Tractor Trailers and Dust Storms are a Deadly Combination for New Mexico Trucking Accidents
Large commercial trucks such as tractor trailers, flatbeds, semis, 18-wheelers, and other trucks are dangerous motor vehicles even in optimal conditions. When there is an ongoing dust storm, these motor vehicles can become unguided missiles which will destroy whatever they collide in. Unfortunately, this generally means they will collide with passenger vehicles. This is particularly dangerous when this occurs on an Interstate or highway.
Here at the Mark Caruso, we are representing the victim of a New Mexico trucking accident which occurred during a dust storm and on Interstate 10. Even though the dust storm nearly blinded the tractor truck drivers, they continued going full speed ahead and collided into three passenger vehicles causing a large explosion. This case is going to trial and will help compensation the victim’s family who have endured serious emotional pain and financial harm when their loved one was killed.
If you or a loved one have similarly been the victim of a serious New Mexico trucking accident caused in a dust storm, contact the experienced trucking accident attorneys at our office for a FREE consultation by dialing (505) 407-0458. We will help advise you of your rights and take steps to ensure you obtain the maximum compensation you may be entitled to.
Reasons Why Large Commercial Trucks are Dangerous on Interstates
The sheer size, weight, and speed make large commercial trucks on Interstates or highways a battering ram. The heavy weight and speed create a lot of momentum which must be completely disbursed when the tractor trailer truck stops. If the tractor trailer truck impacts with an object, such as a passenger vehicle, all of that momentum is transferred from the speeding truck and into the passenger vehicle and any passengers therein. This can cause absolutely catastrophic and debilitating injuries or death in a trucking accident.
Additionally, large commercial trucks on Interstates also travel at a high rate of speed. These means that the distance required to stop the tractor trailer truck increased because of the trucks momentum. This also means that, due to the faster speed, the amount of time a driver has to react decreases because the truck is moving faster. This combination of increased stopping distance and decreased reaction time adds to the recipe for serious New Mexico trucking accidents on Interstates or highways.
Dust Storms on Interstates Can Cause Deadly New Mexico Trucking Accidents
Dust storms decrease visibility because they darken the sky and throw particles (sand, debris) in the air making it more difficult for motorists to see where they are going. Dust storms can come on quickly, but many times there are warning signs of dust storms such as an ongoing cloud, increasing winds, and even just weather reports forecasting the storms. Additionally, dust storms start slowly and get worse.
Thus, when motorists are traveling through the start of a dust storm on an Interstate or highway, they need to begin to plan what to do to keep themselves and others on or near the roadway safe. This includes slowing down as reasonable under the circumstances, pulling to the side of the road, using flashers, or even pulling off the road and coming to a stop until the storm passes. Federal trucking regulations even require large commercial trucks take these precautions.
When large commercial trucks continue to plow through a dust storm on the Interstate or a highway during a dust storm, they can be risking serious personal injury to others on or near the roadway. This can result in horrific injuries and even death and the trucking company can be liable for the injuries. Unfortunately, this is what happened to the Mark Caruso’s client in an upcoming trial.
Trucking Accidents Caused by Dust Storms Can Kill
If a loved one has been seriously injured or killed in a New Mexico trucking accident, contact the experienced trucking accident attorneys at the Mark Caruso today by dialing (505) 407-0458. You can also contact us on our website through the easy to use and convenient Contact box located by clicking here.
