Distracted Truck Driver Accidents
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of traffic accidents throughout the United States. When a distracted truck driver causes a traffic collision in New Mexico, anyone injured should seek legal representation to secure compensation for damages. Contact Fine Law Firm today to schedule a free case consultation to determine what to expect from the lawsuit process.
Why Hire Fine Law Firm?
- We offer experience. Our attorneys have more than 40 years of experience successfully handling truck accident lawsuits for clients throughout New Mexico.
- We offer reliability. Our firm has maintained a 99% success rate throughout our operation, and few other firms can match our level of experience with truck accident claims.
- We are compassionate, and we understand the devastating damage a truck accident can cause and keep clients updated with all case developments as they arise.
- We believe everyone has the right to legal representation, regardless of financial situation. We offer contingency fee billing and only collect legal fees when we win.
How Can an Attorney Help Me?
Some individuals may think they can save money by acting as their own legal counsel. While some succeed in these efforts, most will not have the time, resources, or energy to pursue a legal claim unassisted while recovering from truck accident injuries. An attorney offers a higher chance of success with these claims and can reveal avenues of compensation an unassisted plaintiff would have overlooked.
An attorney can secure valuable evidence including a distracted driver’s driving log, trucking company maintenance records, traffic camera data, and other evidence to help support a plaintiff’s position. Ultimately, hiring an attorney increases the chance of success, and will likely lead to more compensation than the plaintiff expected or could have secured on his or her own.
Understanding the Risks of Distracted Driving
When a driver diverts his or her eyes, hands, and/or attention away from operating his or her vehicle, the likelihood of an accident increases dramatically. Three major forms of distractions can cause accidents.
- Visual distractions draw a driver’s visual attention away from the road ahead.
- Manual distractions require the use of the driver’s hands when he or she should be
maintaining control over the vehicle. - Cognitive distractions are things that preoccupy a driver’s mind when he or she should focus on driving.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is the government oversight agency responsible for the trucking industry in the United States, and their accident research reports that distractions may be responsible for as much as 70% of the trucking accidents. Trucking companies generally uphold strict policies requiring drivers to pay attention to the road at all times, but distracted driving truck accidents still occur.
Damages and Compensation for a Distracted Driving Truck Accident
When a driver causes a truck accident due to distraction, he or she is liable for the resulting damages. Whether a distracted truck driver caused an accident or a distracted third party is to blame, a plaintiff’s attorney will need to prove the defendant was negligent due to his or her distraction and then prove the distraction was the direct cause of the plaintiff’s claimed damages.
Plaintiffs who succeed with their claims can generally secure compensation for medical expenses for immediate and future medical costs related to their injuries. They can also secure lost income compensation for time spent out of work in recovery, or if the injury prevents returning to work in the future. Plaintiffs can claim property damage compensation for vehicle repair or replacement costs, and juries will likely award pain and suffering compensation considering a plaintiff’s physical pain and mental anguish.
Contact the Fine Law Firm today if you or a loved one recently sustained injuries and other damage in a distracted driving truck accident in New Mexico.