Innocent Woman is Killed in a Las Cruces Trucking Accident When Improperly Secured Cargo Launched off a Commercial Truck and Into Her Vehicle
News outlets are reporting that a southern New Mexico woman, 51 year old Amelia Dominguez, was killed in a New Mexico trucking accident on State Route 9. Cargo fell off of the commercial truck and launched into her vehicle. She was severely injured and died days later at an area hospital. The truck was going one way and she was going in the opposite direction. The police investigation found that that a safety tie down restraint broke or otherwise disengaged from the load. The load then launched into the opposite lane where Ms. Dominguez was driving in the opposite direction.
Here at the Mark Caruso, we know that all aspects of commercial trucking is dangerous. Sometimes the actual truck itself is not what can kill a victim. Excessive cargo, unsecured cargo, and improperly transporting objects can be just as deadly as falling asleep at the wheel. Our experienced Las Cruces New Mexico trucking accident attorneys have the resources, knowledge, and experiences in handling these types of very serious trucking crashes. If you or a loved one have been seriously injured or killed in a trucking accident due to falling cargo, call us for a FREE consultation by dialing (505) 308-1556 to learn how we can protect your rights to compensation.
All Truck Drivers and Trucking Companies Are Responsible for Cargo on Their Commercial Trucks
Under New Mexico Law, according to NM Stat. 66-7-364 it is illegal to place injurious material on a highway which includes cargo from a truck. There is also New Mexico common law, or judge-made law, which requires truck drivers to guard against cargo falling off of their vehicles and striking others on the roadway. It would be negligent to allow cargo to fall off and recklessly or unnecessarily harm another.
There are also extensive federal regulations of FMSCA which allow throughout the United States. Specifically, these regulations require that all truck drivers and truck companies must inspect and secure their cargo pursuant to 49 CFR s 392.9. In fact, truck drivers must even inspect their truck within the first 50 miles after beginning a trip and make adjustments. In addition, 49 CFR s 393.100 also contains protections against shifting and falling cargo and provides an extensive list of scenarios, fixes, and devices that must be done.
When a truck driver and trucking company fail to comply with New Mexico statutory law, New Mexico common law, and the federal regulations, it can result serious personal injuries to a victim in a Las Cruces trucking accident like to Ms. Domingeuz. This can be negligent. Under the doctrine of negligence per se, the violation of a statute meant to protect a victim from harm will automatically result in a finding of negligence. Meaning that the trucking company and truck driver are automatically liable.
However, a violation of a federal regulation is only evidence of negligence–it is not automatically. Nonetheless, a violation of federal regulations is a strong tool to use against a defendant trucking company or truck driver which killed an innocent person.
In the case above, it is highly likely that the trucking company or truck driver will be negligent as a matter of law for Ms. Dominguez’ untimely and horrific death under negligence per se and under the common law.
Unsecured Cargo Can Kill, and If it Does Call the Mark Caruso to Protect Your Rights Today!
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motor vehicle accident, call the experienced New Mexico car accident attorneys at the Mark Caruso 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.
