A driver had a terrifying morning on the streets of Loving, New Mexico on March 7, when his car became wedged underneath a semi-truck and dragged through the street. According to a report from Current-Argus News, the truck – with the car underneath it – finally came to rest on a railroad crossing.
The driver of the car reported that he was driving east down Grandi Road in Loving when a semi-truck crossed four lanes directly into him. His car became wedged into the space between the axles of the semi-truck as the truck drove on, dragging the car with it down the street. The driver then stopped the truck in the middle of a railroad crossing, in the path of an oncoming train. Luckily, the train was delayed and the driver emerged from his car uninjured. This was a dangerous situation that had a fortunate result, but auto accidents with semi-trucks often end much worse.
Semi-Trucks Have Larger Blind Spots
In the story above, the truck driver makes several lane changes at once across a city road. When driving a loaded semi-trailer there are large blind spots, or portions of the road along the sides of and behind the truck that the driver is unable to see. When truck drivers change lanes, they sometimes fail to notice other vehicles in their blind spot and will cause an accident. Even when a truck driver cannot see a vehicle in their blind spot, it is their responsibility not to cause an accident while changing lanes.
Semi-Trucks are More Dangerous
Semi-trucks are large vehicles that are difficult to drive. They are often driven by inexperienced truck drivers that cannot properly handle such a large vehicle. Additionally, the trucks are even more difficult to control when conditions are harsh. Because of this, semi-trucks are in a disproportionate amount of road accidents in New Mexico. Making things worse, semi-trucks are heavier than almost any vehicle on the road, and are capable of causing extreme damage, significant injury and even death when involved in accidents.
Truck Drivers and Trucking Companies are Responsible for Accidents.
When a truck driver is at fault in an accident that damages property, injures, or kills someone, the driver and company can be financially liable for the damage that was done to a victim. Because truck drivers may be at fault in many of the accidents that they are involved in, plaintiffs who have been injured by New Mexico semi-truck accidents can receive substantial awards from taking legal action against the guilty parties. Because the trucking and insurance companies are usually represented by a skilled legal team, it is best for a victim to consult with a competent New Mexico semi-truck attorney as soon as possible after an accident.
Have You Been in A New Mexico Accident?
If you or someone you know has been involved in an accident with a semi-truck in New Mexico, one of the skilled New Mexico truck accident attorneys at the Fine Law Firm is eager to discuss your case. The Fine Law Firm is a law firm that has experience in claims against trucking companies, and they have the skills and ability to get the best possible results for their clients. Click here, or call 505-889-FINE to schedule a free initial consultation and to discuss the facts of your case today.
More Blog Posts:
Tractor Trailer Hits and Kills Two People on the Side of I-10, New Mexico Truck Accident Lawyer Blog, February 26, 2014.
Utah Woman Hit By Semi Truck As She Crosses the Street, New Mexico Truck Accident Lawyer Blog, March 4, 2014.