New Mexico Truck and 18 Wheeler Accident Lawyers

New Mexico Truck Accident Lawyers — We’re Undefeated

From the Permian Basin to Santa Fe, when a devastating 18-wheeler crash or multi-vehicle collision causes serious injuries or tragic loss of life, Zehl & Associates is the firm families in New Mexico turn to for justice—and the firm trucking companies fear the most.

Our undefeated New Mexico truck accident lawyers have the resources, experience, and track record to take on any trucking company in the world, no matter its size, and deliver record-breaking results.

When our name is on your lawsuit, the trucking industry is going to treat you far more seriously because they know:

• We’ve Won Billions for accident victims, including some of the largest truck and 18 wheeler accident verdicts and settlements  in U.S. history
• We Never Back Down. If the offer isn’t enough, we take them to trial, where we have never lost a case.
• We Have a 100% Success Rate in past cases driven by our deep expertise in federal safety regulations and state transportation laws and our relentless pursuit of justice
• We Maximize Compensation, ensuring our clients recover the full compensation possible for all of their injuries and losses.

Why Choose Zehl? We Don’t Just Win. We Set Records.

The more serious the crash, the harder trucking companies fight to avoid responsibility and pay you as little as possible for your injuries. But when Zehl & Associates gets involved, everything changes.

When we take a case, trucking companies know they have two options: offer a large settlement that fully compensates our clients and their families for all their injuries and losses or risk a record-setting verdict at trial — where our lawyers remain undefeated.

Due to our success in and out of the courtroom, our results are unrivaled:

• $37.5 Million Truck Accident Verdict in 2024
• $35 Million Settlement in Truck Crash in 2024
• $32 Million Settlement for Truck Accident Victim
• $23.5 Million Settlement for Truck Accident Victim
• $20 Million Settlement in Fatal 18-Wheeler Crash
• #1 Largest Verdicts and Settlements in the corporate history of Ben E. Keith, Oakley Trucking, R&L Trucking and more national carriers.

But those results start with our commitment to clients. We don’t just fight for maximum compensation. We don’t just outwork, outfight, and outlast the other side. Our goal is to go above and beyond for each and every client — ensuring you receive the best medical care possible, treating you like family, and standing by you every step of the way.

From the moment you call us, we’re here to support you and fight for the justice — and future — you deserve.

New Mexico Truck Accidents: What to Know About Rising Fatalities

Across the nation, fatal truck and 18-wheeler accidents have increased at a record pace over the last five years — and New Mexico is no exception. This growing crisis is fueled by a record number of inexperienced truck drivers on the road and the corporations turning a blind eye to prioritize their profits over safety.

New Mexico is a major hub for long-haul trucking, with two of the busiest freight corridors in the country—Interstate 25 (I-25) and Interstate 40 (I-40)—running through the state.

As a result, a large truck crash occurs almost every three hours, according to New Mexico Department of Transportation traffic records. Even more alarming, truck accidents are significantly more deadly than other crashes. In 2023 alone:

• Trucks made up just 7.4% of all crashes in New Mexico but
  
• Were involved in 22% of all fatal accidents
  
• At least 96 people lost their lives in truck crashes—the highest number ever recorded
  

Not surprisingly, Bernalillo County — home to Albuquerque and its dangerous “Big I” junction of I-25 and I-40 — sees more fatal crashes than anywhere else in the state.

However, rural counties like Otero and Lea in the Permian Basin are experiencing a sharp rise in catastrophic truck accidents as the state’s booming fracking and oil and gas industry brings more heavy commercial trucks—and more oilfield truck crashes—to the region.

Locals have even dubbed Highway 285, with its particularly dangerous stretches near Loving and Carlsbad, as “Death Highway” due to its high number of oilfield truck accidents and fatalities.

How Are Truck Accidents Different Than Car Accidents?

