Earlier this week in Phoenix, several gas cylinders fell off of a flatbed truck, leading to the death of a motorcyclist. According to a report by AZFamily.com, the improperly secured load fell off the truck shortly after 3 p.m. on January 20th. Once the tanks fell off the bed of the trailer, a Chevrolet Suburban following the truck braked to avoid the tanks. In response, a motorcycle braked so as to not hit the rear end of the Suburban. A semi-truck that was following the motorcycle slammed into the back of the motorcycle, sending it into the Suburban.
At some point during the accident, the tanks exploded, engulfing both the motorcycle and the semi-truck in flames. The motorcyclist was taken to the hospital, but was not able to recover from his injuries. He died at the hospital. The semi-truck driver was able to crawl out of the burning truck and suffered only minor injuries.
Police are still investigating the accident. The driver of the flatbed truck either did not know that the tanks fell off the truck, or knowingly continued on without stopping to render aid. Because of this possibility, the accident is being investigated as a homicide.
Hit and Run Accidents in New Mexico
Hit and run accidents are taken very seriously by New Mexico police, prosecutors, and judges. Fleeing the scene of an accident that resulted in bodily injury is a serious offense that can result in jail time as well as fines. In addition to the stiff criminal penalties that may come from a hit and run accident conviction, there are potentially substantial civil penalties that may apply as well.
In New Mexico, the victim of a hit and run accident has a right to recover damages from the driver. In order to do so, the accident victim must show that the truck driver was negligent. However, in cases where the truck driver got into an accident and then continued without stopping to see if anyone needed medical assistance, proving negligence is generally not extremely difficult for an experienced New Mexico criminal defense attorney. To find out more about the laws of negligence in New Mexico, contact the Fine Law Firm today.
Have You Been Involved in a New Mexico Truck Accident?
If you or a loved one has been recently involved in a New Mexico truck accident, you should speak to a New Mexico personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Depending on the facts of your case, you may be eligible for a monetary award to compensate you for your medical bills, future medical expenses, and for any pain and suffering caused by the accident. At the Fine Law Firm, representing New Mexico accident victims is our way of life. We do not represent any other clients; we focus only on personal injury law. Because of this, we know th ins and outs of New Mexico personal injury law and have the experience and skill needed to effectively bring your New Mexico truck accident case. Click here, or call 505-243-4541 today to speak to a dedicated personal injury attorney.
More Blog Posts:
Tragic Wrongful Death Case Reminds Trucking Companies Operating in New Mexico and Elsewhere to Properly Maintain Tractor-Trailers, New Mexico Truck Accident Lawyer Blog, January 20, 2013.
Federal Judge Discusses Expert Testimony Requirements in Fatal New Mexico Truck Collision Lawsuit, New Mexico Truck Accident Lawyer Blog, January 14, 2013.