New Mexico Rear-end Trucking Accidents on Interstates Can be Fatal: New Mexico Trucking Accident Attorneys Explain Common Causes
Interstate trucking accidents can easily cause the wrongful death of a loved one. Large commercial trucks such as big rigs, 18-wheelers, tankers, and other trucks can cause devastating damage with whatever they impact. One of the most common types of interstate trucking accidents is the rear-end accident.
This is almost always negligence because NM Stat Section 66-7-318 requires under subdivision (A) that “[t]he driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicles and the traffic upon and the condition of the highway.” When a rear-end crash occurs, it is almost always a violation of this statute which, under the doctrine of negligence per se, allows a finding of negligence solely because this occurred.
On the interstate, there are some common causes of New Mexico rear-end trucking accidents which can entitle a victim to compensation. These include the following:
Distracted Driving
One of the most common and most preventable causes, distracted driving results in a significant number of New Mexico trucking accidents on the interstate. Distracted driving includes cell phone use such as texting or phone calls, programming a GPS, changing the radio, or talking to or interacting with passengers. When it comes to truck drivers, the most common distraction is cell phone use or use of the handheld radio. When a truck driver causes a wrongful death on an interstate because of distracted driving, it is negligence.
Weather Such as Dust Storms
When serious weather systems move across the state, it can cause havoc on the roadways—particularly the interstates. One of the worst weather conditions plaguing New Mexico interstate are dust storms. These storms are impossible to guard against and can easily be deadly because of the limited visibility they cause for motorists going at high speeds. This is particularly dangerous for truck drivers who need to slow down and brake sooner, despite having limited visibility to do so.
Under common law (judge-made) and federal regulations, truck drivers must slow down until they can safely operate their vehicle otherwise they may cause a New Mexico trucking accident. If they cannot slow down to safely do so they must stop until they can safely resume. But stopping means wasting time, and time is money for trucking companies. Many truck drivers continue to go forward anyway which results in rear-ending other vehicles which have properly slowed down given the weather conditions. This is also negligence.
Drowsy Driving or Falling Asleep at the Wheel
Because trucking is a time is money business, the longer a truck driver and operate his or her vehicle the faster he or she can deliver cargo. Unfortunately, this means neglecting basic needs such as sleeping. While federal regulations have service of hours requirements, many truck drivers break these rules in order to work longer hours. This means they are driving while drowsy and at risk of falling asleep at the wheel causing a serious interstate trucking accident. When they do that, they can rear-end other vehicles on the interstate and do so at full-speed. These can easily kill victims.
Common Causes of New Mexico Rear-End Trucking Accidents Require Zealous Legal Representation
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motor vehicle accident, call the experienced New Mexico truck accident attorneys at the Mark Caruso today by dialing (505) 407-0458 You can also contact us on our website through the easy to use and convenient Contact box located by clicking here.