Truck accidents aren’t just bigger versions of car crashes. An 18-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds—nearly 20 times the weight of a passenger vehicle—and when fully loaded, it becomes a moving force of destruction. Tragically, it’s those in smaller vehicles who suffer the most, while the truck driver often walks away unscathed.

Beyond the physical devastation, truck crash victims face life-altering injuries that take an enormous toll—physically, emotionally, and financially. Meanwhile, from the moment of impact, the trucking company and its army of insurers and lawyers are working against you, fighting to pay as little as possible to protect their bottom line and avoid responsibility.

Common Types of Truck Accidents in New Mexico

Truck accidents can happen in many different ways, but no matter how they occur, they almost always leave devastating consequences for victims and their families. In New Mexico, where major trucking routes like I-25, I-40, and Highway 285 are constantly busy with oilfield trucks, commercial vehicles, and cross-country haulers, serious truck crashes are unfortunately all too common. 

Some of the most common types of truck accident cases we see include:

• Oilfield truck crashes
• 18-wheeler crashes
• Amazon truck crashes
• Delivery truck crashes such as FedEx & UPS
• Wrongful Death
• Rollover collisions
• Blowouts 
• Jackknife collisions
• No zone and blindspot crashes
• Underride collisions
• Head-ons
• Rear-end collisions
• Multivehicle chain-reaction crashes
• Wide turn collisions

Having successfully represented thousands of clients seriously injured in preventable trucking accidents, we’ve seen firsthand the profound impact these crashes have on individuals and their families.

We are here to fight for you — call us today at 1-888-603-3636 for a free consult.

Common Causes of New Mexico Truck Accidents

Although adverse weather and roadway conditions can certainly contribute to truck accidents in the Land of Enchantment, it’s been our experience that the majority of these tragedies are entirely preventable — and most often result when a negligent trucking company puts profits above all else.

Reckless actions and carelessness on the part of the truck driver or trucking company may include:

Distracted Driving: Distractions such as texting or eating take a trucker’s eyes off the road, making even a brief lapse in focus potentially deadly.

Fatigue:  Despite strict federal Hours of Service rules that limit how long a truck driver can stay behind the wheel, research suggests that exhaustion factors into 40% of all trucking crashes.

Inexperience: A historic shortage of veteran drivers has led more young and unqualified truckers behind the wheel than ever before, especially in the oilfield industry.

Inadequate Training: Insufficient or inadequate training for many of these new truck drivers often results in their inability to handle challenging road conditions or follow safety protocols.

Drunk Driving: Impairment of alcohol, drugs, and even certain medications can severely impact a trucker’s judgment, coordination, and reaction time.

Poor Maintenance: Despite federal mandates for regular inspections and maintenance, many trucking companies neglect routine brake and tire checks, increasing the risk of mechanical failures and catastrophic crashes.

Sadly, it’s innocent motorists and other occupants of smaller passenger vehicles who often pay the highest price for their carelessness.

Why Do I Need a Lawyer After a Truck Accident?

Make no mistake: truck accident cases are far more complex and overwhelming than car accidents—you simply cannot fight them alone. 

Trucking companies will stop at nothing to avoid responsibility, using intimidation tactics, discrediting your injuries, and even blaming you for the crash just to walk away without paying what they owe. The only way to level the playing field is with a proven truck accident lawyer—one with a track record of taking on the largest trucking companies in the world—and winning.

A good truck accident lawyer isn’t enough. You need the best:

To Hold Multiple Liable Parties Accountable: Trucking companies, cargo loaders, maintenance providers, and even manufacturers can all share blame—and each has its own insurance and legal team working to minimize payouts.

To Combat Big Trucking’s Dirty Tactics: Trucking companies immediately send rapid response teams to the crash scene to control the narrative and hide or destroy evidence. Without an aggressive legal team on your side, you’re already at a disadvantage.

To Prove Safety Violations & Negligence: Truck drivers and companies must follow strict  Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA) safety regulations on hours of service, truck maintenance, and weight limits. Violations of these laws are key to proving fault—but only if your lawyer knows how to uncover them and, more importantly, use them to prove what really happened.

