France recently experienced one of the largest truck crashes in the country’s long history. According to a national news report, over 40 people, mostly seniors, were killed while they were on a day trip visiting a countryside town. Evidently, this was the worst road disaster the country experienced in over 30 years.According to initial reports, a tourist bus crashed into a truck carrying logs and other timber materials. Witnesses and local residents of the town told investigators and news reporters that the location of the accident occurred at a very dangerous bend in the road. After the truck and bus slammed into each other, they both caught on fire and became engulfed in flames.
An investigation is ongoing to determine the actual cause of the accident. Some stated that the timber driver lost control of his truck and was left in the middle of the road, and when the bus approached the driver was unable to avoid an accident. Some conflicting reports stated that the bus driver was able to get some people off the bus. Townspeople reported seeing massive amounts of smoke from miles away. The two large vehicles were basically incinerated and completely black when emergency crews were finally able to get the flames under control.
Out of all of the individuals involved, only eight people survived, one of which was the bus driver. However, out of the eight survivors, four of them are in the hospital and remain in critical condition. Police and emergency personnel reported that it could take over three days to extract the decreased individuals from the wreckage.
Types of Negligence Actions in Trucking Accidents in New Mexico
In such traumatic and massive accidents as the one above, it is expected that there will likely be several lawsuits filed by injured parties and their loved ones. The parties may consider bringing either a personal injury suit or a wrongful death suit, depending on the severity of the injuries. In New Mexico, a wrongful death is caused by the “wrongful act, neglect, or default of another.” These cases are brought by a representative of the deceased person’s estate. Often, this person is a surviving spouse, child, or parent. A personal injury suit, in contrast, is brought by the injured individual themselves.
These two types of cases are very similar, and issues often arise when there are many parties involved, due to the complexity of the accident. For example, in the above case, it is unclear which party was actually at fault. It could have been the bus driver for not avoiding the accident, or the timber driver for stopping in the middle of the road, or even the city for not having warning signs regarding what seems to be known as a dangerous curve. Cases that involve massive tragedies can be extremely complex, and it is important that you contact an attorney.
Contacting a New Mexico Attorney After Your Injury
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed because of the negligence of another, you should consider quickly contacting an attorney at the Fine Law Firm. Trucking accidents are often massive and involve many parties. An attorney at the Fine Law Firm can help you navigate the complexities of your case. If you are successful, you may be entitled to monetary damages for your injuries. Contact an attorney at the Fine Law Firm today at 505-889-FINE to schedule your free initial consultation.
More Blog Posts:
Truck Driver Killed in Accident Caused by Road Debris and Slowing Traffic, New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, October 14, 2015.
Foggy Conditions Blamed for Massive Truck and Bus Accident, New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, October 7, 2015.