A recent semi-truck crash in the northbound lanes of Interstate 25 near Bernalillo has left three people dead. According to New Mexico State Police, a pick-up truck that was headed south unexpectedly crossed the median of the interstate and drove directly into the path of an 18-wheeler that was headed in the opposite direction. Sadly, the three individuals who were travelling in the pick-up were killed in the crash. The driver of the semi-truck was apparently not hurt in the avoidable collision.
The exact cause of the deadly night-time wreck is currently under investigation by the state police. The roadway was closed for several hours following the crash as debris from both vehicles was reportedly scattered over at least 100 feet of the freeway. It is unclear whether any of the decedents were wearing a safety belt at the time of the fatal incident.
Approximately 1,400 deadly or serious big rig crashes occur across New Mexico each year. Unfortunately, semi-truck accidents are generally severe due to the sheer size of the vehicles involved. On average, a person sustains a disabling injury in one out of every 15 New Mexico truck crashes and someone is killed in one out of every 35 accidents that involve a semi. In contrast, an individual is killed in only one out of every 130 non-truck collisions. According to New Mexico law enforcement officials, about one-fourth of all 18-wheeler wrecks are caused by an inattentive or otherwise distracted driver.
Big rig accidents may be caused by a wide variety of factors including speed, motorist fatigue, heavy load weights, driver impairment, and poor truck maintenance. The victim in an accident that was caused by the negligent driver of a semi-truck may be eligible to receive damages related to his or her lost benefits and wages, any resulting temporary or permanent disability, medical costs, and pain and suffering. Certain family members of someone who was killed in an avoidable traffic wreck with a semi-truck may also be entitled to recover the cost of their loved one’s funeral expenses and other damages. If you were hurt by a negligent tractor-trailer driver, you should contact a skilled New Mexico lawyer as soon as possible.
Please contact the Fine Law Firm at (505) 889-3463 if you were injured or lost a loved one in a New Mexico truck accident. Our caring semi-truck collision attorneys have more than 100 years of combined experience helping big rig accident victims across New Mexico recover the damages they deserve based upon the severity of their injuries. To schedule a free, confidential case evaluation with a hardworking and dedicated advocate, do not hesitate to contact the Fine Law Firm.
More Blog Posts:
Speeding Semi Flips on Interstate Interchange in Albuquerque, New Mexico Truck Accident Lawyer Blog, July 24, 2013
Three Hurt in Negligent Eddy County Truck Accident Near Malaga, New Mexico Truck Accident Lawyer Blog, July 24, 2013
Additional Resources:
Interstate 25 at Bernalillo to reopen for rush hour after triple fatal crash, by Patrick Lohmann, Albuquerque Journal