To Preserve & Investigate Key Evidence: Key evidence like black box data, driver logs, maintenance records, and dashcam footage can make or break your case—but trucking companies won’t hand it over willingly.  Only the best lawyers know what to demand, where to find it, and how to use it to prove liability.

To Take on Powerful Insurance Companies: Commercial trucks carry millions in liability coverage, which means insurers will fight harder to deny, delay, or reduce your payout. You need a law firm with record-setting verdicts and a reputation for winning at trial to force them to pay what you deserve.

To File Your Lawsuit Before Time Runs Out: In New Mexico, you have only 3 years from the date of the crash to file a truck accident lawsuit. Miss this deadline, and you lose your right to compensation—no matter how strong your case is. An experienced lawyer ensures your claim is filed on time and positioned for maximum recovery.

With Billions won and record-setting verdicts in truck accident cases, Zehl & Associates knows exactly how to stand up to trucking company negligence.

The True Cost of a Truck Accident in New Mexico: What to Know About Injuries, Accountability & Compensation 

No injury is “minor” after a truck crash — life-altering or even permanent injuries are very common, and tragically affect not just your health but your financial future, career, and family.

Common Truck Accident Injuries

Common injuries we see include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
• Spinal Cord Damage
• Broken Bones
• Internal Organ Damage
• Burns
• Amputations
• Permanent Disability
• Soft Tissue Injuries
• Whiplash and Neck Injuries
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Internal Bleeding and Hemorrhage

When facing severe injuries, the medical bills alone can be overwhelming, and the long-term financial, emotional, and physical impact can be devastating.  Yet, from the moment of impact, insurance companies and trucking corporations will do everything possible to pay you less than you deserve.

Who Pays for My Truck Accident Injuries?

While the at-fault parties are ultimately responsible for paying your medical bills, we understand that bills don’t stop after a truck accident — and also just how critical it is to receive the medical treatment you need as soon as possible, no matter the cost.

Unfortunately, it’s common for the at-fault party’s insurance — and even your own — to delay or dispute medical coverage. 

 Zehl & Associates makes sure you get the treatment you need up front—without waiting for the legal process to conclude. Here’s how:

• We cover your medical bills while your case is pending: We ensure that your treatment isn’t delayed by the insurance company’s tactics.
• We negotiate with doctors and medical providers: We work directly with your healthcare providers to ensure you receive the care you need, regardless of insurance disputes.
• We handle disputes with insurance companies and hospitals: Our team takes on the tough negotiations, dealing with insurance companies, medical liens, and hospitals, so you can focus on healing instead of financial concerns.

As a result, we are able to ensure that you receive the best care without the financial burden and hold the at-fault parties fully accountable for all your injuries and losses.

Who Can Be Held Responsible? 

Truck accidents often involve multiple liable parties, each with their own insurance and legal teams working to shift blame and minimize payouts.

From day one, we get to work determining all the parties that can be held accountable for your injuries, which may include: 

The Truck Driver: If distracted driving, fatigue, speeding, or Hours of Service violations caused the crash, we gather black box data, driver logs, and cell phone records to prove it.

The Trucking Company: Many companies cut corners on safety, overwork drivers, or neglect maintenance to boost profits. Our deep knowledge of FMCSA regulations allows us to hold them fully accountable—often recovering punitive damages for victims.

Manufacturers: If defective brakes, tires, or steering components contributed to the accident, we take on the manufacturers responsible for their unsafe products.

Cargo Loaders & Shippers: Improperly loaded or unbalanced cargo can make a truck unstable, increasing the risk of a jackknife or rollover crash.

And then we do whatever it takes to hold them fully accountable.

How Do I Recover Full Compensation?

No two truck accidents are ever the same, and determining damages is never a one-size-fits-all process either. Multiple factors can affect how much you’re able to recover, but one thing is certain: Hiring an experienced truck accident attorney significantly increases your chances of recovering larger damages.

