18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in Chaves County, New Mexico
You Were Just Driving Home When 80,000 Pounds Changed Everything
One moment, you’re traveling through Chaves County on your way to Roswell, or maybe headed toward Artesia on US-380. The next, an 18-wheeler drifts across the centerline, or blows through a dusty intersection, or loses control on a rural highway battered by New Mexico winds. There’s no time to react. No time to brake. Just the deafening impact of steel against steel, and then the silence that follows.
If you’re reading this from a Chaves County hospital room, or from your kitchen table while trying to figure out how to pay mounting medical bills, you need to know something critical: the trucking company already has lawyers working to minimize what they pay you. They’re not waiting. Neither should you.
At Attorney911, we’ve spent over 25 years fighting for families devastated by commercial truck accidents across New Mexico and Texas. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has recovered multi-million dollar settlements for victims of catastrophic trucking crashes—including a $5 million recovery for a traumatic brain injury victim and a $3.8 million settlement for an amputation case. We’re not just personal injury attorneys; we’re truck accident specialists who understand the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSA) that trucking companies violate every day on Chaves County roads.
Evidence disappears fast. Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days. Dashcam footage gets deleted. Witness memories fade. And the trucking company is building their defense right now.
Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win. And with our associate attorney Lupe Peña—a former insurance defense lawyer who knows exactly how trucking insurers minimize claims—we bring insider knowledge that turns the tables in your favor.
Why Chaves County Highways Are Particularly Dangerous for Truck Accidents
Chaves County sits at the crossroads of southeastern New Mexico’s most vital transportation corridors. US-380 cuts east-west through the heart of the county, connecting Roswell to the broader Permian Basin oil fields. US-285 serves as a major north-south artery, funneling heavy commercial traffic between Texas and Colorado. State Road 2 winds through agricultural zones where dairy trucks and pecan haulers mix with long-haul 18-wheelers.
This isn’t just heavy traffic—it’s dangerous traffic. The rural nature of Chaves County creates unique hazards that urban attorneys don’t understand:
High Winds and Dust Storms: Eastern New Mexico is notorious for sudden wind gusts exceeding 50 mph, particularly along the open stretches of US-380. These winds create dangerous conditions for high-profile vehicles. Empty trailers become sailboats. Dust storms reduce visibility to near-zero in seconds. We’ve investigated cases where truck drivers failed to reduce speed during dust warnings, violating 49 CFR § 392.14 (hazardous conditions), leading to catastrophic multi-vehicle pileups.
Agricultural Congestion: Chaves County is one of New Mexico’s top dairy and pecan producers. During harvest seasons, agricultural trucks—often overweight, sometimes improperly loaded—share narrow rural roads with passenger vehicles. These trucks stop unpredictably, make wide turns onto farm roads, and occasionally spill cargo that creates roadway hazards.
Oil Field Traffic: While Lea County gets the headlines for oil production, Chaves County sees significant support traffic heading to and from the Permian Basin. Oilfield service trucks operate on tight schedules, often driven by fatigued operators pushing past federal Hours of Service limits under 49 CFR Part 395. The pressure to deliver equipment to drilling sites creates an environment where safety takes a backseat to speed.
Long Emergency Response Times: When an 18-wheeler crashes on a remote stretch of highway between Roswell and Artesia, emergency services may take 30 minutes or longer to arrive. Those critical minutes can determine whether a victim survives—or whether evidence gets tampered with before police arrive.
Fatigue on Endless Highways: The straight, monotonous stretches of US-285 and US-380 through Chaves County are exactly where drivers fall asleep at the wheel. Federal data shows that 31% of fatal truck accidents involve driver fatigue. The 11-hour driving limit under 49 CFR § 395.8 exists because of roads like these.
If you’ve been injured in a trucking accident anywhere in Chaves County—in Roswell, Dexter, Hagerman, Lake Arthur, or on any rural highway—you need an attorney who understands these local conditions. Ralph Manginello has been handling New Mexico and Texas trucking cases since 1998. He knows that a jackknife on a windy Chaves County afternoon requires different investigative approaches than an urban intersection crash.
The 18-Wheeler Advantage: Why These Cases Differ From Car Accidents
Your sedan weighs approximately 4,000 pounds. A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh 80,000 pounds—twenty times heavier. When that mass hits your vehicle at highway speed, the physics are devastating.
