Rear End Trucking Accident Lawyer Explains the Law and Damages in Truck Accidents From Following Too Closely
Commercial truck drivers are required to undergo rigorous training in order to ensure that they know how to safely operate a commercial truck. This is because, if not operated properly commercial trucks can cause a lot of harm, including wrongful death. Commercial trucks are often quite large in size and are quite heavy, making the risk for serious injury high if an impact occurs. Not only that, but often times the cargo they are carrying can be quite dangerous if there is an impact (i.e. oil, cement, etc.). There are many different types of trucking accidents that can occur if commercial truck drivers do not drive safely, with rear-end accidents being particularly dangerous. Our Albuquerque rear end trucking accident lawyer knows that truck accidents from following too closely can be catastrophic or deadly.
Here at the Caruso Law Offices, P.C., victims may be injured in rear end accidents which can be quite dangerous when two cars are involved, but when a commercial truck is involved, the injuries are often even more catastrophic and likely to be deadly. We understand how devastating these injuries are, and we offer dedicated and professional services to help victims and their families recover compensation for their personal injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. If you or a loved one were seriously injured, please call our experienced rear end trucking accident lawyer for help by scheduling a FREE consultation.
What Happens When a Truck is Following Too Closely?
Following too closely can result in a serious or catastrophic collision resulting in serious personal injuries, including whiplash, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and other damages. This occurs when a trucker cannot stop in time and causes a rear end collision. In the case of a rear end commercial trucking accident, a rear end trucking accident occurs when a truck hits the back of a car or another non-commercial vehicle.
New Mexico Law on Following Too Closely
Following too closely is against the law. Under New Mexico Stat. section 66-7-318 (A), “[t]he driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicles and the traffic upon and the condition of the highway.”
A trucker that is following too closely and causes a collision could be liable for serious personal injuries in a crash. This could be established by the negligence per se doctrine, which holds a defendant liable for a statutory violation that causes the harm a statute is meant to prevent to a person the statute is meant to protect.
What are the Causes of Rear End Trucking Accidents?
There are many causes of rear end trucking accidents. Generally speaking, the vehicle that hits the back of the other driver’s car is considered to be at fault. This is why, if you were injured in a rear end trucking accident, you should talk to a rear end trucking accident lawyer who can review your case to determine what kind of compensation you may be eligible for. Common causes of rear end trucking accidents include the following:
- Distracted driving (i.e. using a handheld device, reaching for something on the floor of the truck, eating, drinking, playing with the radio, etc.)
- Fatigued driving
- Insufficient commercial truck driver training
- Recklessness
- Other causes of rear end trucking accidents
What Types of Injuries do Victims Commonly Have as a Result of Being Involved in a Rear End Commercial Trucking Accident?
Victims typically suffer serious injuries when involved in a rear end commercial trucking accident. Common injuries include the following:
– Broken bones or fractures
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Internal organ damage
- Amputation or loss of limb
- Brain damage
- Whip lash
- Back or neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries (i.e. disc herniation, bulging disc, etc.)
- Paralysis (i.e. quadriplegia, paraplegia)
- Wrongful death
- Vision loss
What Type of Damages are Typically Awarded in Rear End Commercial Trucking Accident Cases?
As mentioned above, rear end commercial trucking accidents can have catastrophic consequences. All too often, victims are left with permanent injuries or even death. This is why it is essential to learn what damages you may be eligible for as damages are most often awarded in the form of compensation. Common damages seen in commercial rear end trucking accident cases include the following:
- Physical and emotional pain and suffering
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Emergency transport service coverage
- Prosthetics or orthotics
- Assistive devices
- Vehicle or home modifications
- Lost future earnings
- Loss of consortium
- Funeral and burial expenses.
Victims Hurt in Truck Accidents From Following Too Closely? Call Our Law Firm for Help
The Caruso Law Offices, P.C. understands how important it is for victims and their families to recover compensation for the negligent actions of others. We have a proven track record of success handling some of the worst types of trucking wrecks throughout New Mexico. Victims and their families who have been injured in a trucking accident should call (505) 384-7865 to schedule a FREE consultation with our experienced rear end trucking accident lawyers in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
We handle causes throughout New Mexico, including Las Cruces, Santa Fe, Roswell, Cuervo, Rio Rancho, Clovis, Farmington, Hobbs, Albuquerque where our office is located, and anywhere else throughout New Mexico. Please call to schedule for FREE appointment by dialing (505) 384-7865 or contact us through our website’s easy to use and convenient contact box available here.