At Zehl & Associates, our approach is different from other law firms. We take the time to truly understand you and your family—what your life was like before the accident and how it’s changed since. To maximize your case value, we conduct a thorough investigation to help us decide how much to demand as damages in your personal injury lawsuit.

From there, we fight for every dollar you deserve, including :

• Medical bills (past and future)
• Lost wages & loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Property damage
• Punitive damages (when applicable)

As a result, in nearly 90% of our cases, the defendants agrees to pay our demand and the case is settled. If they refuse, we take the case to trial, where we remain undefeated — and where the trucking company knows they will have to pay more than they’re used to paying.

What to Do After a New Mexico Truck Accident

After a serious truck crash, taking the right steps can protect your health and your legal rights:

• Call the police and file an accident report.
• Get medical care immediately, even if you feel okay.
• Document the scene with photos and videos.
• Exchange information with everyone involved and any witnesses.
• Notify your insurance company, but don’t admit fault.
• Don’t give a recorded statement or sign anything from the trucking company or its insurer.
• Follow your doctor’s advice and keep detailed records of your treatment.
• Contact an experienced truck accident lawyer as soon as possible.
• Stay off social media and avoid discussing the accident publicly.

At Zehl & Associates, we’ll handle the rest—preserving evidence, protecting your rights, and fighting to get you the maximum compensation.

How Zehl & Associates Can Help if a New Mexico Truck Accident Caused You Harm

At Zehl & Associates, we understand that after a serious truck accident, you’re facing more than just medical bills—you’re dealing with pain, uncertainty, and a fight you never asked for. That’s why we do things differently. We don’t just handle cases—we deliver record-setting results for our clients and hold the largest trucking companies in the country fully accountable.

When you hire Zehl & Associates, you’re not hiring just any law firm—you’re hiring a team that treats every client like they’re family.

From day one, we are by your side every step of the way:

• Immediate Access to Top Medical Treatment: We ensure you receive the best care from leading specialists in New Mexico.
• Independent Investigation: Our team of elite truck accident lawyers, engineers, and safety experts immediately go out to the scene to start collecting evidence that proves how the crash happened and what the truck driver should have done to prevent it.
• Fighting Industry Tactics: From driver logs to cell phone records, we know what hidden evidence to look for, where to find it, and most importantly, how to use it to hold trucking companies and drivers fully accountable.
• Unrivaled Expertise in Trucking Laws: We use Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations and decades of courtroom experience to win record-setting cases.
• We Never Settle for Less: If an offer doesn’t fully compensate you, we take them to trial, where we remain undefeated — and we win.
• A Proven Track Record: Our history of success means trucking companies know they’re going to have to pay more than they ever have before when they see our name on a case.
• 24/7 Support: From ensuring medical bills and living expenses are covered while your case is pending to answering your questions day or night, our team is here for you every step of the way.

When you choose Zehl & Associates, you choose a team with an unwavering commitment to securing the justice and compensation you deserve.

Undefeated New Mexico Truck Accident Lawyers: 1-888-603-3636 for a Free Consult

With Billions won, including the largest accident verdicts and settlements in history, our Undefeated New Mexico Truck Accident Attorneys do whatever it takes to ensure that you and your family receive the maximum compensation possible for all of your injuries and losses.

If you or a loved one were hit by an 18-wheeler or other large truck, call us for a free consultation today at 1-888-603-3636 send us a confidential email through our Contact Us page. 

We will answer your questions, explain your rights, and provide you with all the information you need to make the best decision for yourself and your family.

All consultations are free. Because we only work on a contingency-fee basis, you’ll pay nothing unless we win your case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Helpful Resources

• Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations: Regulations that govern the operation of commercial motor vehicles, including large trucks and 18-wheelers, in the U.S.

• New Mexico Department of Public Safety Commercial Vehicle Enforcement: Regulations and guidelines for commercial motor vehicles in New Mexico.