Late last month, a truck driver died as a result of serious injuries he incurred in a trucking accident. According to the New Mexico State Police and a local news report, the accident occurred on November 19 right after midnight.
Apparently, the truck driver was traveling west on State Route 128 when he tried to make a U-turn after missing his turn. The back of his truck became “high-centered,” or stuck in the middle of the road. Another commercial vehicle on the same side attempted to assist the truck driver. As he was doing this, a third truck that was traveling in the opposite direction struck the driver as he was attempting to get it out of the road. An initial investigation has not revealed that alcohol was a contributing factor in the accident, but it is still under investigation by the New Mexico Department of Public Safety.
Liability in Truck Accidents
All accidents have the potential to be disastrous, but trucking accidents often are the most severe in terms of the amount of the damage done to the parties involved. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration estimates that over 88,000 individuals were injured on average for the past several years as a result of truck accidents.
Although the most obvious defendant in trucking accidents is the truck driver, there are many instances when the trucking company may be held liable as well. Trucking companies and drivers have the obligation to abide by state and federal rules and regulations. In many cases, the driver may be held liable because he or she acted negligently. Some examples of truck driver negligence include driving dangerously, distracted driving, or driving while fatigued. However, the trucking company may be held liable if it violated certain enumerated regulations, such as proper training of its drivers and maintaining the trucks in adequate working order. Many times, both parties can be named as defendants.
It is important to consult with an attorney to ensure that all viable parties are held responsible, and all deadlines and statutory limitations are met.
Trucking Accident Attorneys in New Mexico
The attorneys at the Fine Law Firm have years of experience handling Albuquerque truck accidents. Unfortunately, there are many occurrences of truck accidents as a result of negligence. It is important to contact an attorney if you or a loved one has been injured or killed as a result of a trucking accident to increase your chances of success. These types of cases are more often than not complicated, since they encompass many different parties and can include trucking companies as well. If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of a trucking accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. Your compensation may include damages for your past medical bills, future medical expenses, funeral and burial expenses, and other awards related to your injuries. Contact one of our experienced attorneys at 505-889-FINE to schedule a free initial consultation.
More Blog Posts:
Semi Truck Driver Charged with Felony after Rear Ending School Bus, New Mexico Truck Accident Lawyer Blog, November 9, 2014.
Investigation Continues into Semi-Truck Crash that Killed Four Texas Student Athletes, New Mexico Truck Accident Lawyer Blog, October 13, 2014.