What Are Your Rights if You’re Hit by an 18-Wheeler?

Accidents involving 18-wheelers are often known to cause significant physical and emotional injuries, and financial distress. Victims in Hobbs, New Mexico, may feel overwhelmed and unsure of how to proceed after such a traumatic event. You have diverse rights to preserve your grounds for recovering damages while holding the responsible parties accountable and securing justice. You need to know them so as to protect yourself and secure timely justice. 

Here, the lawyers for truck accident victims at Fadduol, Cluff, Hardy & Conaway P.C. outline your rights following an 18-wheeler accident.

Your Rights After Being Hit by an 18-Wheeler

Following an accident with a commercial truck, you are probably dealing with catastrophic injuries and a complex legal process ahead. As a victim, you have specific rights under New Mexico law, which empower you to pursue justice and fair compensation. These include the following:

The Right to Medical Treatment

Your health and well-being come first following an 18-wheeler accident. You have the right to immediate and ongoing medical care for injuries sustained in the crash. Whether you need emergency treatment, surgery, physical therapy, or long-term rehabilitation, the costs should not fall on you if the truck driver or another party was at fault.  

It is highly advisable to document your injuries with medical records, which are key evidence in your claim. Medical records are key to linking injuries with the crash, a key element in proving the claim.

The Right to File a Claim for Compensation

If you’re hit by an 18-wheeler, you have the right to seek financial recovery for the harm you’ve had to endure. These damages may include:  

• Medical costs
• Diminished quality of life
• Inability to earn an income and lost earnings 
• Pain and suffering
• Wrongful death benefits
• Loss of consortium
• Property damage

These damages aim to help you reclaim your life and address the challenges occasioned by the crash. A lawyer for 18-wheeler accident victims in Hobbs can evaluate the accident’s impact on your life to seek compensation that attains this purpose.

The Right to Hold Multiple Parties Accountable 

One unique aspect of 18-wheeler accidents is the potential for multiple parties to share liability. You have the right to file a claim against all the responsible parties, including:

• The 18-wheeler driver 
• The trucking company
• A maintenance provider
• A manufacturer

An attorney can help in identifying all liable parties to ensure you receive full recovery for your harm.  

The Right to Legal Representation

Accidents involving 18-wheelers often involve large trucking companies and their insurers. While these are established entities that can fight back claims, you have the right to enlist the help of an attorney to represent your interests. They will help you in the fllowing:

• Investigating the crash and gathering evidence to prove fault.  
• Interpreting the trucking regulations under which trucking accidents are evaluated.
• Negotiate with insurers to arrive at fair recovery.   
• Sue the liable party, such as the trucking company, if necessary.  

Timely legal representation will level the field so you are not exploited during the claims process.  

The Right to Refuse Low Settlement Offers

Insurance companies are often in haste to settle, offering victims less than they deserve. You can refuse offers that do not sufficiently address your damages. An attorney will evaluate offers and negotiate for a fair settlement. 

Protect Your Rights Today With the Right Legal Team

If you’ve been injured in an 18-wheeler crash in Hobbs, you need to understand and exercise your rights. The attorneys at Fadduol, Cluff, Hardy & Conaway P.C. are committed to helping victims like you seek justice and secure their justice. With vast resources and a network of experts, we can help you pursue your claims and ensure you receive fair compensation.  Contact us today online or call 800-433-2408 to book a free initial consultation.