The joyful atmosphere of a seasonal holiday market was tragically disrupted earlier this month when a semi-truck plowed through a crowd of shoppers and killed at least 12 innocent people and injured dozens more. The saddening event has been deemed an intentional attack, but it highlights the destructive power and tragic consequences that semi-trucks and other large commercial vehicles can have in accidental or intentional crashes, especially if pedestrians are involved as victims.
According to a national news report, the crash occurred when a man drove a semi-truck with a tractor trailer through the Berlin Christmas Market last week. Authorities released a statement that the truck involved in the crash was stolen from a Polish worksite that was about a two-hour drive from the Christmas market in Berlin. The crash occurred in a pedestrian-only zone, but it may raise concerns about the destructive power of large vehicles when they are able to quickly drive off a road and into a crowded area.
The Legal Consequences of Negligent Versus Intentional Conduct Causing Injuries or Death
The victims of the recent event in Germany may be entitled to compensation through a legal proceeding, but the jurisdictional and legal requirements for actions in other countries in Europe or elsewhere can differ greatly from those that apply to New Mexico semi-truck accident victims. Under some circumstances, U.S. state or federal courts may have jurisdiction over a civil or criminal claim based on events that occurred outside the U.S., although specific requirements must be met for such an action to succeed.
In the event of a New Mexico semi-truck accident, the legal proceedings may differ based on whether the conduct was deemed accidental, negligent, reckless, intentional, or something in between. The driver of a semi-truck who intentionally injures or kills another person using their vehicle could be subject to both felony criminal and civil liability for the injuries resulting from their conduct. Liability insurance that New Mexico drivers are required to carry to legally operate a vehicle on public roads in the state must cover damages caused by both intentional and negligent conduct.
New Mexico does not require drivers to carry insurance covering accidental injuries or deaths that are not the result of any negligence by the insured driver, although such coverage is available. Additionally, New Mexico drivers may carry additional insurance coverage in the event of an accident with a driver who does not have sufficient insurance coverage to compensate a victim for their loss.
Drivers Should Carry the Maximum Amount of Insurance They Can Afford
New Mexico drivers are smart to carry more insurance than the minimum required coverage, as well as uninsured/underinsured motorist protection. Whether a driver was themselves negligent and able to avoid significant personal liability by utilizing increased coverage, or a driver is a victim of negligent or intentional conduct and can be fully compensated for the damages stemming from a hit-and-run accident, increased coverage is usually a smart investment for New Mexico drivers concerned about the dangers of a semi-truck accident.
Have You Been Injured in a New Mexico Truck Accident?
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a New Mexico truck accident, you may be entitled to substantial damages from the other parties involved in the crash, their insurance providers, and possibly your own insurance provider. Contact the skilled New Mexico semi-truck attorneys at the Fine Law Firm to discuss your case. Our skilled and qualified truck accident lawyers know how to seek damages from all potentially liable parties who were involved in an accident. Contact the Fine Law Firm and talk to an attorney about your case. Call today at (585) 989-3463 or sign up online and schedule a free consultation.
More Blog Posts:
Prevalence and Severity of New Mexico Underride Truck Accidents, New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, November 28, 2016.
The Concept of Foreseeability in New Mexico Truck Accident Cases, New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, December 14, 2016.