Blamed to Vindicated: $5 Million Settlement New Mexico Commercial MVA
The Accident: A Violent Head-On Collision After a Long Day of Work
Our client was a young man working in the oilfield industry in New Mexico. After completing his shift, he was riding as a passenger in a vehicle to his hotel when an 18-wheeler traveling in the opposite direction suddenly swerved into his lane. The result was a high-speed, head-on collision that caused a massive fire.
The impact was severe. Emergency responders arrived to a chaotic and dangerous scene. Our client survived—but not without sustaining serious, life-altering injuries.
Severe Injuries and Multiple Orthopedic Surgeries
As a result of the crash, our client suffered significant orthopedic injuries that required multiple surgeries. His recovery was long, painful, and uncertain. Beyond the physical trauma, he faced lost income, diminished earning capacity, and the emotional toll that follows a violent truck collision.
From the beginning, it was clear that this was not a minor trucking case—it was a catastrophic injury claim with substantial medical and wage damages.
The Major Obstacle: A Faulty Crash Report
One of the most challenging aspects of this case emerged immediately. The state trooper’s crash report incorrectly faulted our client for the collision.
For many injury victims, a flawed police report can derail a claim before it ever begins. Insurance companies often treat crash reports as gospel, even when they are incomplete, inconsistent, or simply wrong.
When we carefully reviewed the report, something stood out immediately: it did not make sense.
Listening to the Client Made the Difference
From the very start, we did what many firms fail to do—we listened to our client. He was adamant that the 18-wheeler crossed into his lane. His account was detailed, consistent, and credible.
Rather than accepting the crash report at face value, we trusted our client and committed to uncovering the truth.
Immediate Investigation and Top-Tier Experts
Our firm moved quickly. Time is critical in trucking cases, and early investigation often determines success.
We:
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Conducted a full site inspection of the crash location
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Retained top crash reconstruction experts
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Analyzed vehicle damage, roadway evidence, and angles of impact
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Examined the 18-wheeler’s movement and lane position
The physical evidence told a very different story than the crash report.
Holding the Investigation Accountable
As part of our strategy, we took the deposition of the state trooper who authored the crash report. Through careful questioning and expert analysis, we exposed the report’s deficiencies and assumptions.
This step was critical. Truck accident cases often require confronting flawed investigations head-on. When the evidence does not support the official narrative, it must be challenged—methodically and aggressively.
Proving Medical and Wage Damages
Liability was only one piece of the puzzle. To achieve full value, we also retained medical and economic experts to document:
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Past and future medical costs
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The impact of multiple orthopedic surgeries
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Lost wages and future earning capacity
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The long-term consequences of his injuries
By presenting a comprehensive damages model, we demonstrated the true financial and human cost of this collision.
The Result: A $5 Million Policy Limit Settlement
Once the evidence was fully developed, the case became clear. The defendant truck driver caused the collision. The injuries were severe. The damages were significant.
The trucking company’s insurer ultimately tendered the full $5 million policy limits, resolving the case without the need for trial.
This outcome was only possible because of early investigation, expert-driven litigation strategy, and unwavering belief in our client.
Why Truck Accident Experience Matters
This case highlights several critical lessons:
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Police reports are not infallible
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Truck accident cases demand immediate and aggressive investigation
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Expert testimony is often essential
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Listening to the client matters
Trucking companies and their insurers are prepared from day one. Injury victims deserve legal representation that is just as prepared.
Contact Our Firm
Our firm is led by two board-certified personal injury attorneys with over 80 years of combined legal experience. For decades, we have exclusively handled personal injury cases, including complex truck and commercial vehicle accidents.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a truck accident—especially when fault is being disputed—contact us today. We have the experience, resources, and determination to uncover the truth and fight for full compensation.
