Victims of High Speed Trucking Crashes May be Entitled to Compensation for Their Injuries
New Mexico trucking crashes caused by speeding are a dangerous problem. Oversized vehicles such as tractor trailers, 18 wheelers, commercial trucks, and semi trucks are among the largest and most heavy vehicles on the road today. Drivers of these vehicles travel throughout the country, most notably on main roads and highways in New Mexico. The companies that employ these truck drivers sometimes incentivize them to travel as quickly as possible while transporting heavy cargo to maximize their own payouts. Faster driving leads to quick deliveries, allowing the trucking company to take on more clients, more job opportunities and ultimately, more money.
Truck drivers will commonly cut corners while driving in order to receive these financial incentives. Two ways which drivers will regularly cut corners include both driving over the speed limit or driving through their required break times. This means that in one of the worst case scenarios, an employee driving an oversized vehicle can be speeding past you on the road with inadequate sleep or rest. This typically occurs on highways and interstates, where it is easier for these dangerous practices to go unnoticed and where drivers can zone out.
Reasons Why Speeding Causes Serious New Mexico Trucking Crashes
Unfortunately, when tractor trailers travel at a high rate of speed it will take longer for the truck to come to a stop. This means that tractor trailer drivers have extremely limited reaction times to correct themselves in the event of an impending potential accident, increasing the likelihood of New Mexico trucking crashes caused by speeding.
The size of these vehicles in general are guaranteed to cause damage to whatever they hit in the event of a collision. However, when taking such higher speeds into account, the damage is more likely to be monumental. Increased weight also requires greater stopping distance. The recipe of increased weight and speed requiring a greater distance to stop, and the speed causing a decrease in reaction time, all make it more difficult to stop and avoid a collision.
Liability in Speeding Trucking Crashes in New Mexico
The law recognizes the severe damage that can be caused by a speeding truck crash and has taken steps to disincentivize the driving practices which tend to reward truck drivers for their negligent or reckless driving. This is included under both the federal regulations which require hours of service and rest breaks, but also under New Mexico laws regarding controlling the speed of a vehicle.
For example under New Mexico law, NM Stat. 66-7-301 states the following:
In every event, speed shall be so controlled by the driver as may be necessary: (1) to avoid colliding with a person, vehicle or other conveyance on or entering the highway; (2) to comply with legal requirements as may be established by the state highway and transportation department or the New Mexico state police division of department of public safety and the duty of all persons to use due care . . . .
This law exists to both discourage truck drivers from using dangerous practices while driving and to protect New Mexico citizens from the serious personal injuries or wrongful death which may occur. Truckers who fail to comply with this law may be found to be negligent per se, meaning that they can automatically be found negligent if violation of the law caused the accident at hand. The goal is to prevent New Mexico trucking crashes caused by speeding.
Injured Due to a Speeding New Mexico Truck? Call Our Albuquerque Trucking Accident Lawyer Today
In the event of a New Mexico high speed truck crash, the consequences can be life altering. Any automobile collision can be very serious, however in trucking accidents the size and weight of the vehicle increases the dangers. These truck crashes can potentially lead to serious personal injuries, many of which may be permanent. Even worse, a majority of trucking accidents will lead to the wrongful death of the driver of passenger in the other vehicle, while the trucker who is protected by several tons of steel may walk away without even a scratch.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motor vehicle accident, call the experienced New Mexico trucking accident attorneys at the NM Truck Accident Attorneys today by dialing (505) 308-1556 You can also contact us on our website through the easy to use and convenient Contact box located by clicking here.
