New Mexico truck drivers routinely drive hundreds of miles across the country delivering goods. The majority of a truck driver’s time is spent navigating the nations’ vast highways, often traveling hundreds of miles without making a turn. Indeed, highways are specifically designed for large trucks to easily travel from one city to another. Even when they are operated on roads designed to accommodate these large vehicles, New Mexico truck accidents are still common.
When truck drivers begin and end their journey, however, they are often operating their rigs on city streets. These surface streets, unlike highways, are not designed for large trucks and present truck drivers with a unique set of challenges. For example, city streets are narrower than highways, limiting truck drivers’ visibility and offering reduced space to complete necessary turns. Additionally, truck drivers must navigate around countless motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians.
Despite the additional challenges of driving on city streets, it is a part of a truck driver’s job, and truck drivers must take all of the necessary precautions to prevent accidents. In many cases, truck drivers will approach their destination late at night, after fatigue has set in. In these situations, truck drivers should pull off the road, find a rest stop, and get some sleep so that they are alert as they drive on city streets.
When truck drivers fail to take the necessary level of precaution and cause an accident due to their own negligence, they may be held liable for any resulting damages through a New Mexico personal injury lawsuit. These cases vary in complexity, and an experienced New Mexico personal injury attorney should be consulted prior to any filing.
Pedestrian Killed in Truck Accident on City Street
Earlier this month in Sacramento, California, a pedestrian was killed as he was crossing the street in the early morning hours. According to a recent news report covering the tragic accident, the truck driver thought he may have hit something and stopped to investigate. When he got out of the cab, he first noticed a shopping cart, and then he saw that he had struck a pedestrian.
The truck driver remained at the scene of the accident and has cooperated with police, who told reporters that they do not believe drugs or alcohol played a role in the fatal accident. However, since the pedestrian accident took place in the early morning hours, it is likely that the authorities will look into whether the truck driver was overly fatigued at the time and may not have been as alert as he should have been.
Have You Been Injured in a New Mexico Truck Accident?
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. There are many theories of liability in New Mexico truck accidents, not all of which are apparent at first glance. The skilled New Mexico personal injury lawyers at the Fine Law Firm have extensive experience helping the victims of truck accidents prepare and argue their cases across the state. To learn more, and to speak with an attorney about your injuries, call 505-889-FINE to schedule a free consultation 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.
New Mexico Dirt Road Accidents, New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, August 9, 2017.