At least three people have died as a result of a chain-reaction accident involving two 18-wheelers and several other vehicles last month. According to a local news report, the crash occurred at about 5:45 in the morning on December 27, when the driver of a semi-truck failed to slow down and avoid crashing into a group of vehicles that had slowed as a result of a traffic buildup. Another semi-truck was the first vehicle hit, which was pushed into a Ford pickup and Toyota Corolla and eventually into a concrete barricade. The smaller vehicles were crushed into the barricade by the force of the two semi-trucks. Three accident victims were pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, and five others were hospitalized.
Semi-Truck Drivers Are Required To Maintain a Safe Following Distance to Prevent Collisions
Semi-trucks and construction vehicles can be some of the biggest, heaviest, and most difficult vehicles to control. The drivers and operators of these vehicles must receive specific training and an additional license to operate them on New Mexico roads. As part of that training, semi-truck drivers are taught that these trucks have a much greater stopping distance than other vehicles, depending on the load and weather and road conditions. Drivers need to ensure that their speed and the distance between their rig and the vehicle in front of them gives them a safety cushion to come to a complete stop without hitting the other vehicles in the event of a sudden traffic jam.
Truck Drivers Are Often Rushed for Time and May Drive Dangerously
Many semi-truck drivers and other commercial or industrial vehicle operators are paid based on the number of miles or trips that they make, regardless of how long it takes them to complete the journey. This compensation arrangement can encourage truck drivers to drive fast and follow closely in order to make more money. These driving habits result in an increased risk of a fatal semi-truck accident, especially if the weather or traffic conditions are adverse.
Truck drivers who fail to maintain a safe following distance may cause a rear-end collision that continues into a chain-reaction accident. In these situations, the driver in the back who caused the initial impact is generally responsible for all of the damages incurred in the crash, with some exceptions. Accident victims and their families may be entitled to compensation from multiple parties after an accident, but a thorough investigation of the cause of the accident must be completed while all of the evidence is still available.
New Mexico Semi-Truck Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one has been hurt or killed in a New Mexico rear-end or chain-reaction collision caused by a semi-truck or another vehicle, a skilled New Mexico accident attorney may be able to assist you in seeking significant compensation for your losses. The New Mexico semi-truck accident attorneys at the Fine Law Firm have helped hundreds of semi-truck accident victims hold negligent drivers responsible for the pain and loss that they have caused. Our dedicated attorneys and staff will ensure that you receive skilled representation throughout the process in hopes that you can obtain the compensation that you deserve. Call or contact us online today and schedule a consultation with an attorney to discuss your case. Call today at (585) 989-3463 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
More Blog Posts:
Tragic Deadly Crash Disrupts Christmas Market Abroad, New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, January 3, 2017.
The Concept of Foreseeability in New Mexico Truck Accident Cases, New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, December 14, 2016.