In May, a big rig flipped and nearly went over the edge of an overpass that connects Interstates 25 and 40 in Albuquerque. According to local police, the truck driver was going too fast and carrying an unsecured semi-truck load when he lost control of the heavy vehicle. Despite that the 18-wheeler did not roll off of the overpass, the structure itself was reportedly heavily damaged. Road crews were apparently called out to repair the overpass before traffic was allowed to resume travel on the interchange. Albuquerque police allegedly ticketed the driver of the semi for an expired registration, speeding, and failure to secure the load he was hauling.
Although no one was seriously hurt in this avoidable big rig accident, many people are injured or killed by negligent semi-truck drivers like this one in New Mexico and across the United States each year. Annually, approximately 1,400 traffic wrecks in New Mexico involve a tractor-trailer. In addition, a driver or passenger is killed in one out of every 35 semi accidents that occur in our state. Meanwhile, only one out of every 130 non-semi crashes proves fatal.
Lawsuits that are brought following an 18-wheeler crash are generally different than simple car accidents because they usually involve unique types of evidence. For example, big rig drivers are required by federal law to maintain a number of records to document the amount of time they spend traveling on the roads each day. Additionally, on-board computers and other technology normally provide accident investigators with relevant information regarding the events that led up to a truck accident. Because of this, a crash investigation can be extremely complicated.
According to police reports, nearly one-fourth of all 18-wheeler wrecks in our state are caused by a distracted or inattentive driver. Other factors also include speeding, an improperly secured load, driver fatigue or impairment, and poor vehicle maintenance.
Someone who was hurt in a New Mexico big rig collision may be eligible to receive compensation for their pain and suffering, lost wages and benefits, any resulting disability, and any related medical expenses. The spouse, child, or parent of someone who was killed in a wreck with an 18-wheeler may also be able to recover the costs associated with their loved one’s funeral and other damages. If you were harmed by the actions of a semi-truck driver, you should contact an experienced lawyer as soon as possible.
Please contact the Fine Law Firm if you were injured or lost a treasured loved one in a New Mexico truck accident. Our dedicated semi-truck collision attorneys have more than 100 years of combined experience assisting big rig accident victims across New Mexico recover the damages they deserve based upon the severity of their injuries. To schedule a free, confidential case evaluation with a knowledgeable advocate, do not hesitate to contact the capable lawyers at the Fine Law Firm through our website or give us a call at (505) 889-3463.
More Blog Posts:
Speed and Weight May Have Played a Role in Fatal Española Truck Accident, New Mexico Truck Accident Lawyer Blog, July 22, 2013
New Federal Safety Rule Limits the Number of Hours Truckers May Drive in New Mexico and Nationwide, New Mexico Truck Accident Lawyer Blog, July 16, 2013
Additional Resources:
Semi truck crashes into Big I flyover, koat.com