Speeding Truck Big Rig Crashes in New Mexico: Reasons for Speeding and Liability Explained
The saying “speed kills” is so true when it comes to large commercial trucks like 18 wheelers, big rigs, tractor trailers, and other box trucks are on fast moving roadways like I-10, I-40, and I-25. These large trucks generate a considerable amount of momentum and force when they gain speed. Even at or below the speed limit they can also cause significant devastation and catastrophic damage when they collide with anything else. If this is a smaller, passenger vehicle, the devastation could be significant and result in life-threatening personal injuries to occupants. This is particularly why large commercial trucks that are speeding could result in even worse of an impact. But trucking companies want truck drivers to make deliveries quicker, which means that they will drive faster to make those deliveries on time. When speeding causes a New Mexico big rig crash, call an Albuquerque trucking accident lawyer to learn what your rights may be.
Here at the NM Truck Accident Attorneys, our experienced Albuquerque trucking accident lawyer can help identify what rights and liabilities you may have and how to protect them. We focus our practice on commercial trucking accidents with catastrophic injuries, particularly those on interstate against some of the largest trucking companies in the country like J.B. Hunt, UPS, Schneider National, Swift Transportation, and many others. Call us by dialing (50) 883-5000 to learn what we can do for you.
Why Truck Drivers Speed Even if it Can Put You at Risk
The reason why truck drivers speed is simply. Time is money for trucking companies and truck drivers. The faster that deliveries are made, the faster that they get paid. If this means driving 10, 15, or 20 miles over the speed limit, on long hauls that could save considerable time from a delivery.
Truck drivers also have “hours of service” requirements meaning that they can only drive for a limited amount of time during a 24-hour period, and over an 8-day period. If drivers are getting close to the end of that time but close to a destination, they may be more likely to drive faster to get there without having to stop to take a break.
Liability for New Mexico Big Rig Crashes
But when truck drivers are speeding, they are breaking the law. Under New Mexico law, NM Stat. 66-7-301 provides “[i]n 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 car . . . .”
When a large box truck is going over the speed limit and causes a New Mexico big rig crash resulting in serious personal injuries, it may result in an automatic finding of negligence against the truck driver and the trucking company because of the doctrine negligence per se. This can help a victim with their lawsuit.
Injured by a Speeding 18 Wheeler in a New Mexico Big Rig Crash? Call Our Firm
When a speeding New Mexico big rig crash causes serious personal injuries, it could be catastrophic to a victim and his or her family. f you or a loved one has been injured in any New Mexico big rig crash caused by a speeding truck driver, call the experienced Albuquerque trucking accident lawyer at the NM Truck Accident Attorneys today by dialing (505) 355-2969. You can also contact us on our website through the easy to use and convenient Contact box located by clicking here.
