Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of fatal accidents in New Mexico and across the country. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2015 alone, nearly 3,500 people were killed in accidents involving a distracted driver. This places distracted driving as the third-most common cause of fatal traffic accidents, behind drunk driving and speeding.
Unlike drunk driving or speeding, however, it is not always easy to determine if driver distraction was a factor in an accident. While some causes of distracted driving can be prevented, such as cell-phone use, other causes are much more difficult to regulate. For example, a driver may be distracted by a passenger, by a road-side sign, or by their GPS system. This makes it difficult for lawmakers to completely outlaw distracted driving.
While lawmakers cannot outlaw distracted driving as a whole, they have taken steps to reduce the causes of distracted driving. For example, in New Mexico, it is against the law for drivers to talk on the phone or text while driving. While the penalty for distracted driving consists only of a small fine, the real import of this law is that it can assist accident victims in proving their case against a driver who was distracted by their phone at the time of the crash.
Multi-Truck Accident Likely Caused by Distracted Driving
Earlier this month, a truck accident on a Tennessee highway claimed two lives and injured several others. According to a local news report covering the multi-vehicle accident, the collision occurred in the early evening hours on a divided highway. Evidently, a truck inexplicably crossed over two sets of cable barriers, drove through the grass median, and entered the opposite lanes of travel. As the truck crossed into oncoming traffic, it struck another truck, causing both vehicles to immediately burst into flames. Two other trucks were unable to avoid the collision.
Two of the truck drivers involved in the accident were pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. The other two truck drivers were injured but are expected to make a full recovery. Police are investigating the cause of the fatal truck accident, but given the circumstances of the accident, it appears that driver distraction could be a contributing cause.
Have You Been Injured in a New Mexico Truck Accident?
If you or a loved one has recently been injured in a New Mexico truck accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the accident, as well as the extent of your injuries, you may be able to obtain compensation for your past and future medical expenses, lost wages, and any pain and suffering you endured as a result of the accident. To learn more about New Mexico truck accidents, and to speak with a dedicated New Mexico personal injury attorney, call 505-889-FINE to schedule a free consultation today.
More Blog Posts:
Distracted Driving and New Mexico Head-On Collisions, New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, May 11, 2017.
Apportioning Liability in New Mexico Personal Injury Lawsuits, New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, May 17, 2017.