While many think of New Mexico strictly as a desert state, in reality, much of the state sees quite a bit of snow during the winter months. Snow, perhaps more than rain or wind, greatly affects a driver’s ability not just to see the road ahead of them, but also to safely and effectively control their vehicle.
While adverse weather conditions affect all drivers, they present an especially difficult situation for those who operate large commercial vehicles, such as semi-trucks and buses. Indeed, a significant number of New Mexico truck accidents are caused by adverse weather conditions and the driver’s failure to adjust their driving behaviors to the conditions of the road.
Notwithstanding the difficulties adverse weather conditions present to New Mexico truck drivers, the responsibility remains theirs to ensure that they are safely operating their vehicles. This means slowing down when the road conditions call for it. It may even mean pulling off to the side of the road and waiting for conditions to improve. When an accident is caused due to a driver’s failure to make reasonable adjustments, the driver may be liable for any resulting injuries.
Major Bus and Truck Accident Involving 136 People Occurs on Snow-Packed Road
Earlier this month, a major accident involving two buses, two semi-trucks, and several cars occurred on a snow-packed road in British Columbia. Due to the magnitude of the accident, the weather conditions at the time, and the number of vehicles involved, authorities do not know what exactly initiated the accident. However, witnesses on board one of the buses that had tipped over told police that they could see one of the semi-trucks approaching the toppled bus at a high rate of speed. The bus was unable to avoid the stopped bus and crashed into it. Several other vehicles were then also involved in the accident.
A local news report indicated that, in all, two semi-trucks, two buses, each with approximately 50 people aboard, and several passenger cars were involved in the accident. In all, 136 people had to be evacuated from the scene due to the cold-weather conditions. Thankfully, no one was fatally injured, and only a handful of people were treated for serious injuries. One woman did report being stuck on the bus for several hours until emergency responders were able to safely remove her.
Have You Been Injured in a New Mexico Truck Accident?
If you or a loved one has recently been injured in a truck accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. The Fine Law Firm is a preeminent New Mexico personal injury law firm that represents clients across the state in all types of injury cases, including bus accidents and truck accidents. We provide free consultations to accident victims and their families to discuss how we can help you seek the compensation you need and deserve. To learn more, and to schedule your free consultation today, call 505-889-FINE.
More Blog Posts:
How Witness Credibility Comes into Play in New Mexico Personal Injury Cases, New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, February 20, 2018.
Court Parses Out Liability in Multi-Defendant Truck Accident Case, New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, February 5, 2018.