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 Accident Laws and Regulations in New Mexico
Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims: Three years from the date of the accident under N.M. Stat. Section 37-1-8. Claims must be filed within this timeframe or the court may bar the lawsuit.
Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Claims: Three years from the date of death.
Statute of Limitations for Property Damage Claims: Four years from the date of the incident.
Claims Against Government Entities: Claims against government entities in New Mexico require much shorter notice deadlines. A tort claims notice must typically be filed within 90 days of the incident for claims against state agencies or local governments.
Fault System: New Mexico is a traditional fault-based state. The at-fault party and their insurance company are responsible for paying damages to injured victims.
Comparative Negligence Rules: New Mexico follows a pure comparative negligence rule under N.M. Stat. Section 41-3A-1. This means a plaintiff can recover damages even if they are 99% at fault for the accident. The plaintiff’s recovery is simply reduced by their percentage of fault. For example, if damages are $100,000 and the plaintiff is 25% at fault, they can recover $75,000.
Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements: New Mexico requires minimum liability insurance of $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $10,000 for property damage (25/50/10).
Commercial Truck Insurance Requirements: Commercial trucks operating in New Mexico must comply with federal insurance requirements. For-hire motor carriers of property must maintain $750,000 minimum coverage for vehicles under 10,001 lbs in non-hazardous interstate commerce. Higher limits ($1 million to $5 million) apply to trucks hauling hazardous materials.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: New Mexico requires insurers to offer UM/UIM coverage, but it is not mandatory for drivers to accept.
Damage Caps: New Mexico does not impose statutory caps on compensatory damages (economic or non-economic) in personal injury cases. Punitive damages may be available in cases involving egregious conduct.
Vicarious Liability: Trucking companies can be held vicariously liable for the negligent acts of employee drivers under respondeat superior. Companies may also face direct liability for negligent hiring, training, supervision, or maintenance practices.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations: Federal trucking regulations apply in New Mexico courts. Violations of FMCSR, including hours of service rules and maintenance requirements, can be used as evidence of negligence.
Hours of Service Regulations: Commercial truck drivers are limited in driving hours under federal law. Violations are common causes of truck accidents and can establish trucking company liability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the statute of limitations for filing a truck accident claim in New Mexico?
A: Under N.M. Stat. Section 37-1-8, you have three years from the date of the truck accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in New Mexico. For wrongful death claims, the three-year period runs from the date of death. Property damage claims have a four-year statute of limitations. However, if your claim involves a government vehicle or entity, special notice requirements apply with much shorter deadlines (typically 90 days). Consulting an attorney promptly is important to preserve your rights and gather evidence before it is lost or destroyed.
Q: How does New Mexico’s pure comparative negligence rule affect my truck accident claim?
A: New Mexico follows a pure comparative negligence system under N.M. Stat. Section 41-3A-1, which is more favorable to plaintiffs than many other states. You can recover damages even if you were primarily at fault for the accident. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault but not eliminated. For example, if a jury finds you 40% at fault and awards $200,000 in damages, you would receive $120,000 (reduced by 40%). Insurance companies often attempt to assign fault to victims to reduce payouts, so having an experienced attorney who can counter these tactics is important.
Q: Who can be held liable in a New Mexico truck accident case?
A: Multiple parties may be held liable in a New Mexico truck accident case. The truck driver can be held liable for negligence such as fatigue, distraction, impairment, or traffic violations. The trucking company may be liable under respondeat superior for employee driver negligence or directly liable for negligent hiring, training, supervision, or maintenance practices. Cargo loading companies may be liable for improperly secured loads. Truck or parts manufacturers may be liable for defective equipment. Maintenance providers may be liable for negligent repairs. New Mexico law allows victims to pursue all potentially liable parties, with fault apportioned among defendants.
Q: What evidence is important in a New Mexico truck accident case?
A: Critical evidence in truck accident cases includes the truck’s electronic logging device (ELD) or black box data, which records speed, braking, and hours of operation. Driver logs, qualification files, drug and alcohol testing records, and the trucking company’s safety policies and maintenance records are also important. Physical evidence from the accident scene, witness statements, police reports, and medical records documenting injuries all support claims. Because trucking companies often move quickly to secure or destroy evidence, retaining an attorney promptly to issue preservation letters and begin investigation is critical.
Q: What damages can I recover in a New Mexico truck accident lawsuit?
A: New Mexico allows truck accident victims to recover both economic and non-economic damages without statutory caps. Economic damages include medical expenses (past and future), lost wages, loss of earning capacity, property damage, and other out-of-pocket costs. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium. In cases involving particularly reckless or intentional misconduct, punitive damages may also be available to punish the defendant and deter similar conduct. Wrongful death claims allow surviving family members to recover damages for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and other losses.