Improper Lane Changes Can Cause a Very Serious New Mexico 18 Wheeler Crash
One of the most common causes of a New Mexico 18 wheeler crash is an improper lane change. Large commercial trucks like semi tractor trailers and box trucks need extra space and time to safely make a lane change. This is particularly true on fast-moving highways and interstates such as I-40, I-25, and I-10 where other vehicles will quickly make up space in that lane when 18 wheelers need that larger amount of time and space. This is a recipe for very serious truck wrecks which can leave individuals in smaller, passenger vehicles with catastrophic injuries.
If you have been injured in a serious tractor trailer wreck caused by an improper lane change, please call our experienced Albuquerque trucking accident lawyer at Caruso Law Offices to learn what your rights to compensation may be. We work with reconstruction experts and witnesses such as your treating healthcare providers, first responders, and other witnesses to determine what your rights are and how to protect them. Call us by dialing (505) 883-5000 to schedule your FREE appointment and to learn more.
Rights in a New Mexico 18 Wheeler Crash Caused by a Improper Lane Change
The most common scenario of an improper lane change truck case will be when the truck driver turns into your lane and clips your vehicle. This means that the truck driver did not properly gauge the distance of your vehicle and his or her truck. Another common scenario is when a truck turns into your lane and you rear end the end of the truck because you are unable to stop in time. This happens when there is an insufficient amount of space in the lane where the truck driver turns into it.
In either scenario it is likely that the victims of a 18 wheeler crash caused by an improper lane change will be able to hold a defendant liable. For instance, under New Mexico Law, NM Stat 66-7-317 (A) this provides “[w]henever any roadway has been divided into two or more clearly marked lanes for traffic the following rules in addition to all others consistent herewith shall apply: (A) a vehicle shall be driven as nearly as practicable entirely within a single lane and shall not be moved from such lane until the driver has first ascertained that such movement can be made with safety[.]”
Thus, when a large commercial truck cuts into a lane directly in front of another vehicle which results in a collision, it is likely that the driver did not ensure that movement from one lane to another could be made with safety. This means if there is a collision, that driver moving lanes is likely going to be liable. The rule of thumb is to determine who was in the lane first, as that is the person who controlled the lane and had the right-of-way. Another vehicle moving into it will be liable for an improper lane change.
Ask Our Law Firm to Help You After a New Mexico 18 Wheeler Crash Caused by Improper Lane Changes
Victims of serious injuries after a New Mexico 18 wheeler crash caused by an improper lane change by a large 18 wheeler, semi tractor trailer, big rig, or other box truck should call Caruso Law Offices to learn how we can help protect your rights. Call to schedule a FREE appointment with our experienced Albuquerque trucking accident lawyer to learn what we can do for you. We handle cases throughout New Mexico, including in Lordsburg, Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Roswell, or anywhere else. Call Caruso Law Offices by dialing (505) 883-5000 to learn how we can help. You can also contact us on our website through the easy to use and convenient Contact box located by clicking here.