Every year in New Mexico, a variety of truck accidents occur just like many other states across the U.S. In New Mexico last year (2017), there were a total of 370 truck accidents across the entirety of the state. This was a little less than the 405 in 2016, and a little more than the 298 in 2015. When you have been involved in a serious New Mexico truck accident, you may wonder where to turn. You might have been left with serious injuries that affect your everyday life and not know what to do next. This is where an attorney can help you every step of the way.
The Many Ways Truck Accidents Occur on Our Roadways
Why do truck accidents take place at alarming rates in New Mexico every year? The truth is, there are many ways, some more common than others. When a truck accident occurs, it is more likely to bring harm to a passenger vehicle than to itself, as passenger vehicles are so much smaller than tractor-trailers. Large trucks are inherently dangerous in the face of an accident, weighing tens of thousands of pounds more than passenger vehicles. Here are some of the top reasons for the truck accidents that take place today:
Equipment Failure: Many operating systems take place in trucks all at once. This means that, if certain areas of a truck break down, such as brakes that aren’t working properly or tires that come loose while the driver is on the roads, it could cause a very catastrophic accident ending in injuries or fatality. This means that a truck driver may be responsible for your injuries, but it is likely a trucking company or manufacturer could be, too.
Driving Errors: Accidents caused by driver error happen due to a driver’s negligence. Truck drivers must always be careful and follow a certain duty of care when they are dominating our roadways. If a truck driver fails to operate their truck safely, an accident could very easily occur. This could happen due to driver fatigue, distracted driving, or driving under the influence of alcohol.
Trucking companies have a duty to abide by many rules of the roadways when it comes to their drivers. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is responsible for devising the laws and regulations that trucks across America must follow. Many of these regulations deal in full with how many hours a truck driver can spend on the road until they take breaks, to the licensing requirements that must be met and the rules that dictate what background checks a truck driver must undergo to be hired. When these laws are ignored, the trucking company could be held liable in the face of a serious accident.
Holding a Party Liable for Damages
When you have been involved in a truck accident, you may suffer from tremendous losses, such as medical bills that seem to be piling up, lost income when you aren’t able to return to your job, or future treatment for your injuries if they are expected to be permanent. You may even suffer from emotional turmoil or depression due to the pain experienced through the accident or lasting memories. When you have been injured in a trucking accident, you have every right to recover from a negligent party in your time of need. You may wonder where to get started on your case, and the answer is simple: with the help of an experienced attorney who can help you through every step of the process, such as obtaining evidence to keeping good documentation of your injuries. You have a right to recover from a liable party, so act quickly.