Before anyone gets behind the wheel of a vehicle, a driver should be familiar with how that vehicle operates as well as the laws of the state in which they will be driving. Whether it be learning how to drive a manual transmission or learning the “quirks” of the local traffic ordinances, it is essential that motorists are educated in how to safely operate a vehicle before they head out onto the road.
This is especially true for New Mexico truck drivers, who frequently operate massive rigs weighing up to 80,000 pounds. Of course, all truck drivers are required to obtain a commercial driver’s license, but being a safe driver requires more than a bare-bones knowledge. In order to avoid a New Mexico truck accident, truck drivers should also know the limitations of the rig that they will be operating in its current state. Thus, as a truck’s load changes, a truck driver may be required to reassess their driving style.
Semi-trucks and other large vehicles have many limitations. For example, trucks take a longer distance to stop, require a larger turning radius, have large blind spots, and also take longer to get up to highway speeds. A recent accident illustrates the potential result of a truck driver’s failure to consider the limitations of his vehicle.
One Motorist Killed in Failure-to-Yield Truck Accident
According to a local news report, one person was killed and two others injured after a car struck the back of a semi-truck that was merging onto the highway from the side of the road. Evidently, after the car rear-ended the truck, two other vehicles became involved in the collision. The driver of the car that struck the truck was pronounced dead at the scene. The other two victims are expected to make a full recovery.
Police arrived at the scene to investigate, and determined that the truck driver had merged onto the highway without having reached highway speeds. This left the motorist without enough time to slow down, resulting in the rear-end accident. Police charged the truck driver with homicide by vehicle and failure to yield when entering the highway. Alcohol was not believed to be a factor in the fatal accident.
Have You Been Injured in a New Mexico Truck Accident?
If you or a loved one has recently been injured in a New Mexico truck accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation for the injuries or loss you have sustained. The dedicated Albuquerque truck accident attorneys at the Fine Law Firm have developed a practice devoted to enforcing the rights of New Mexico accident victims. We handle all types of New Mexico accident cases from across the state, including those arising in Albuquerque in Rio Rancho. To learn more about how we can help you pursue a claim for compensation against the parties responsible for your inquiries, call 505-889-FINE.
More Blog Posts:
Court Permits Plaintiff’s Negligent Entrustment Claim to Proceed Against Employer, New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, October 30, 2018.
Court Determines Power Company Is Not Liable for Failing to Provide Enough Light to Safely Illuminate Roadway, New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, November 13, 2018.