In a tragic accident earlier this month, a tractor-trailer crashed into a construction beam in nearby Central Texas. According to a national news report, the accident resulted in the death of one person and long traffic delays on both sides of the highway. Evidently, the accident occurred when a semi-truck hit a beam that was being used in the construction of a bridge near Austin, Texas. After the truck hit the beam, debris and material began falling all over the highway as well as on passing cars.
When the beam fell, it landed on a pick-up truck that was proceeding on the other side of the highway. Unfortunately, the 31-year-old pick-up truck driver was killed, and three other individuals were taken to various area hospitals. The heavily damaged semi-truck finally came to a stop near an overpass. The Department of Transportation reported that the highway was closed for several hours, and when it finally opened several lanes were still closed.
Truck Driver Responsibility in New Mexico
In understanding civil negligence claims against truck drivers, it is important for victims and their families to understand which entities are actually at fault. Many times, the fault can be divided between the driver, the plaintiff, and even the trucking company.
Truck drivers have the responsibility to ensure that they are driving safely and following all rules and regulations. This includes maintaining their truck in proper working order, inspecting their truck before embarking on any trip, and making sure they know the dimensions and load of their vehicle. If a truck driver causes an accident that results in death or injury to another because they failed to comply with the actions above, they may be held liable for negligence.
Trucking Company Responsibility in New Mexico
Truck driving companies can also be held liable for negligence if their actions led to or contributed to an accident. Although it may seem attenuated to hold the company liable, they actually hold a significant amount of responsibility for their trucks and drivers. Unfortunately, at times trucking companies are more interested in profit than safety, and this can result in questionable company policies.
Some examples of when a trucking company can be held responsible are when they participate in negligent hiring, improperly maintain their trucks, or falsify logs and other pertinent information. Trucking companies should participate in thorough background checks into the driving history of their drivers. They should also ensure that their drivers are provided enough time for breaks to rest. Many times, truck drivers are under pressure to reach their destination in a certain amount of time, and fatigued driving can be disastrous. When truck companies participate in any of these behaviors, a negligence claim against them may be successful.
New Mexico Trucking Negligence Lawyers
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a truck accident, you may consider bringing a negligence suit against the culpable party. As the discussion above explains, there are often many parties involved, and thus these cases can become complicated. It is highly recommended that you contact a trucking accident attorney to assist you in your claim. You may be entitled to monetary compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other related damages. Contact the Fine Law Firm attorneys at 505-889-FINE to schedule a free initial consultation.
More Blog Posts:
Truck Slams into Bus in Albuquerque, New Mexico Truck Accident Lawyer Blog, January 20, 2015.
Court of Appeals in California Reverses Lower Court Decision on Trucking Accident, New Mexico Truck Accident Lawyer Blog, February 25, 2015.