Being involved in any car accident can be frightening and stressful. However, accidents involving commercial vehicles, like trucks, buses, and delivery vans, can be even more complex.
Due to the dimensions and weight of these vehicles, injuries sustained in a commercial vehicle accident are often more severe. Determining who is liable can also be trickier, as multiple parties may share responsibility.
In the aftermath of a commercial vehicle accident in New Mexico, navigating the legal process and securing fair compensation can be overwhelming.
At Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C., our award-winning personal injury attorneys have extensive experience helping victims of commercial vehicle accidents recover the compensation they need to move forward.
What Is a Commercial Vehicle?
Unlike private vehicles used for personal errands and commuting, commercial vehicles are operated for business purposes. They come in all shapes and sizes, from the familiar to the less obvious.
Here are some common examples of commercial vehicles:
- Delivery vehicles. These include vans and trucks used by companies such as FedEx, UPS, Amazon, and countless other delivery services.
- Company cars. These are owned by businesses and used by employees for work-related tasks.
- Buses. Buses include school buses, city buses, and charter buses.
- Trucks. A broad category encompassing everything from pickup and big box trucks to semi-trucks and eighteen-wheelers.
- Other specialized vehicles. These can include taxis, tow trucks, utility trucks, and any vehicle used for commercial purposes.
Commercial vehicles are subject to stricter regulations than private vehicles, and their drivers must adhere to a higher standard of care. These additional regulations and laws are due to the increased danger they pose due to their size and weight.
What Is the Average Settlement for a Commercial Vehicle Accident?
Wondering about settlement value is natural after an accident. Unfortunately, there’s no simple answer. Commercial vehicle accidents involve many complex factors that weigh on potential settlement value. Consider the following factors that may affect a commercial vehicle accident settlement:
- Injury severity. The more severe an injury is, the more extensive the medical treatment and long-term healthcare costs will be. And, the higher these costs, the higher the settlement.
- Loss of employment income. Lost income due to missed work affects settlement value. The more time off work you’re forced to take due to your injuries, the higher the settlement value.
- Loss of future earning capacity. The more your injuries affect your ability to work in the future, the higher the settlement value can be.
- Pain and suffering. These values include the pain, loss of enjoyment of life, and emotional distress you suffer as a result of the accident. The more significant these qualitative damages are, the higher your settlement value can be.
An experienced lawyer can analyze your case’s facts and assess your potential settlement range.
Why Do I Need an Attorney for My Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawsuit?
Navigating a car accident with a commercial vehicle may be far trickier than handling a simple accident between two private vehicles. Here’s why you should consider having an attorney on your side.
Negotiations with Insurance Companies
Commercial vehicles carry complex insurance policies. Negotiating with these insurance companies for fair compensation can be a challenge.
They are notorious for offering low settlements, hoping you will settle immediately. Or, they can purposely use delay tactics to wear down your confidence, hoping you will settle for a low amount.
An attorney can translate insurance jargon and fight for the maximum settlement you deserve. They can help ensure that ruthless insurance companies do not exploit you.
Fair Representation
Large trucking companies and other commercial entities often have deep pockets, vast resources, and robust legal teams dedicated to protecting their interests. An experienced lawyer can help ensure your rights are protected.
The seasoned attorneys at Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C. understand personal injury law. It’s all we do. Therefore, we focus our experience and resources on holding negligent parties accountable for their actions.
Liability Determination
Commercial vehicle accidents often involve a web of potentially liable parties beyond just the driver. Liability can be challenging, and how to proceed when more than one party is at fault can seem daunting.
An attorney can investigate the cause of the commercial vehicle accident, examine the facts, and identify all potentially responsible parties.
Legal Knowledge
An experienced attorney can be your advocate, negotiator, and guide after a commercial vehicle accident. The legal process and the law can be challenging to comprehend.
And you need time to heal from your injuries. Let your attorney handle the complex legal paperwork, deadlines, and court appearances. They will also be well-versed in personal injury law.
What Is the Deadline to File a Commercial Vehicle Accident Claim?
The statute of limitations for New Mexico personal injury cases, including those from commercial vehicle accidents, is three years from the date of the accident.
Failure to file your claim by the deadline can have unfavorable consequences. Absent a few rare exceptions, you may not be able to recover any compensation for your damages, regardless of your injuries or the strength of your case.
The importance of acting promptly to file your claim cannot be overstated. Consulting with an attorney after your accident is crucial to ensure you don’t lose the opportunity to recover compensation.
Let an Experienced Lawyer Fight for You
The aftermath of a commercial vehicle accident may leave you physically injured, emotionally stressed, and unsure of how to proceed. Don’t face this challenge alone.
At Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C., our dedicated attorneys have extensive experience helping victims of commercial vehicle accidents recover the compensation they deserve. With decades of combined legal experience, we are committed to getting you the resources you need to heal.
We operate on contingency fees, so you don’t pay us anything upfront. We only get legal fees if we secure compensation for you. If you don’t get paid, we don’t get paid. So there’s no risk to you.
Contact Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C. today for a free and confidential consultation.
Alejandro Acosta
Mr. Acosta is a lifelong resident of El Paso. He graduated from Cathedral High School in 2000 and graduated from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio in 2004. Mr. Acosta went on to attend Sandra Day O’ Connor College of Law (Arizona State Law School). He graduated in 2008, receiving his J.D. and his Indian Legal Certificate for his work in Indian Law and dealings with various tribal nations throughout Arizona. Alejandro has been licensed to practice law in Texas since 2008 and has been licensed in the State of New Mexico since 2011.
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