Commercial Trucks

Large trucks dominate the roads in ways that smaller vehicles cannot. The average car weighs about 4,000 pounds, while a fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. The sheer difference in size and weight means that when a truck collides with a car, the smaller vehicle and its occupants absorb the greatest impact. Even at lower speeds, the force of a collision involving an 18-wheeler can cause severe trauma such as broken bones, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, or wrongful death.

The stopping distance of a truck is also far longer than that of a passenger car. A loaded semi-truck traveling at highway speeds may require the length of two football fields to come to a complete stop. When drivers are inattentive, speeding, or fatigued, they often cannot brake in time to avoid a crash. Blind spots, also known as “no-zones,” add to the danger. Trucks have large areas around them where the driver simply cannot see other vehicles. Motorists who are caught in these zones are at a high risk of being sideswiped or forced off the road.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates many aspects of the trucking industry, from driver hours to vehicle maintenance standards. Still, despite federal and state rules, violations are common. Trucking companies are often motivated by profit and efficiency, pushing drivers to meet unrealistic deadlines or cutting corners on vehicle upkeep. These shortcuts put everyone on the road at risk.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Although every crash is different, certain causes appear again and again in commercial vehicle accidents. Some of the leading factors include:

Fatigued Driving

Truck drivers often work long shifts, sometimes driving overnight or for days at a time with limited rest. Federal regulations limit the number of consecutive hours a trucker may drive, but violations are frequent. Drowsy driving slows reaction time, impairs judgment, and can be as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol.

Speeding and Reckless Driving

In an effort to meet tight schedules, some truckers exceed speed limits or drive aggressively. The size and weight of a semi-truck magnify the consequences of these decisions. A speeding truck requires even more stopping distance, and high-speed crashes frequently cause catastrophic injuries.

Improperly Loaded or Secured Cargo

Cargo that is not loaded or secured correctly can shift during transit, throwing off the balance of the truck or even spilling onto the roadway. A truck that loses its load can create chaos for other drivers, leading to multi-vehicle collisions.

Mechanical Failures and Poor Maintenance

Large commercial vehicles must be inspected and maintained regularly. When companies fail to replace worn-out brakes, tires, or other vital components, the risk of accidents increases. Something as simple as a blown tire can cause a driver to lose control of an 18-wheeler.

Inadequate Driver Training

Commercial drivers need specialized training to handle trucks safely, particularly in hazardous weather or heavy traffic. Companies that fail to train or supervise their drivers properly put others at serious risk.

Pressure from Trucking Companies

Many drivers face immense pressure from their employers to deliver cargo on time, even if it means breaking safety rules. This pressure leads to speeding, skipping rest breaks, and cutting corners on safety procedures.

Each of these factors can result in a collision that forever alters the lives of the people involved. An experienced attorney like Matthew Vance knows how to investigate these causes, gather evidence, and hold the responsible parties accountable.

How Truck Accidents Differ from Car Accidents

It is important to recognize that trucking accidents are not the same as ordinary car accidents. The differences go beyond vehicle size. First, the laws governing the trucking industry are complex and involve both state and federal regulations. Investigating a truck crash often requires examining driver logs, electronic logging devices, GPS records, maintenance reports, and the company’s compliance with FMCSA rules.

Second, the parties involved are often more numerous. In a typical car accident, the case may involve two drivers and their insurers. In a trucking case, the driver, the trucking company, the cargo loader, the maintenance provider, and even the manufacturer of truck parts may all share liability. Identifying all responsible parties is crucial to ensuring that the injured person has access to the full compensation they need.

Finally, trucking companies and their insurers often deploy aggressive legal teams as soon as a crash occurs. They may send investigators to the scene within hours to collect evidence, sometimes before victims have even had a chance to seek medical care. This reality makes it vital for victims to have their own advocate who can protect their rights and ensure that crucial evidence is preserved.

The Role of an Experienced Albuquerque Truck Accident Attorney

Because of the complexities involved, victims of truck accidents need an attorney who is deeply familiar with this area of law. Matthew Vance has extensive experience representing people injured in trucking collisions throughout New Mexico. He understands how to approach these cases, from gathering evidence at the crash site to working with accident reconstruction experts who can demonstrate how the collision occurred.

His background as a former insurance defense attorney gives him an edge when dealing with insurers. He knows the strategies they use to minimize payouts and how to counter those tactics effectively. Whether through negotiation or litigation, his focus is always on obtaining fair compensation for his clients.

Types of Compensation Available

Victims of truck accidents may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of damages. These may include:

• Medical expenses, both current and future
  
• Lost income and diminished earning capacity
  
• Pain and suffering
  
• Emotional distress and psychological trauma
  
• Loss of enjoyment of life
  
• Costs associated with long-term care or rehabilitation

In cases involving wrongful death, surviving family members may also pursue compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and financial support the deceased would have provided.

Building a Strong Case

A successful truck accident claim requires careful preparation and strong evidence. Attorney Vance works diligently to build a case that demonstrates not only how the accident occurred but also the full impact it has had on his client’s life. This often involves collecting police reports, interviewing witnesses, securing black box data from the truck, and reviewing the driver’s logbooks. Expert testimony from medical professionals and accident reconstructionists can also play a critical role in establishing liability and damages.

Because trucking companies often move quickly to protect themselves, time is of the essence. Acting promptly can make the difference between a successful claim and one that falls short due to missing or destroyed evidence.

Why Choose Matthew Vance

Selecting the right lawyer after a truck accident can be one of the most important decisions you make. Matthew Vance offers several advantages to his clients. He provides personal attention to every case, ensuring that clients are never handed off to inexperienced associates. He is known for his thorough preparation, tenacity in negotiations, and willingness to take cases to trial when necessary.

Clients also appreciate his compassionate approach. He understands the emotional and financial strain that follows a serious accident and works tirelessly to ease that burden. His mission is not only to secure compensation but also to help clients find a path forward during a difficult time.

Contact the Law Office of Matthew Vance

Truck accidents can change lives in an instant. If you or a loved one has been injured in a collision with a commercial vehicle in New Mexico, you deserve a strong advocate who will fight for your rights. Attorney Matthew Vance is ready to stand by your side, investigate the circumstances of your crash, and pursue the compensation you need to rebuild your life.

He offers free initial consultations for truck accident cases and makes himself available for appointments. You will not pay any attorney fees unless he recovers compensation on your behalf.

Contact the Law Office of Matthew Vance in Albuquerque today to discuss your case. Call his office or send an email to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward justice.