An 18-wheeler traveling at 65 mph needs approximately 525 feet to stop—the length of two football fields. In Chaves County dust conditions, that distance extends even further. Yet trucking companies continue to put exhausted drivers, poorly maintained equipment, and overloaded trailers on our roads.
Here’s what makes trucking accidents legally distinct from typical car crashes:
Multiple Liable Parties: Unlike a car accident where usually only one driver is at fault, 18-wheeler accidents often involve a web of negligence. The driver may be at fault, but so might the trucking company that pressured him to violate FMCSA hours-of-service rules. The cargo loader might have failed to secure a dairy tank properly. The maintenance company might have skipped brake inspections. The broker might have hired a carrier with a history of safety violations.
We investigate all ten potentially liable parties:
- The truck driver (for negligence, distraction, fatigue, or impairment)
- The trucking company/motor carrier (for vicarious liability, negligent hiring, training, or supervision)
- The cargo owner/shipper (for improper loading instructions or hazardous materials)
- The cargo loading company (for violating 49 CFR § 393.100 securement rules)
- The truck manufacturer (for defective designs)
- The parts manufacturer (for defective brakes, tires, or steering components)
- The maintenance company (for negligent repairs or skipped inspections)
- The freight broker (for negligent carrier selection)
- The truck owner (if different from the carrier)
- Government entities (for dangerous road design or maintenance)
Federal Regulations Apply: Commercial trucking is governed by Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations. These aren’t suggestions—they’re federal law. When a truck driver exceeds the 11-hour driving limit under 49 CFR § 395.8, that’s not just a policy violation; it’s evidence of negligence. When a company fails to maintain Driver Qualification Files under 49 CFR § 391.51, that’s negligent hiring waiting to happen.
Higher Insurance Coverage: Federal law requires minimum liability coverage of $750,000 for non-hazardous freight, $1 million for oil and equipment, and $5 million for hazardous materials. Many carriers carry $1-5 million in coverage. This means catastrophic injuries can actually be fully compensated—if you have an attorney who knows how to access these policies.
Electronic Evidence: Modern trucks carry Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) that record every hour of driving time. They have Engine Control Modules (ECMs) that capture speed, braking, and throttle data in the seconds before impact. This data proves fatigue, speeding, and Hours of Service violations. But it can be overwritten in as little as 30 days. That’s why we send spoliation letters immediately.
Our firm includes Lupe Peña, an associate attorney who spent years working for a national insurance defense firm. He knows exactly how trucking companies evaluate, minimize, and deny claims—because he used to do it. Now he fights for victims. As he told ABC13 Houston during our $10 million University of Houston hazing lawsuit, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” That same tenacity applies to every Chaves County trucking case we handle.
Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We See in Chaves County
Jackknife Accidents on Windy Days
When a truck driver hits their brakes too hard on a gusty stretch of US-380, or when a trailer is empty and light, the cab and trailer can fold like a pocket knife. The trailer swings perpendicular to the truck, sweeping across all lanes of traffic. These accidents often result in multi-vehicle pileups.
Jackknives typically involve violations of 49 CFR § 393.48 (brake system maintenance) or 49 CFR § 392.6 (speeding for conditions). The investigation requires analyzing skid marks to determine trailer angle and downloading ECM data to see if the driver was speeding for wind conditions.
Rollover Accidents on Rural Curves
Chaves County has its share of sharp turns and elevation changes, particularly on state roads connecting to agricultural areas. When a truck enters a curve too fast—often because the driver is fatigued or the cargo has shifted—the high center of gravity causes the rig to tip. Liquid cargo like milk or oilfield chemicals create “slosh” that shifts weight unpredictably.
These accidents often violate 49 CFR § 393.100 (cargo securement) and 49 CFR § 392.6 (speed management). We examine loading records and cargo distribution to prove negligence.
Underride Collisions: The Most Deadly
When a passenger vehicle crashes into the rear or side of an 18-wheeler and slides underneath, the roof of the car is often sheared off at windshield level. These accidents are frequently fatal or result in decapitation and traumatic brain injuries.
While 49 CFR § 393.86 requires rear impact guards on newer trailers, side underride guards remain optional. We investigate whether proper guards were installed and maintained, and whether the trucking company chose profit over safety.
