Could the Fatal Lordsburg Trucking Accident on I-10 Been Caused by Truck Driver Fatigue?
We have been following a fatal Lordsburg trucking accident on I-10 that has been reported by several news agencies. A semi tractor trailer truck driver crossed the centerline median and hit another semi tractor trailer head on, and then hit a pickup truck. The 18 wheelers engulfed in flames. Both semi tractor trailer drivers died, as did an adult occupant of the pickup truck. A few days after the Lordsburg trucking accident, the second adult occupant of the pickup truck passed away. The only survivor is a 13-year-old girl in the pickup truck who was listed in critical condition. There are no updates on the condition of the brave, young girl. There are also no updates as to the investigation of the cause of the crash.
But here at the Mark Caruso, our experienced Lordsburg trucking accident lawyer knows that there are many causes for a fatal trucking accident such as this crash on I-10 near Lordsburg, NM. One of the more common reasons why a centerline crash like this could occur involving a truck driver is due to fatigue, drowsiness, or sleepiness. This could be due to an hours of service violation, unrealistic delivery schedules, or just a lack of proper rest by the driver. If you or a loved one have been seriously injured or if a loved one was wrongfully killed in any New Mexico 18 wheeler wreck, especially this Lordsburg trucking accident on I-10, please call our law firm to learn how we can help you today by dialing (505) 308-1556.
Fatigue Causing a New Mexico Trucking Accident like the Fatal Lordsburg Trucking Accident
When a truck driver of a large commercial vehicle like a big rig, semi tractor trailer, 18 wheeler, or other box truck loses control or crosses the centerline median like this Lordsburg trucking accident, the crash may have been caused by fatigue or falling asleep at the wheel. There are many reasons why this occurs and could cause a serious or deadly trucking accident. Some of the most common reasons include the following:
- Lack of sleep from working too hard to meet unrealistic delivery schedules;
- Taking medications which cause drowsiness;
- Failing to comply with the hours of service regulations regarding breaks;
- Not taking appropriate rest breaks;
- Driving while ill or not feeling well;
- Driving while tired or fatigued;
- Operating a truck with a medical condition;
- Losing focus while driving;
- Becoming distracted while driving a truck; and
- Many other reasons.
What are the Hours of Service Regulations?
The hours of service regulations are promulgated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration in Part 395 of 49 CFR. These regulations set limits on how long and how often a truck driver can operate a large commercial vehicle during a certain amount of time. These limits include the following:
- Be “on shift” for a maximum of 14 hours at a time, followed by at least a 10 hour break;
- Drive 10 hours or less of that 14 hours window;
- Drive at most 8 hours in a row before taking a 30 minute break;
- Work a maximum of 60 hours in any 7 consecutive days;
- Work a maximum of 70 hours in 8 consecutive days.
If a truck driver violations these hours of service regulations, it may be evidence of negligence that a family could use in a personal injury action like the fatal Lordsburg trucking accident on I-10. If you or a loved one have been seriously injured or wrongfully killed in a New Mexico 18 wheeler wreck and suspect that a truck driver was fatigued or fell asleep at the wheel, please call our Lordsburg trucking accident lawyers at the Mark Caruso to learn how we can help you today by dialing (505) 308-1556. We handle cases throughout New Mexico, including in Las Cruces, Rio Rancho, Santa Fe, Roswell, Farmington, Hobbs, Lordsburg, or anywhere else in the state, including Albuquerque where our law office is located. You can also contact us on our website through the easy to use and convenient Contact box located by clicking here.
