Trucking Accidents
Serious Experience for Serious Accidents
Accidents involving commercial trucks often result in devastating injuries - and complex legal challenges. At GPJ Legal, we represent individuals and families throughout New Mexico who have been seriously injured or lost a loved one in a crash involving a semi-truck, tractor-trailer, or commercial vehicle.
With over 35 years of civil litigation experience, we know how to handle high-stakes trucking cases. We’ve represented both injured plaintiffs and insurance carriers, which gives us insight into how each side prepares, negotiates, and goes to trial. That perspective helps us protect your rights and build a stronger case from the start.
Why Trucking Accidents Are Different
Trucking accident cases aren’t like regular car accidents. They often involve multiple parties - drivers, companies, insurers, and sometimes manufacturers. These cases may include:
Federal and state safety violations
Driver fatigue or hours-of-service violations
Improper maintenance or equipment failure
Negligent hiring or training practices
Overloaded or unsecured cargo
Because of the serious injuries and liability involved, commercial vehicle insurers move fast to protect their interests. You need a legal team that’s ready to act just as quickly - and just as strategically.
What We Do for Our Clients
When you hire GPJ Legal, we go to work immediately to preserve evidence, investigate the cause of the crash, and protect your rights. Our services include:
Coordinating independent accident investigations
Preserving black box data and logbooks
Identifying all liable parties
Working with industry experts in trucking safety, medicine, and economics
Negotiating with insurance companies or preparing for trial
Whether the case settles or goes to court, our goal is to deliver the outcome that’s right for you - not just what’s fast or easy.
Common Truck Accident Injuries
We handle trucking accident claims involving:
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) - from impact or sudden deceleration
Spinal cord injuries - leading to partial or complete paralysis
Neck and back injuries - such as herniated discs or whiplash
Broken bones and fractures - often affecting the legs, ribs, or pelvis
Internal organ damage - including internal bleeding or punctured lungs
Severe burns - from fuel fires or chemical exposure
Crush injuries and amputations - caused by trapped limbs or vehicle compression
Soft tissue injuries - including torn ligaments or muscle damage
Psychological trauma - such as PTSD or anxiety following the crash
In many cases, these injuries have long-term effects on a person’s ability to work, care for family, or enjoy daily life. We take time to understand the full impact and pursue fair, full compensation. If you’ve been seriously injured in a truck accident, contact GPJ Legal to discuss your rights and recovery options.
Why GPJ Legal?
✔ Trial-Focused Representation
We’re not afraid to take on trucking companies, insurers, or corporate defendants - and we’re always prepared for trial when it’s in your best interest.
✔ Insight from Both Sides of the Courtroom
We’ve defended insurance carriers and represented injured clients. We use that insight to anticipate tactics and build better strategies.
✔ Trusted Legal Team with Deep Roots in New Mexico
With decades of courtroom experience and relationships throughout the legal and insurance communities, we are known for integrity, professionalism, and results.
What is the difference between a tractor trailer accident and a car accident?
There are unique laws and regulations that are designed specifically to protect motorists from the negligent actions of truck drivers and trucking companies. Federal and state regulations require truckers to have adequate rest to prevent driver fatigue on the highway. There are also other specific rules for trucks, including proper loading of the materials the truck is carrying and safety rules that govern traveling speeds and maneuvers such as passing and making turns.
Are there special laws that apply to truckers to keep the roads safer?
There are unique laws and regulations that are designed specifically to protect motorists from the negligent actions of truck drivers and trucking companies. Federal and state regulations require truckers to have adequate rest to prevent driver fatigue on the highway. There are also other specific rules for trucks, including proper loading of the materials the truck is carrying and safety rules that govern traveling speeds and maneuvers such as passing and making turns.
Are there any federal regulations governing truck drivers and trucking companies?
Trucking companies are required to follow the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s regulations concerning equipment and hours of service. Most truck drivers are also required to maintain a driver’s log, but the timeframe for preserving the log is limited. For this reason, if you or a family member have been injured in an accident that was the fault of a large truck driver or trucking company, it is important to seek legal advice early. Federal regulations require commercial trucks to carry certain levels of insurance coverage, depending on the nature of materials hauled. These regulations protect victims of large truck crashes from truck owners who may not have the financial resources to pay damages out-of-pocket.
What are some of the most common tractor trailer accidents?
• Center lane crossover
• Jack-knifed trucks
• Loss of control of vehicle
• Head on collisions
• Broadside collisions
• Rear end collisions
• Lane change collisions
• Hit and Run
What are the common causes of truck accidents?
Some of the most common causes of trucking accidents include:
•Lack of training
•Mechanical failure
•Oversized trucks
•Brake failure/defect
•Poor driving conditions
•Driver inexperience
•Fatigue
•Overloaded trucks
•Speeding
•Failure to yield the right of way
•Driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol
•Dangerous or reckless driving
•Running off the road
•Aggressive driving behavior
How do I recover compensation for damages in a trucking accident case?
In order to get compensation, an attorney will need to show the truck driver failed to use due care in the operation of the truck, or that the trucking company failed to follow required federal and state safety regulations. Typically, in cases where serious injury has resulted, a plaintiff may have claims for reimbursement of medical bills, lost wages, permanent injury, pain and suffering, and for a family member, loss of consortium. Where death has resulted from a trucking accident, the victim’s family members may bring a claim for the loss of the victim’s income and companionship.
How soon do I need to bring a case in a tractor trailer collision?
If you or a loved one has been injured by a big truck, it is best to contact an attorney right away. In truck collisions, federal regulations require that certain essential evidence only be maintained for a limited amount of time. For instance, the truck driver’s log may be destroyed after six months if an attorney does not obtain a court order or take other immediate action.
Who will pay my medical bills in a tractor trailer accident?
The truck company may not pay your medical bills immediately. However, your own insurance will often contain medical payment provisions to pay for bills ranging from funeral costs to X-rays. It is usually in your best interest not to sign a medical release or authorization, and not to give a statement to the trucking company or any insurance company before contacting an attorney. You may contact an attorney at GPJ Legal at any time to discuss your situation and injuries.
What damages can be recovered in a personal injury claim involving a large truck?
A person injured in an accident involving a large commercial truck may be entitled to recover:
• All of his or her past and future medical expenses;
• Past and future loss of income/earning capacity;
• Past and future pain, suffering, and emotional distress;
• Loss of the value of life and/or
punitive damages
If a person dies in a truck accident, their Estate may recover monetary damages for their economic losses and damages for the loss of the companionship, love and comfort of the victim.
Do I need an attorney to handle my truck accident case?
You should retain an attorney immediately to protect your rights. An experienced truck accident attorney can secure vital evidence before it is destroyed and can establish who was at fault early so that your rights can be protected.