Rear-End Collisions on Highway Stretches
A tired truck driver approaching slower traffic on US-285 may not react in time. Because a truck needs 40% more stopping distance than a car, rear-end collisions are common. These often involve violations of 49 CFR § 392.11 (following too closely) and 49 CFR § 392.3 (operating while fatigued).
Wide Turn Accidents in Agricultural Areas
Dairy trucks and agricultural haulers making turns onto narrow farm roads in Chaves County often swing wide, creating gaps that smaller vehicles enter. When the truck completes its turn, it crushes the vehicle. These accidents involve violations of turn signal requirements and 49 CFR § 392.11.
Tire Blowouts Due to Heat and Neglect
Eastern New Mexico’s extreme heat causes tire failures, especially on overloaded trucks. A blowout can cause the driver to lose control or create “road gators” (tire debris) that strike following vehicles. These involve violations of 49 CFR § 393.75 (tire requirements) and 49 CFR § 396.13 (pre-trip inspections).
Dust Storm Pileups
When visibility drops to zero during a Chaves County dust storm, trucking companies have a duty to pull their drivers off the road under 49 CFR § 392.14. When they fail to do so, multi-vehicle pileups result. We use weather data and dispatch records to prove the company knew conditions were unsafe.
Catastrophic Injuries Require Catastrophic Resources
The injuries sustained in 18-wheeler accidents aren’t minor whiplash or bruises. We’re talking about life-altering, permanent conditions that require millions of dollars in lifetime care.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): The forces involved in a truck collision frequently cause the brain to impact the inside of the skull. Symptoms include memory loss, personality changes, inability to concentrate, and permanent cognitive impairment. Our documented settlements for TBI cases range from $1.5 million to $9.8 million.
Spinal Cord Injuries: Paraplegia and quadriplegia are common when vehicles are crushed or when victims are ejected. Lifetime care costs can exceed $5 million. We secured settlements between $4.7 million and $25.8 million for spinal cord injury victims.
Amputations: Crush injuries often require surgical amputation of limbs. These cases demand compensation for prosthetics (which need replacement every 3-5 years), home modifications, and vocational retraining. Our amputation settlements range from $1.9 million to $8.6 million.
Severe Burns: When trucks carry flammable materials or when fuel tanks rupture, victims suffer third and fourth-degree burns requiring multiple grafts and reconstructive surgeries.
Wrongful Death: When a trucking company’s negligence kills a loved one, surviving family members face not just grief, but the loss of financial support and companionship. We’ve recovered between $1.9 million and $9.5 million for wrongful death cases.
As client Glenda Walker told us after her case settled, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” That’s our promise to every Chaves County family we represent.
The 48-Hour Evidence Emergency: Why You Must Act Now
Trucking companies don’t wait to protect themselves. Within hours of a crash, they dispatch rapid-response teams to the scene. These teams—often composed of lawyers and investigators—begin gathering evidence to minimize the company’s liability.
Meanwhile, critical evidence is disappearing:
- ECM/Black Box Data: Overwrites in as little as 30 days, sometimes sooner with newer driving events
- ELD Logs: FMCSA only requires 6-month retention, but trucking companies often delete sooner
- Dashcam Footage: Frequently erased within 7-14 days unless preserved
- Witness Statements: Memories fade within days
- Physical Evidence: The truck may be repaired, sold, or scrapped
- Cell Phone Records: Texting and driving evidence must be preserved quickly
Within 24 hours of being retained, we send spoliation letters to the trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties. These letters put them on legal notice that they must preserve:
- All ECM and ELD data
- Driver Qualification Files
- Maintenance and inspection records
- Dispatch logs and communications
- Drug and alcohol test results
- The physical truck and trailer
If they destroy evidence after receiving our letter, courts can impose sanctions, instruct juries to assume the destroyed evidence was unfavorable, or even enter default judgment against them.
Don’t give the trucking company a head start. The moment that truck hit you in Chaves County, the clock started ticking. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately.
New Mexico Law: What Chaves County Accident Victims Need to Know
Statute of Limitations: In New Mexico, you have 3 years from the date of your trucking accident to file a personal injury lawsuit (New Mexico Statutes § 37-1-8). For wrongful death claims, you also have 3 years from the date of death. While this is longer than the 2-year deadline in Texas, waiting is dangerous. Evidence disappears, witnesses move away, and trucking companies build their defenses.
