Semi-trucks have the propensity to cause serious damage if they are involved in an accident. The sheer magnitude of the vehicle compounded with the high speed of most truck accidents can result in fatalities and serious property and physical damage. It is important that all truck drivers, especially those who travel the long highways of New Mexico, are properly trained in all pertinent areas of truck driving.
There are a few common causes of truck driving accidents in New Mexico, and with proper training and monitoring, many of these can be avoided. For example, too often, truck drivers are not alert in the late night and early morning hours. Truck drivers drive long hours with few breaks, and this can cause drivers to become fatigued, resulting in slower reaction times. Federal rules require that truck drivers keep track of their rest hours and that truck drivers cannot start a shift without first having 10 hours off duty prior to starting.
Other truck accidents are caused by inclement weather. It is important that truck drivers are properly trained with their specific vehicle and have adequate experience and training on how to drive when severe weather occurs. Furthermore, even though truck drivers often have extremely strict deadlines they have to meet, the safety of others should always come first. It is important that, when possible, truck drivers avoid heavy traffic and peak driving hours. If truck drivers cannot avoid driving at peak times, they should change lanes as infrequently as possible.
Semi-Truck Accident Results in One Fatality and Several Injuries
According to a recent news report, a Georgia semi-truck driver was involved in a serious truck accident that resulted in one motorist’s death and injured several others. State officials reported that the accident took place at an intersection near U.S. 41 at around mid-afternoon. According to one witness, a semi-truck “blew through” an intersection, hitting a car. After the initial collision, the truck ran over the vehicle and entered the opposite lane, striking an SUV. The semi-truck then dragged the SUV into the woods before finally coming to a stop. Emergency personnel were immediately called to the scene, and injured individuals were taken by helicopter to a nearby trauma hospital. Sadly, the accident resulted in one fatality. The accident is still being investigated.
Have You Been Injured in a New Mexico Truck Accident?
Proper training is a crucial first step before any truck driver begins a career. This training can result in lives being saved. If you or a loved one has been injured because of a truck driver’s negligence, you should contact a lawyer at the Fine Law Firm. The lawyers at the Fine Law Firm have many years of experience handling trucking accident cases in New Mexico. Our attorneys are skilled in all areas of personal injury law, including truck accident cases. Contact an attorney at the Fine Law Firm at 800-640-6590 to schedule your free initial consultation.
More Blog Posts:
Court Allows Defendant to Set Aside Default Judgment in Truck Accident Case, New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, February 2, 2017.
Hit-and-Run Truck Accident Liability in New Mexico, New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, February 18, 2017.