Truck accident
Truck Accident Attorneys in Albuquerque, New Mexico
The firms in this guide
- Caruso Law Offices, P.C. Call Caruso Law Offices, P.C.: (505) 883-5000
- McGinn Montoya Love Curry & Sievers PA Call McGinn Montoya Love Curry & Sievers PA: (505) 405-4441
- The Crecca Law Firm Call The Crecca Law Firm: (505) 717-6111
- Keller & Keller Call Keller & Keller: (800) 253-5537
- Gauthier & Maier Law Firm, P.C. Call Gauthier & Maier Law Firm, P.C.: (505) 717-4773
1. Caruso Law Offices, P.C.
Practice Focus: Truck accidents, semi-truck accidents, 18-wheeler accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, tractor-trailer collisions, delivery truck accidents, FedEx accidents, wrongful death from trucking collisions
Case Types Handled: Jackknife accidents, rollover accidents, underride accidents, rear-end collisions with trucks, head-on truck collisions, cargo spill accidents, brake failure accidents, driver fatigue accidents, overloaded truck accidents, Amazon delivery accidents, Permian Basin trucking accidents
Legal Services: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) compliance investigation, trucking company negligence claims, driver negligence claims, hours of service violation investigation, electronic logging device (ELD) data analysis, black box data retrieval, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, wrongful death claims, medical expense recovery, lost wage claims, pain and suffering claims, punitive damage claims
Background: Firm limits practice exclusively to motor vehicle accident personal injury and wrongful death cases. Attorneys are members of the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys. Notable results include $12 million settlement (2018 commercial truck case), $7.8 million federal court jury verdict, $5.4 million federal court verdict against FedEx Ground (2017), and $5.5 million federal court jury verdict against FedEx Ground. Several attorneys previously represented insurance companies, providing insight into defense tactics. The firm prepares every case to go to trial.
Location: 4302 Carlisle Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87107
Contact: (505) 883-5000 | https://www.carusolaw.com
Consultation: Free case evaluation, contingency fee (paid only if you win)
2. McGinn Montoya Love Curry & Sievers PA
Practice Focus: Truck accidents, semi-truck accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, big rig collisions, tractor-trailer accidents, wrongful death from trucking accidents
Case Types Handled: Driver fatigue accidents, improper maintenance accidents, cargo shifting accidents, log-book violation cases, overweight truck accidents, rollover accidents, jackknife accidents, rear-end collisions with commercial trucks
Legal Services: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations investigation, trucking company negligence claims, driver negligence claims, hours of service violation investigation, black box data retrieval, accident reconstruction, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, wrongful death claims, medical expense recovery, lost wage claims, pain and suffering claims
Background: Firm founded in 1985 with offices in Albuquerque. Experienced in handling some of New Mexico’s largest trucking accident cases. The firm works with accident reconstruction experts and medical experts nationwide. Attorneys investigate driver hiring and training practices, safety rule enforcement, and vehicle maintenance records. The firm has helped countless clients find justice after severe truck accidents throughout New Mexico.
Location: 201 Broadway Blvd SE, Albuquerque, NM 87102
Contact: (505) 405-4441 | https://www.mcginnlaw.com
Consultation: Free consultation available
3. The Crecca Law Firm
Practice Focus: Truck accidents, semi-truck accidents, 18-wheeler accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, big rig collisions, tractor-trailer accidents, wrongful death from trucking collisions
Case Types Handled: Driver fatigue accidents, rear-end collisions, jackknife accidents, runaway truck accidents, brake failure accidents, tire blowout accidents, cargo securement failures, electronic logging device (ELD) tampering cases, maintenance failure accidents
Legal Services: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations compliance investigation, trucking company negligence claims, driver negligence claims, hours of service violation investigation, logbook manipulation investigation, electronic logging device analysis, black box data retrieval, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, wrongful death claims, medical expense recovery, lost wage claims
Background: Personal injury firm devoted to helping injury victims pursue justice and financial recovery after being harmed by negligent truck drivers and trucking companies. Attorneys investigate maintenance records, driver qualification files, and company safety policies. The firm handles complex litigation against trucking companies with multiple insurers and legal teams.
