Bus drivers, taxi cabs, and train operators all share one thing in common, and that is a duty to their passengers. While all drivers have a duty to others on the road, these “common carriers” also have a heightened duty to ensure that the passengers they are transporting for pay enjoy a safe trip. When a common carrier lapses in this duty, the individual driver as well as the company employing him may be held liable in a New Mexico lawsuit.
Lawsuits against common carriers rely on a breach of the common carrier’s duty to its passengers. Commonly, this is established through some kind of violation of the law or showing that the driver was somehow negligent in the operation of the vehicle. This can be shown through direct evidence, such as a blood-alcohol report indicating a driver was legally intoxicated at the time of the accident, or though circumstantial evidence.
Circumstantial evidence is evidence that tends to prove something but requires a fact-finder to make an inference to reach the ultimate conclusion. For example, if a driver inexplicably crosses over the center line and into traffic without any explanation, and no evidence of a medical emergency was presented, a fact-finder may determine that the driver had fallen asleep behind the wheel. This is similar to what happened in a recent accident that claimed 12 lives in France.
Twelve Lives Lost in Accident between Minibus and Truck
Earlier last month, a major accident between a minibus and a truck resulted in 12 Portuguese tourists losing their lives. According to a news source covering the tragic event, the accident took place in France as the minibus was transporting the passengers back to Portugal from Switzerland. Evidently, the minibus inexplicably crossed over into oncoming traffic in the late evening hours. As the minibus crossed over the center line, it struck a truck head-on.
All 12 passengers aboard the minibus were pronounced dead shortly after the accident. However, the driver of the minibus and the two men in the truck survived. Authorities are still conducting an investigation into the fatal accident, but at this time they have ruled out alcohol as a contributing factor. Charges are pending the investigation.
Have You Been Injured in a Serious New Mexico Truck Accident?
While this tragic accident took place in France, similar accidents involving trucks and buses occur here in New Mexico on a daily basis. If you or a loved one has recently been injured in any kind of New Mexico truck accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. Call one of the dedicated attorneys at the Fine Law Firm, a New Mexico personal injury law firm with decades of experience. At the Fine Law Firm, we focus our practice on seeking justice for those who have been injured in serious accidents. Call 505-889-FINE to set up a free consultation with a skilled and knowledgeable attorney who can help advise you about your case.
More Blog Posts:
Federal Appellate Court Affirms Judgment and Award of $3 Million to Family of Man Killed in Trucking Accident, New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, March 17, 2016.
Specific Limitations in Liability in New Mexico Governmental Tort Suits, New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, February 22, 2016.