New Mexico is a vast and fairly unpopulated state with thousands of miles of dirt roads stretching across the state’s open deserts. Many of these dirt roads cross federal lands that are virtually unoccupied, but other roads, however, are more frequently used by hunters and others seeking to explore what New Mexico has to offer. While dirt roads allow residents to access remote areas, they also pose a risk to motorists because most dirt roads do not have signage or markings, and they may be in various states of disrepair.
In New Mexico, it is common to encounter dirt roads crossing both government and private land. Regardless of whose land a dirt road is on, the owner of the land may have a duty to ensure that the road is safe, especially when it comes to known travelers. However, it is worth noting that in some cases, New Mexico’s recreational use statute will protect landowners who open up their land at no cost to others.
In addition to the duties placed on landowners, those who use dirt roads must operate their vehicles in a safe and responsible manner. This includes driving at a reasonable speed and following other applicable traffic laws. When a motorist is injured in a New Mexico truck accident due to either the landowner’s or truck driver’s negligence, the injured accident victim may be able to seek compensation for their injuries through a New Mexico personal injury lawsuit.
Motorist Killed in Rear-End Truck Accident on Dirt Road
Earlier this month, one man was killed in a truck accident when he rear-ended a truck that had come to a complete stop in the middle of a dirt road. According to a local news source covering the fatal trucking accident, a motorist was operating a pick-up truck on a dirt road that was originally built by a paper mill so that the mill could access trees deep in the forest. As the motorist was traveling on the dirt road, he approached a cloud of dust that had been kicked up by a logging truck. By the time the motorist saw that the logging truck had come to a complete stop in the middle of the road, it was too late to stop, and he crashed into the rear of the truck. Authorities have begun an investigation and have enlisted the assistance of an accident reconstructionist. The final report has yet to be released.
Have You Been Injured in a New Mexico Off-Road Accident?
If you or a loved one has recently been injured in a New Mexico dirt-road or off-road accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. The dedicated New Mexico car accident attorneys at the Fine Law Firm have decades of experience handling all types of New Mexico auto accidents, including off-road and dirt-road trucking accidents. Do not let an insurance company tell you what your claim is worth. Instead, contact an attorney who will fight for your right to recover compensation. Call the dedicated personal injury attorneys at The Fine Law Firm at 505-889-FINE to discuss your case with an attorney today.
More Blog Posts:
Recent Case Finds Truck Owner Vicariously Liable for Driver’s Negligence but Subject to Statutory Liability Maximum, New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, July 5, 2017.
Questions Emerge About the Safety of Self-Driving Cars and the Liability of Manufacturers and Drivers, New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, June 28, 2017.