Determining what happened in the moments leading up to a fatal New Mexico truck accident is not always a simple task. While some truck accidents are straightforward, and the causes can readily be determined by local authorities, others require an in-depth investigation. An investigation into a fatal truck accident may require investigators to look into cell phone records, rest logs, and maintenance records.
Back in October of last year, a fatal bus accident that occurred on a California highway claimed 13 lives and injured several others. According to reports at the time, the bus was carrying upwards of 40 passengers when it rear-ended a semi-truck. At the time, it was clear from the wreckage that the bus was traveling much faster than the truck, but authorities were unsure what caused the accident.
According to a recent news report, the driver of the semi-truck that was rear-ended was arrested and charged with several counts of vehicular homicide and reckless driving. Apparently, the truck driver had stopped his truck on the highway in a traffic jam that was caused by road construction up ahead. However, while he was stopped, the truck driver fell asleep. When traffic resumed, the truck driver remained asleep until his truck was rear-ended by the bus moments later. The bus was traveling at 76 miles per hour at the time of the collision.
An investigation revealed that the truck driver had a history of falsifying entries in his rest log to make it seem as though he was getting the required amount of sleep each day. Authorities believe that the truck driver was not well rested on the day of the accident, and this is what caused him to fall asleep while waiting for traffic to resume.
New Mexico Truck Accidents
Truck drivers have an obligation to make sure that they are safely operating their vehicles at all times. This includes avoiding drugs and alcohol, getting enough sleep, and keeping their attention focused on the road ahead. When a truck driver negligently causes an accident that injures other motorists, the truck driver can be held liable for his actions through a New Mexico truck accident lawsuit. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the accident, the truck driver’s employer may also be liable for any injuries.
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. Even if the cause of the accident is initially unknown, a thorough investigation may reveal previously undiscovered facts that can help you prove your case against the truck driver. The skilled New Mexico personal injury lawyers at the Fine Law Firm have extensive experience bringing New Mexico truck accident cases in courts across the state, and they know what it takes to be successful on their clients’ behalf. To learn more about New Mexico truck accident law, and to schedule a free consultation with an attorney to discuss your case, call 505-889-FINE today.
More Blog Posts:
Hit-and-Run Accidents Involving New Mexico Semi-Trucks, New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, September 25, 2017.
Holding a New Mexico Employer Responsible for the Negligent Acts of an Employee, New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, October 4, 2017.