Understanding Your Rights When a Truck Defect Causing a New Mexico Trucking Accident: Albuquerque Trucking Accident Lawyer Explains
Commercial trucks like 18 wheelers, semi tractor trailers, double trailers, big rigs, and other box trucks are large and heavy. There are a lot of parts that go into the manufacturing of these vehicles, and which means there are a lot of parts that also need to be maintained, cleaned, regularly serviced, and replaced. While most trucking companies do a fair job at this, unfortunately some trucking companies put profits over safety and neglect basic maintenance. When trucking companies allow defects to become dangerous, it could result in a very serious and often fatal New Mexico auto accident.
One of the first questions that a victim has after a truck defect causes an auto accident is who is liable for the mistake causing his or her personal injuries. The answer is when an 18 wheeler accident occurs because of truck defects, the truck driver and trucking company will most likely be liable. Here at the NM Truck Accident Attorneys, our experienced Albuquerque trucking accident lawyer knows that these types of trucking accidents are more difficult than normal auto accidents and require extra care and attention. Call our law firm today to learn how we can help you in a FREE consultation by dialing (505) 308-1556.
Types of Trucking Defects
When an 18 wheeler wreck is caused by a truck defect in New Mexico, there could be multiple people responsible. This usually means that the truck driver and trucking company are liable. But depending on the type of defect, there could be other entities liable. Thus, it is important to understand what type of defect occurred to determine who may be liable.
Some of the most common truck defects that could cause a New Mexico auto accident include the following:
- Brake failure, both the main brakes and the air brakes or backup brakes;
- Tire defects, including damaged tires, worn or bald tires, tread separation, holes or slices, or other manufacturing defects;
- Damaged axels which could cause the truck to veer one way or another;
- Steering column failures, which could result in the truck becoming an unguided missile;
- Damaged or improper cargo tie downs or straps;
- Malfunctioning, defective, or just broken lights, blinkers, indicators, and other hazard flashers, including simply lights that are out; and
- Other serious defects.
Call our New Mexico Trucking Accident Lawyer if There was a Truck Defect That May Have Caused your Trucking Accident
Under the FMCSA regulations and New Mexico law, a truck driver is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the vehicle he or she is operating. This includes doing equipment checks periodically while the vehicle is in service. Trucking companies are also liable for the maintenance of their vehicles before they are put in service, and any consequences that occur after the vehicle is in service. Additionally, if the defect is something like engine failures or other improvements performed or repaired by a third-party, that entity could be independently liable for the New Mexico trucking accident caused by the truck defect.
If your or a loved one have been injured due to a truck defect, please call the NM Truck Accident Attorneys 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.
