Late last month, there was a seven-vehicle accident near Mesquite, New Mexico that killed one woman and injured several others. There were five passenger vehicles and two commercial vehicles involved in the accident. According to a local news report, the semi-truck hit a small car from behind. This first accident caused a chain reaction, finally ending when the semi-truck rolled over.
The accident occurred on a section of the highway that has been under construction for many months. Unfortunately, there was one fatality in the series of accidents. A 43-year-old Maricopa, Arizona woman was killed as result of the accident. The Las Cruces Police and New Mexico State Police are still investigating the crash to determine if there was any fault and if any charges will be pressed.
Truck Accident Settlements in New Mexico
When a person has been injured as the result of a trucking accident, he or she may want to bring a suit against the driver or trucking company for his or her injuries. In order to do this, the victim should be able to establish the elements of negligence. To bring a negligence suit, a person must prove that the defendant owed him or her a standard duty of care, the defendant breached that duty, and that breach was the actual and proximate cause of their injuries and damages. In many cases, plaintiffs are under the impression that in order to get a favorable outcome their case must be heard by a judge or a jury, but that is not always the case.
Settling personal injury claims against a trucking company or truck driver is often the most effective way to get a beneficial resolution. Settlements allow both of the parties to move past the accident and resume their lives. It also allows the plaintiff to avoid the lengthy, costly, and emotionally draining process of a full-blown trial. These settlements often involve both parties looking at the agreed-upon facts and agreeing on an appropriate settlement amount. In many instances, trucking companies will be amenable to this type of situation because it is more time-efficient. It is important to have an attorney in these situations because he or she will be able to adequately research and strategically plan a successful and beneficial settlement negotiation.
Have You Been Injured as a Result of a Trucking Crash?
If you have been injured as a result of a trucking accident in New Mexico, you may be able to bring a negligence suit against the parties involved in the accident. If you are able to establish a negligence claim, an attorney may be able to assist you in reaching a beneficial and appropriate settlement negotiation with the other party. An attorney is indispensable in these negotiations because he or she will be able to work with the other parties’ attorneys to reach an agreement. This is the most cost-effective method and avoids the need for litigation. If you have been injured in a trucking accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation for your past medical bills, future medical expenses, and other damages related to the injury. Contact an attorney at the Fine Law Firm in New Mexico to discuss your case. You can schedule your free consultation with the Fine Law Firm by calling 505-889-FINE.
More Blog Posts:
Semi Truck Driver Charged with Felony after Rear Ending School Bus, New Mexico Truck Accident Lawyer Blog, November 9, 2014.
Investigation Continues into Semi-Truck Crash that Killed Four Texas Student Athletes, New Mexico Truck Accident Lawyer Blog, October 13, 2014.