Underride Truck Accident Attorney Las Cruces

Truck accidents are among the most devastating vehicle collisions today, and underride accidents are hazardous. These accidents occur when a smaller vehicle slides under a large truck, often leading to catastrophic injuries or fatalities. If you or a loved one has been involved in an underride truck accident in Las Cruces, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, medical bills, and other damages.

At Hit by a Truck Call Chuck, we understand the complexities of underride truck accidents and are committed to helping victims through the legal process. Our experienced team of underride truck accident attorneys in Las Cruces can offer the legal guidance you need to pursue justice.

What is an Underride Truck Accident?

An underride truck accident is a catastrophic collision that typically occurs when a smaller vehicle slides underneath the trailer of a larger truck, often due to the vehicle not having enough clearance or the truck stopping suddenly.

These accidents are hazardous because the smaller vehicle usually suffers severe damage due to the height disparity between the two cars. In many cases, underride accidents result in fatalities or life-changing injuries for the passengers in the vehicle.

Types of Underride Truck Accidents

1. Rear Underride Accidents occur when a vehicle crashes into the back of a truck, sliding under the trailer. The truck’s rear lights may often be obscured or not functioning, reducing visibility.
2. Side Underride Accidents: This happens when a vehicle collides with the side of a truck and slides under, usually at an intersection or while the car is turning.
3. Underride Due to Poor Visibility: Trucks without adequate underride guards or reflective markers can increase the risk of these deadly accidents, especially at night or in poor weather conditions.

Causes of Underride Truck Accidents in Las Cruces, NM

While a combination of factors often causes underride truck accidents, some of the most common include:

• Lack of Proper Underride Guards: Federal law mandates trucks to have underride guards to prevent smaller vehicles from sliding under the truck’s trailer. However, many trucks may not meet these safety standards, making them more prone to accidents.
• Truck Driver Negligence: Truck drivers’ distracted, tired, or reckless driving can contribute to sudden stops or maneuvers that result in underride accidents.
• Inadequate Truck Maintenance: Poorly maintained trucks, particularly with faulty brake systems or worn-out underride guards, increase the likelihood of underride collisions.
• Poor Road Conditions: Hazardous weather or road conditions can impair visibility, making it harder for drivers to notice trucks or react quickly.

Common Injuries in Underride Truck Accidents

The injuries resulting from underride truck accidents are often severe and can be life-changing. Victims may experience:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Impact to the head during an underride accident can lead to concussions or more serious brain injuries.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: The force of the impact can cause paralysis or loss of mobility due to spinal injuries.
• Internal Injuries: Damage to internal organs, such as the liver, lungs, or kidneys, is common due to the crushing force of the collision.
• Fractures and Broken Bones: The sudden impact of an underride crash often results in broken limbs, ribs, and other bones.
• Fatalities: Sadly, underride truck accidents often lead to deaths due to the nature of the impact.

Legal Options for Victims of Underride Truck Accidents

If you or a loved one has been involved in an underride truck accident, it’s crucial to understand your legal options. As a victim, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

A Las Cruces underride truck accident lawyer can help you with the legal process by:

1. Investigating the Accident: A lawyer will gather evidence, including accident reports, witness statements, and truck maintenance records, to determine the cause of the accident.
2. Identifying Liable Parties: In some cases, multiple parties may be responsible, including the truck driver, trucking company, vehicle manufacturer, or even a government entity if poor road conditions contributed to the accident.
3. Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Trucking companies and their insurers often try to settle claims quickly and for less than they’re worth. A lawyer can help ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
4. Filing a Lawsuit: If settlement negotiations don’t work, a truck accident lawyer in Las Cruces can file a lawsuit to hold the responsible parties accountable and seek the compensation you deserve.

What to Do After an Underride Truck Accident in Las Cruces, NM

If you are involved in an underride truck accident in Las Cruces, follow these steps to protect your rights:

1. Seek Medical Attention: Even if you don’t think you’re injured, it’s essential to get checked out by a doctor. Some injuries, like concussions or internal bleeding, may not show symptoms right away.
2. Report the Accident: Contact local law enforcement to report the crash. This is important for legal and insurance purposes.
3. Gather Evidence: If you can, take photos of the accident scene, the truck, and your vehicle. Get the contact information of any witnesses.
4. Contact an Underride Truck Accident Lawyer: Before speaking with insurance companies or signing anything, contact a skilled underride truck accident lawyer who can protect your interests.

Why You Need an Underride Truck Accident Attorney in Las Cruces, NM

If you’ve been involved in an underride truck accident, having a knowledgeable and experienced attorney is critical. At Hit by a Truck Call Chuck, we have the legal handle complex truck accident cases and provide you with the best possible chance for a fair settlement or verdict. Here’s why you need an underride truck accident lawyer:

• Investigating the Incident: We thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding your underride truck accident, from examining truck maintenance records to reviewing the crash scene.
• Establishing Liability: Determining fault in an underride truck accident is complicated. We will help identify all parties at fault, including the truck driver, trucking company, and even third-party maintenance companies.
• Insurance Claims: Trucking companies and insurance providers often try to minimize payouts. Our attorneys are skilled at negotiating with insurance companies to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
• Maximizing Compensation: We will fight to secure compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other damages that result from the accident.

Contact Us for Help with Your Underride Truck Accident Case

At Hit by a Truck Call Chuck, we understand the devastating impact of underride truck accidents. If you or a loved one has been injured or worse, killed in an underride accident in Las Cruces, we are here to help. Our skilled attorneys are ready to provide you with the legal support and guidance you need during this challenging time.

We offer free consultations, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case. Let us help you seek justice and compensation for your injuries or loss. Contact us today at (575) 526-4529 or complete our online contact form to get started.