New Mexico Truck Accident Lawyers – We’re Undefeated
Two truck drivers were tragically killed in a fatal large truck crash on major oilfield route New Mexico Highway 128 (NM 128) in Jal, New Mexico last week.
The October 15 crash is a devastating example of the dangers that truck drivers and other motorists continue to face on busy oilfield and commercial routes throughout southeastern New Mexico and the Permian Basin. When a fatal truck accident changes your family’s life forever, our undefeated New Mexico Truck Accident Lawyers are here to protect your rights, secure your financial future, and stand by you and your family every step of the way.
2 Truck Drivers Killed in Deadly Late Night Accident
The deadly 18-wheeler collision occurred at approximately 1:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 15, at the intersection of Highway 128 and Orla Road near Jal, New Mexico.
According to preliminary reports, a northbound Kenworth 18-wheeler failed to stop at a stop sign and struck a westbound Peterbilt truck traveling on Highway 128.
Both trucks left the roadway and entered the bar ditch. The Peterbilt was hauling flammable materials and caught fire.
When first responders arrived, both vehicles were engulfed in flames. Tragically, both truck drivers were pronounced dead at the scene.
Why Did the Semi-Truck Run the Stop Sign?
The circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation. Investigators will need to determine why the Kenworth driver failed to stop and whether driver conduct, company practices, or other contributing factors played a role.
In our experience, the majority of serious truck accidents are entirely preventable. Trucking companies have a responsibility to ensure their drivers are properly trained, adequately rested, and able to operate their vehicles safely. But when these companies cut corners, pressure drivers to work longer or faster than they should, and prioritize profits over safety, the result is often unthinkable.
Potential contributing factors in a collision like this include truck driver fatigue, hours-of-service violations, distracted driving, inadequate driver training, impairment, or other forms of reckless driving.
Dangers of Hwy 128 & Oilfield Trucking Routes
In New Mexico, truck accidents are significantly more deadly than other crashes, per New Mexico Department of Transportation. And on Highway 128 between Jal and Carlsbad, the dangers are particularly concerning.
Major freight traffic and oilfield trucks travel this busy Permian Basin route day and night, putting tremendous pressure on roads serving the region’s oil and gas industry. Jal, NM, recorded 25 large-truck crashes in 2025, with at least nine resulting in serious injuries or worse — and the majority occurred on Highway 128.
The fatal October 15 collision was not the only recent incident to disrupt traffic in the area. Just three days later, authorities shut down Highway 128 at Orla Road following a separate oilfield incident north of Cotton Draw.
Residents have also raised concerns about roadway wear, heavy-vehicle congestion, and serious crashes along Highway 128. The route intersects with U.S. Highway 285 south of Carlsbad, another heavily traveled corridor that has earned the nickname Death Highway.
As oilfield activity drives heavy truck traffic across southeastern New Mexico, roadway safety and responsible trucking practices remain critical. When trucking companies prioritize production schedules and profits over driver safety, and cause you harm, you have the right to hold them fully accountable — and you should. But you need a legal team that trucking companies fear.
How Zehl & Associates Can Help After a Truck Accident in New Mexico
After a fatal crash, nothing will ever make up for your loss. But holding the truck driver, trucking company, and other responsible parties fully accountable is often the only way to ensure that you and your family have the financial resources you need to care for yourselves in your loved one’s absence.
We know every truck accident is different, but our goal for families remains the same:
- Hold negligent trucking companies and at-fault parties fully accountable
- Provide our clients and their families with the financial resources to provide for themselves for the rest of their lives
- Prevent the dangerous conduct from occurring again in the future
From the moment you call us, we’re here to support you and fight for the justice and maximum compensation you deserve. And we are here for you every step of the way.
Undefeated New Mexico Truck Accident Lawyers: 1-888-603-3636 for a Free Consultation
Our undefeated New Mexico Truck Accident Lawyers have won Billions for clients, including some of the largest accident verdicts and settlements in history. Our record-breaking results reflect our commitment to holding powerful companies accountable and fighting for the maximum compensation our clients and their families deserve:
- $37.5 Million Truck Accident Verdict for the family of a truck driver killed in a devastating collision.
- $35 Million Truck Accident Settlement secured on behalf of a family following a fatal truck crash.
- $20 Million Truck Accident Settlement for a family seeking accountability after a fatal collision.
When a fatal 18-wheeler crash takes a loved one, we will do whatever it takes to investigate the tragedy, expose the truth, and pursue the financial resources your family needs for the future.
If you lost a loved one in a truck accident in New Mexico, call Zehl & Associates today at 1-888-603-3636 or send us a confidential message through our Contact Us page.
We will answer your questions, explain your rights, and give you the information you need to make the best decision for yourself and your family.
All consultations are free. You pay no attorney fees unless we win your case.