A recent New York Times article addressed the growing rate of truck accidents across the country as well as the fatalities that follow as a result. The article referenced studies that compared the rate of deaths between those who died in commercial airline accidents versus those who have been killed in trucking accidents. Startlingly, more people have been killed this year in accidents involving trucks than the total number of people killed in the past 45 years in airline crashes.
Even with the prevalence and severity of trucking accidents, Congress has still attempted to thwart many safety procedures that have been implemented by federal regulators. For example, Congress has fought to allow truck drivers to work 82 hours over eight days. This number is 12 hours higher than is currently allowed.
Furthermore, Congress has tried to suspend the rule that drivers need to take a 34-hour break over two nights before starting their week. Additionally, Congress has even tried to lower the minimum age of drivers to 18 years old. Congress has continually pushed for these changes, even though the death toll in truck accidents has risen over 17 percent over the past five years while there has been about a three percent drop in accidents involving cars. This drop, the article suggests, is likely due to the increase in technological safety devices, of which many trucking companies oppose the widespread or mandated use. Although statistics indicate that large trucks are disproportionately responsible for fatalities, Congress continues to push for potentially dangerous rule changes.
New Mexico Trucking Accident Claims
As the above article illustrates, even though trucking accident fatalities are harrowing, Congress has continued to ignore the statistics and push for regulations that would lessen the safety of those on the road. Although it may be hard to believe, this type of negligence is often seen on the part of trucking employers as well. Even though trucking employers could easily be the victim of a crash themselves, they often still perpetuate unsafe practices with their employees. For example, there have been cases in which employers ignore the driving history of their employees, or they allow their drivers to maintain trucks without proper training, or they may even falsify reports to allow the drivers to drive longer periods of time without stops. All of these actions can amount to negligence under the law if their employee is involved in an accident.
Have You Been Injured in a Trucking Accident?
If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident, it is important that you contact an attorney to discuss your rights and remedies. Although the government may enable and even encourage unsafe driving practices, employers are not protected when they allow their employees to participate in unsafe practices. If you have been injured, you may consider bringing a claim against the truck driver or even the trucking company. If you are successful, you may be entitled to monetary damages for your injuries. Contact one of the dedicated attorneys at the Fine Law Firm at 505-889-FINE to schedule your free initial consultation today.
More Blog Posts:
New Mexico Judge Denies Motion for New Trial in Largest Jury Award in New Mexico History, New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, August 6, 2015.
New Mexico Woman Arrested after Arriving at Husband’s DUI Stop Drunk, New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, July 6, 2015.