A Texas tractor-trailer driver who was killed in an accident in Long Island several weeks ago has been identified. According to news reports, the man was driving a flatbed tractor trailer for a freight company when the accident occurred at around 4:30 p.m. Apparently, the individual accidentally entered the parkway and then tried to brake to avoid the overpass. It seems that he was trying to avoid the overpass because he likely did not think that his truck would fit underneath it. However, police have stated that it seems that his truck would have probably made it through if he remained in the middle lane.
Unfortunately, the driver quickly applied the brakes on his truck, but the force of the applied brakes caused the steel he was carrying to shift. The steel ended up crushing the driver, and he was killed. The police did not report any injuries to other drivers or pedestrians, but the parkway was closed for several hours.
Truck Fatalities in New Mexico
All traffic accidents have the potential to result in serious bodily or property damage, but with trucking accidents that likelihood is exponentially increased. Often, the magnitude of the truck, the load it is carrying, and the fatigue of long travel times can result in a particularly dangerous situation.
In the above case, no one besides the truck driver was killed, but a truck accident with only one victim is more the exception than the rule, since trucking accidents often result in the injury of more than just the driver. It is critically important that truck drivers take all necessary precautions before embarking on any journey.
Truck drivers must always ensure that their trucks are in proper working order and that all cargo is properly secured. This includes going through all pertinent moving parts of the truck to inspect that they are up to par and safe. They then must take particular care to secure their load so that it does not shift. In the case discussed above, unfortunately it seems that the steel that the driver was carrying was not fastened tightly enough. That lack of security caused a serious fatality. In some cases, that cargo may go flying off the truck and result in the injury of other drivers.
Additionally, truck drivers and their employers must take care to educate and train their drivers. This is particularly important because driving a truck requires specific knowledge of that truck. For example, the truck driver in the above case was not sure if his truck could fit under the underpass. It is possible that the accident could have been avoided if he was more aware of the dimensions of the truck he was carrying.
Have You Been Injured in a Trucking Accident?
If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident in New Mexico, you may consider bringing a lawsuit against the truck driver or the trucking company. Many times, people are unaware that they may bring a lawsuit against multiple parties for the same accident. You may be able to collect monetary damages from both entities. These damages include payment for your past medical bills, future medical expenses, and other amounts related to your injuries. Contact the Fine Law Firm today at 505-889-FINE to schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your rights and remedies.
More Blog Posts:
Truck Slams into Bus in Albuquerque, New Mexico Truck Accident Lawyer Blog, January 20, 2015.
Court of Appeals in California Reverses Lower Court Decision on Trucking Accident, New Mexico Truck Accident Lawyer Blog, February 25, 2015.