Comparative Fault: New Mexico follows “pure comparative negligence.” This means you can recover damages even if you were 99% at fault (though your recovery would be reduced by your percentage of fault). Unlike Texas, where being more than 50% at fault bars recovery entirely, New Mexico law allows recovery in almost any circumstance. However, the trucking company and their insurer will try to blame you to reduce their payout. We fight these allegations with ECM data, witness testimony, and accident reconstruction.
Damages: New Mexico does not cap economic or non-economic damages in personal injury cases involving trucking accidents. You can recover:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence)
Trucking Corridors: The primary routes through Chaves County include US-380, US-285, State Road 2, and State Road 24. These roads see heavy commercial traffic connecting Roswell to the Permian Basin, agricultural shipping routes, and cross-country freight. High winds between January and April create particularly dangerous conditions for high-profile vehicles.
Why Attorney911 Is Different From Other Chaves County Law Firms
25+ Years of Experience: Ralph Manginello has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. He’s admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, giving him federal court access for interstate trucking cases. He’s gone toe-to-toe with Fortune 500 corporations, including BP in the Texas City Refinery explosion litigation that resulted in $2.1 billion in total industry settlements.
Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Staff: Lupe Peña worked for a national insurance defense firm before joining Attorney911. He knows the playbooks trucking insurers use to deny claims. He knows when their “final offers” are actually starting points. He knows how they evaluate cases—and he uses that knowledge to maximize your recovery.
Multi-Million Dollar Results: We don’t talk about “good settlements” in vague terms. We have specific, documented results:
- $5+ million for a traumatic brain injury victim struck by a falling log
- $3.8+ million for a car accident victim who suffered amputation due to medical complications
- $2.5+ million for a truck crash recovery
- $2+ million for a maritime back injury under the Jones Act
We Take Cases Other Firms Reject: As client Donald Wilcox said, “One company said they would not accept my case. Then I got a call from Manginello… I got a call to come pick up this handsome check.” We don’t shy away from difficult liability disputes or complex medical causation issues.
Spanish-Speaking Services: Chaves County has a significant Hispanic population, particularly in the agricultural sector. Lupe Peña provides fluent Spanish representation—no interpreters needed, no misunderstandings. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.
Three Office Locations: While we handle cases throughout New Mexico and Texas, our physical presence in Houston (1177 West Loop S), Austin (316 West 12th Street), and Beaumont means we’re never far from Chaves County. We can meet you in Roswell, at your home, or via video conference.
You Are Family, Not a File Number: As client Chad Harris told us, “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” Ralph Manginello gives clients his personal cell phone number. You won’t get shuffled between case managers without ever speaking to your attorney.
Frequently Asked Questions: Chaves County 18-Wheeler Accidents
How much is my Chaves County truck accident case worth?
Every case is unique, but trucking accidents typically settle for substantially more than car accidents because of the higher insurance coverage ($750,000 to $5 million minimums) and the severity of injuries. Cases involving traumatic brain injury, spinal cord damage, or wrongful death often reach seven figures. We offer free consultations to evaluate your specific situation.
What if the truck driver says I caused the accident in Chaves County?
New Mexico’s pure comparative fault rule means you can recover even if you were partially at fault. We investigate thoroughly using ECM data, ELD logs, and accident reconstruction to prove what really happened. Don’t accept blame without letting us review the evidence.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a trucking accident in New Mexico?
You have 3 years from the date of the accident for personal injury, and 3 years from the date of death for wrongful death. However, you should contact an attorney immediately. Evidence preservation is time-sensitive, and the trucking company is already building their defense.
Can I afford an attorney for my Chaves County truck accident?
Absolutely. We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing upfront. We advance all investigation costs. Our fee is 33.33% if settled before trial, and 40% if we need to litigate. If we don’t recover money for you, you owe us nothing.
What if my loved one was killed in a Chaves County trucking accident?
You may have a wrongful death claim if you are the surviving spouse, child, or parent of the deceased. Damages can include loss of financial support, loss of companionship, mental anguish, and funeral expenses. We handle these cases with sensitivity while aggressively pursuing justice.
Do I need to go to court, or can my case settle?
Approximately 98% of personal injury cases settle without going to trial. However, we prepare every case as if it will go to trial. Insurance companies offer better settlements when they know your attorney is willing and able to take the case to a jury.
What if the trucking company offers me a quick settlement?
