Fatality in New Mexico Trucking Accident on US 285: New Mexico Trucking Accident Attorney Explains
Local news and police are reporting a fatal tres piedras trucking accident. This was a two vehicle crash occurred on November 17, 2017, in Tres Piedras, New Mexico. The trucking crash occurred on US 285 when a pickup truck crossed the centerline and collided with a semi truck. The pickup truck driver was killed in the collision. New Mexico State Police are still investigating.
While liability and guilt are unclear, and it appears the pickup driver may have been at fault, this semi truck accident still highlights the absolute dangers that large commercial trucks present to motorists on or around the road. There may not have been a fatality if the other vehicle was not a large semi truck barreling on the other side. This is a common scenario that our Albuquerque tractor trailer accident lawyers at Caruso Law Offices see all too often.
Reasons Why Large Commercial Trucks are Dangerous and Deadly
Large commercial trucks like semi trucks, box trucks, tankers, double trailers, tractor trailers, tandem trailers, 18 wheelers, flatbeds, and other large cargo vehicles are uniquely risky to motorists. This is because they are larger, heavier, and generate more momentum than other vehicles. On fast moving highways like I-10, I-25, and I-40, these large trucks become battering rams which can easily tear apart and crush smaller passenger vehicles in a trucking wreck.
Because of this, there are many reasons why large commercial trucks are so dangerous and can cause wrongful deaths. Some common reasons include the following:
- Larger Vehicles with More Weight = Increased Distance to Stop – Due to the shear size and momentum of a large commercial truck, they require additional distance to safely stop. If a truck driver fails to take this into account, or is impaired, fatigued, or otherwise unable to quickly react, there could be a serious trucking crash.
- More Blind Spots and Larger Blind Spots – while many trucks are outfitted with numerous and advanced mirror systems, many trucks still have massive blind spots at some of the most dangerous places for a vehicle. This includes near the cabin of the truck and before the tractor trailer, and directly behind the truck. This is particularly dangerous to small vehicles or motorcyclists which are already more difficult to see.
- Heavy and unforgiving engine blocks – because of their Herculean nature, engine blocks are frequently one of the few components of a vehicle that survive a devastating crash. They are solid and strong structures. This makes them dangerous in trucks, as large commercial trucks require large engines to move them. These engine blocks are solid and essentially a wrecking ball on wheels.
- Large Capacity of Gasoline and Fuel – large trucks also require a lot of fuel to move them. This fuel is dangerous and flammable. In a serious trucking crash where the fuel tank is compromised and leaking, a fire could turn the accident scene into a fiery trap. Many victims in smaller vehicles trapped under and against a large truck may perish.
- Dangerous payloads – large trucks carry heavy payloads. Some payloads may shift and fall off a truck causing serious damage and injuries. Other payloads could be chemical, fuel, or liquid which create other hazards and damages to victims.
If you lost a loved one to a fatal truck accident, contact our Albuquerque accidental death attorney to discuss your potential legal recourse.
All Commercial Trucks are Dangerous Even When Not Negligent: Call a New Mexico Trucking Accident for All Trucking-Related Deaths
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motor vehicle accident, call the experienced New Mexico trucking accident attorneys at Caruso Law Offices today by dialing (505) 883-5000 You can also contact us on our website through the easy to use and convenient Contact box located by clicking here.