Why 18 Wheeler Accidents in Las Cruces Require a Different Attorney
Accidents involving 18-wheelers are not handled the same way as standard car crashes. In Las Cruces, collisions with tractor-trailers and other large commercial trucks often lead to severe injuries, complex investigations, and aggressive insurance responses. These cases fall under truck accident law, but 18-wheeler crashes present added layers of risk and liability that require a different level of legal experience. Understanding why these cases are different helps injured victims protect their claims from the start.
The Size and Force of 18 Wheelers Changes Everything
An 18-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded. When a crash occurs, the force involved is far greater than in a passenger vehicle collision. As a result, injuries are often catastrophic, including spinal injuries, traumatic brain injuries, internal organ damage, and multiple fractures. Truck accident lawyers handling 18-wheeler crashes must account for long-term medical needs and life-altering consequences that go far beyond typical injury claims.
Multiple Parties May Be Responsible
Unlike most car accidents, 18-wheeler crashes often involve more than one liable party. Responsibility may extend beyond the driver to include:
- The trucking company
- A maintenance or repair contractor
- A cargo loading company
- A parts manufacturer
A lawyer experienced in truck accident cases knows how to identify all potentially responsible parties. This matters because limiting a claim to just the driver can leave significant compensation on the table.
Trucking Companies Act Fast to Protect Themselves
After a serious truck accident, trucking companies often deploy investigators and legal teams immediately. Their goal is to control evidence and reduce exposure. This can include securing vehicle data, managing driver statements, and influencing how the crash is documented. An attorney handling 18-wheeler accident cases understands these tactics and acts quickly to preserve evidence that may otherwise disappear.
Federal Trucking Regulations Add Complexity
18-wheelers are governed by strict federal safety regulations covering driver hours, vehicle maintenance, inspections, and cargo limits. Violations of these rules can play a key role in proving fault in a truck accident claim. A lawyer who regularly handles truck accident cases involving 18-wheelers knows how to review logs, maintenance records, and compliance data to uncover safety failures that contributed to the crash.
Insurance Coverage Is Larger and More Aggressive
Truck accident claims involving 18-wheelers typically involve commercial insurance policies with much higher coverage limits. While this can increase potential compensation, it also means insurers fight harder. Adjusters scrutinize medical treatment, challenge fault, and push back on injury severity. A lawyer experienced with 18-wheeler truck accidents understands how to present claims in a way that withstands this level of resistance.
Why Standard Injury Handling Is Not Enough
While 18-wheeler accidents are a type of truck accident, they require a deeper level of investigation and strategy than many other injury cases. Treating these crashes like routine claims can lead to undervaluation and missed evidence. A lawyer with truck accident experience involving 18-wheelers understands how to build a case that reflects the true scale of the harm caused.
How Egan Law Offices Handles 18 Wheeler Accident Cases
At Egan Law Offices, 18-wheeler crashes are handled as serious truck accident cases. Our team focuses on identifying all responsible parties, preserving critical evidence, and evaluating the full impact of injuries. We understand how trucking companies and insurers operate and approach these cases with the level of preparation they demand.
Protecting Your Rights After an 18 Wheeler Accident in Las Cruces
If you were injured in an accident involving an 18-wheeler, working with the right attorney can make a meaningful difference. Egan Law Offices represents Las Cruces truck accident victims in claims involving commercial trucks and tractor-trailers. Contact Egan Law Offices today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help protect your recovery.