Injured After an 18 Wheeler Ran a Stop Sign: New Mexico Trucking Accident Lawyer Explains Rights
The most important part about operating a motor vehicle is following the traffic patterns, traffic laws, and traffic control signs or lights. This is especially true around intersections. And this is even more important for drivers of large commercial vehicles such are tractor trailers, 18 wheelers, big rigs, tankers, and other box trucks. One of the most important signs to comply with is a stop sign. A stop sign is important because it preserves the right-of-way in an intersection. It also prevents extremely dangerous side-impact collisions which could result in the wrongful death of a person. This is especially true with large commercial trucks, which a New Mexico trucking accident caused by running a stop sign could very likely result in the wrongful death of innocent individuals. Simply put, innocent people will get seriously hurt or killed if an 18 wheeler ran a stop sign and caused a crash.
Here at the Mark Caruso, our experienced Albuquerque trucking accident lawyers know how deadly a large commercial truck running a stop sign could be. We have handled some of the most catastrophic trucking wrecks in New Mexico, including against some of the largest trucking companies such as FedEx. Call us to schedule a FREE consultation by dialing (505) 308-1556 to learn how we can help represent you and your family.
Liability Where an 18 Wheeler Fails to Stop at a Stop Sign
We know that New Mexico law, in fact all states’ laws, require a motorist to stop at a stop sign. This is both common sense in the use and operation of our vehicle (or common law), and statutory (legislatively-made law). Specifically, NM Stat. 66-7-330 requires “every driver of a vehicle approaching a stop intersection indicated by a stop sign shall stop . . . and after having stopped shall yield to the right-of-way to any vehicle which has entered the intersection from another highway or which is approaching so closely on the highway as to constitute an immediate hazard . . . .”
When the driver of a large commercial truck fails to stop, he or she may be liable to a victim who is injured by the violation of this statute. In fact, the truck driver and the trucking company may be automatically liable under the doctrine of negligence per se. This is when the violation of a statute results in harms to people it is meant to protect.
Victims Injured in a New Mexico Trucking Accident Caused by a Large 18 Wheeler Running a Stop Sign
Individuals who are injured by a large commercial truck running a stop sign may be able to easily prove liability pursuant to the doctrine of negligence per se. But that does not mean that an experienced Albuquerque trucking accident lawyer is not needed. A victim may only recover damages which are proximately caused by the trucking accident. Sometimes pre-existing injuries may be recovered if the pre-existing injury was worsened or exacerbated by the trucking crash.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a New Mexico trucking accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Please call the Mark Caruso by dialing (505) 308-1556 to schedule a FREE consultation with one of our experienced Albuquerque trucking accident lawyers. 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.