Never accept a quick settlement offer from a trucking company or their insurer. These offers are designed to pay you far less than your case is worth before you understand the full extent of your injuries. Once you accept, you cannot go back for more money if you discover additional injuries later.
How do you prove the truck driver was fatigued?
We subpoena Electronic Logging Device (ELD) records that show exactly how many hours the driver operated the vehicle. We also obtain dispatch records, cell phone data, and fuel receipts. Violations of the 11-hour driving limit under 49 CFR § 395.8 create automatic liability for the trucking company.
What if I was partially at fault—can I still recover in New Mexico?
Yes. Pure comparative fault allows recovery even if you were 99% at fault, though your recovery would be reduced by your percentage of fault. However, don’t let the trucking company assign you more blame than you deserve. We fight to minimize your fault percentage.
Can undocumented immigrants file truck accident claims in Chaves County?
Yes. Immigration status does not affect your right to recover compensation for injuries caused by someone else’s negligence. You have the same rights as any other accident victim.
What if the truck driver was texting or on their cell phone?
Commercial drivers are prohibited from using hand-held mobile phones while driving under 49 CFR § 392.82. We subpoena cell phone records to prove distraction. This often results in punitive damages in addition to compensatory damages.
How long will my case take?
Simple cases with clear liability might settle in 6-12 months. Complex cases involving catastrophic injuries or multiple defendants may take 1-3 years. Wrongful death and brain injury cases often take longer because the full extent of damages isn’t known immediately.
Do you handle agricultural truck accidents in Chaves County?
Yes. We understand the unique regulations governing agricultural carriers and the specific hazards of dairy trucks, pecan haulers, and farm equipment transport in rural New Mexico.
What if the accident happened during a dust storm?
Trucking companies have a duty to pull drivers off the road during hazardous weather under 49 CFR § 392.14. If the driver continued operating in a dust storm with zero visibility, that’s negligence. We use meteorological data and dispatch communications to prove the company knew conditions were unsafe.
Can I sue for emotional distress after a Chaves County truck accident?
Yes. Emotional distress, anxiety, PTSD, and mental anguish are compensable damages in New Mexico. We document these injuries through psychological treatment records and expert testimony.
The Attorney911 Difference: Real Client Results
We don’t just talk about results—we deliver them. But don’t take our word for it. Listen to what our clients say:
Donald Wilcox: “One company said they would not accept my case. Then I got a call from Manginello… I got a call to come pick up this handsome check.”
Glenda Walker: “They make you feel like family and even though the process may take some time, they make it feel like a breeze. They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
Chad Harris: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”
Ernest Cano: “Mr. Manginello and his firm are first class. Will fight tooth and nail for you.”
Kiimarii Yup: “I lost everything… my car was at a total loss, and because of Attorney Manginello and my case worker Leonor, 1 year later I have gained so much in return plus a brand new truck.”
These aren’t paid actors. These are real people who faced the same terrifying reality you’re facing now—and came out the other side with justice and financial security.
Call Now: The Trucking Company Is Already Working Against You
Right now, while you’re trying to figure out how to pay medical bills or how to get to your next doctor’s appointment in Roswell, the trucking company that hit you has lawyers reviewing the accident report. They have investigators photographing the scene. They are looking for ways to blame you or minimize your injuries.
You need someone fighting just as hard for you.
Attorney911 has recovered over $50 million for families across Texas and New Mexico. We’ve handled cases against Walmart, Amazon, FedEx, UPS, Coca-Cola, and countless other commercial carriers. We know the FMCSA regulations they violated. We know how to preserve the electronic evidence that proves it. And we know how to make them pay.
Ralph Manginello has been standing up to trucking companies since 1998. With 25+ years of experience, federal court admission, and a track record of multi-million dollar verdicts, he has the expertise your case demands. And with Lupe Peña’s insider knowledge of insurance defense tactics, we approach every case with strategies the trucking companies don’t expect.
Don’t let them get away with it.
If you’ve been hurt in an 18-wheeler accident in Chaves County—whether in Roswell, on US-380, on US-285, or on any rural highway—call Attorney911 immediately.
Dial 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) 24/7.
Spanish-speaking clients can speak directly with Lupe Peña. Hablamos Español.
The consultation is free. You pay nothing unless we win. But you must act now—before the evidence disappears and the trucking company builds an unbeatable defense.
Your recovery starts with one call. Make it now: 1-888-ATTY-911.