Location: 500 Marquette Ave. NW, Suite 1200, Albuquerque, NM 87102
Contact: (505) 717-6111 | https://thecreccalawfirm.com
Consultation: Free consultation available
4. Keller & Keller
Practice Focus: Truck accidents, semi-truck accidents, tractor-trailer accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, 18-wheeler accidents, wrongful death from trucking collisions
Case Types Handled: Drowsy driving accidents, DUI truck accidents, improperly secured load accidents, improper truck maintenance accidents, speeding truck accidents, distracted driving truck accidents, rollover accidents, jackknife accidents
Legal Services: Trucking company negligence claims, driver negligence claims, black box data retrieval and analysis, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, wrongful death claims, medical expense recovery, lost wage claims, pain and suffering claims
Background: Firm offers Zero Fee Guarantee to victims of semi-truck accidents in New Mexico. AV-rated firm with experience handling some of New Mexico’s largest trucking accident cases. Attorneys secure truck black boxes that reveal valuable details regarding liability. The firm provides executive treatment to every client with personalized case handling.
Location: 500 4th Street NW, Suite 200, Albuquerque, NM 87102
Contact: (800) 253-5537 | https://www.2keller.com
Consultation: Free consultation, Zero Fee Guarantee (no payment unless recovery made)
5. Gauthier & Maier Law Firm, P.C.
Practice Focus: Truck accidents, semi-truck accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, tractor-trailer accidents, delivery truck accidents, wrongful death from trucking accidents
Case Types Handled: Jackknife accidents, rollover accidents, rear-end collisions with trucks, head-on truck collisions, cargo spill accidents, brake failure accidents, driver fatigue accidents, distracted driving truck accidents
Legal Services: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations investigation, trucking company negligence claims, driver negligence claims, hours of service violation investigation, electronic logging device data analysis, black box data preservation, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, wrongful death claims, medical expense recovery, lost wage claims, pain and suffering claims, punitive damage claims
Background: New Mexico-based firm with attorneys including Lauren Maier, who has secured millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for individuals and families. The firm serves clients in Albuquerque, Los Lunas, and throughout New Mexico. Attorneys launch immediate investigations to preserve crucial evidence including black box data, driver logs, and company maintenance records. The firm prepares cases for trial from day one.
Location: 500 Marquette Ave NW, Suite 1200, Albuquerque, NM 87102
Contact: (505) 717-4773 | https://www.maierattorney.com
Consultation: Free consultation, contingency fee basis (no attorney fees unless successful recovery)
Truck Maintenance, Hazardous Loads and Government Liability Limits in Albuquerque Truck Crash Cases
An Albuquerque truck crash can trace back to a truck that was not kept in repair, a hazardous load or a driver at or above the federal alcohol limit, and federal rules set the carrier’s duty on each. New Mexico law then limits what a governmental entity pays and keeps joint liability between a carrier and a driver whose conduct it answers for.
Maintenance and Inspection
Under 49 CFR 396.3, every motor carrier must systematically inspect, repair and maintain each vehicle subject to its control, keep maintenance records for 1 year where the vehicle is housed or maintained, and keep them for 6 months after the vehicle leaves its control. Under 396.17, each commercial motor vehicle, including each unit of a combination, must have passed a periodic inspection within the preceding 12 months.
Hazardous Loads and Alcohol
Under 49 CFR 387.9, listed oil and hazardous materials not covered by the higher rows require $1,000,000 in public liability coverage, and bulk hazardous substances and listed explosive, poison and radioactive categories require $5,000,000. Under 382.201, a driver subject to the federal testing rules may not report for or remain on safety-sensitive duty with an alcohol concentration of 0.04 or greater.
Government Liability Limits
Under NMSA 41-4-19(A) and (B), liability of a governmental entity or public employee under the Tort Claims Act may not exceed $300,000 for medical and medically related expenses, $400,000 to any person for other damages except real property, and $750,000 in total for real property and other damages from one occurrence. Under (D), no punitive damages or prejudgment interest are awarded.
Joint Liability for Vicarious Responsibility
Under NMSA 41-3A-1(C)(2), joint and several liability still applies to persons whose relationship makes one vicariously liable for the acts of the other, but only for the portion of the total liability attributed to those persons.
Albuquerque Truck Accident Questions
How long do I have to sue the trucking company?
Three years for an injury to the person under NMSA 37-1-8, and three years from the date of death for a wrongful death action under 41-2-2. For a city, county or state truck, written notice is due within 90 days after the occurrence under 41-4-16(A).
How much can I collect from the trucking company if I shared the blame?
Its share of the total fault. For example, imagine $280,000 in damages and 25 percent of the fault on the injured driver, with 75 percent on the truck driver and carrier together: under NMSA 41-3A-1(B) and (C)(2) they would be liable for $210,000.
What is the notice deadline for a wrongful death claim against a public body?
Six months. Under NMSA 41-4-16(C), notice of a wrongful death claim may be presented by the personal representative or a person claiming benefits from the proceeds within six months after the occurrence of the injury that resulted in death.