The unthinkable has happened. Your loved one was killed in a devastating truck accident in Albuquerque. In the midst of your grief and sorrow, you are now faced with the daunting prospect of taking legal action. One of the first decisions you will need to make is whether to hire a truck accident attorney or a wrongful death lawyer. While both types of lawyers handle cases involving vehicle accidents and fatalities, there are important differences to understand.
Truck Accident Lawyers
A truck accident lawyer focuses on handling injury and fatality cases, specifically involving commercial trucks and tractor-trailers. These massive vehicles can cause catastrophic damage when they collide with smaller passenger vehicles. Trucking accident cases tend to be very complex for several reasons:
- There are often multiple parties that could be liable, including the truck driver, trucking company, truck manufacturer, cargo loaders, and truck maintenance providers. An experienced truck wreck attorney will know how to identify and pursue claims against all potentially responsible parties.
- Truck accident cases involve federal regulations that do not apply to typical auto accidents. Trucking companies and drivers are subject to strict rules regarding vehicle maintenance, cargo loading, hours of service, and more. Violations of these regulations can serve as important evidence of negligence.
- The insurance policies for commercial trucks have much higher limits, often in the millions of dollars. The stakes in a truck accident case are very high. You need an attorney with the knowledge and resources to take on well-funded trucking and insurance companies.
Wrongful Death Lawyers
A wrongful death lawyer handles cases where someone was killed due to the negligence or wrongdoing of another party. While many wrongful death cases arise from fatal vehicle accidents, they can also involve medical malpractice, defective products, workplace accidents, criminal acts, and more.
In a wrongful death case, certain surviving family members are entitled to seek compensation for their losses, such as:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of financial support and benefits
- Loss of services and child care
- Loss of love, affection, and companionship
- Mental anguish and emotional suffering
Wrongful death cases have unique procedural rules, including who has legal standing to file a claim, how damages are calculated, and how settlement proceeds are distributed to the surviving family.
Choosing the Right Lawyer
In the case of a fatal Albuquerque truck accident, you do not necessarily need to choose between a truck accident lawyer and a wrongful death lawyer. The best course of action is to hire a law firm that has extensive experience handling both commercial truck accident cases and wrongful death claims.
Look for an attorney or law firm with:
- A proven track record of successfully resolving trucking accident fatality cases through settlements and jury verdicts
- The ability to thoroughly investigate the accident to identify all potential sources of liability and insurance coverage
- The resources to go toe-to-toe with well-funded trucking and insurance companies
- Compassion, commitment, and dedication to guiding your family through this difficult time with personal attention and support
At Hit by a Truck Call Chuck, we have more than 20 years of experience standing up for the rights of individuals and families who have lost loved ones in devastating vehicle accidents, including those involving large trucks and commercial vehicles. Call Hit by a Truck Call Chuck today to discuss your case with a caring, knowledgeable member of our team.