With the rise in online shopping and demand for quick delivery, semi-trucks are becoming increasingly prevalent on New Mexico roadways. With this increase in vehicles on the road, the frequency of accidents is also escalating. Recently, a national transportation group conducted research to determine New Mexico’s need for safe and efficient mobility. The research found that between 2010 and 2014, almost 1,800 people were killed as a result of traffic accidents in New Mexico.
The researcher also looked into the types of roadways that were associated with a higher level of accidents. Since many highways have implemented restrictions on weight and size, trucks are now finding alternate routes to their final destination. As a result, fatality rates on New Mexico’s rural roads are more than one-and-a-half times higher than other roads in the state.
When a semi-truck causes an accident involving other passenger cars, apportioning liability can be a daunting and confusing task. However, without establishing liability, an accident victim will not be able to recoup damages. Making matters more complex, New Mexico is considered a “pure comparative” fault state. This means that even if a plaintiff is at fault, their recovery will not be barred; however, their recovery will be reduced depending on the percentage they are determined to have been at fault. This applies even if the plaintiff is more at fault than the defendant.
Multiple-Truck Accident Results in Several Fatalities
Recently, a local news source reported on a fatal accident involving several large trucks and a minivan. According to the article, the first accident occurred at around 7:15 a.m., when a truck rolled over and blocked both lanes of a highway. Approximately an hour later, three other trucks did not stop for the accident and hit each other, and an additional truck rammed into the back of a minivan. Sadly, one truck driver and four people inside the minivan were killed.
The truck drivers were all from various states. Currently, the accident is still being investigated, but officials have not released the names of any of the individuals involved in the accident.
Have You Been Involved in a New Mexico Truck Accident?
If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, you should contact a trucking injury attorney at the Fine Law Firm. New Mexico is one of only 12 states that follow the pure comparative negligence analysis, and the attorneys at the Fine Law Firm can help you understand what that means for your case. In fact, we have decades of experience handling all types of New Mexico truck accident cases. If you are successful, you may be entitled to monetary compensation for your injuries. To learn more about how you can obtain compensation for the injuries you sustained, contact the Fine Law Firm at 800-640-6590 to schedule your free initial consultation.
More Blog Posts:
Safety Standards for New Mexico Truck Drivers, New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, March 28, 2018.
Court Affirms Summary Judgment in Favor of Business in Recent Premises Liability Case, Citing Open and Obvious Danger, New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, April 3, 2018.