New Mexico Trucking Accidents Caused by Improper Lane Changes Can Kill Victims in Passenger Vehicles
New Mexico has some of the busiest interstates in the country because this area is a major shipping corridor in the United States. Some of the largest trucking companies such as Ryder, J.B. Hunt, FedEx, and many others use New Mexico highways and interstates to transport cargo. I-40, I-25, and I-10 span throughout New Mexico with Albuquerque, New Mexico being the major hub. All of this large commercial truck traffic on the interstates result in many very serious New Mexico trucking accidents which can cause the wrongful death of a victim.
One of the most common causes of a New Mexico trucking accident on an interstate is an improper lane change by a truck. This is almost always due to the negligence of the truck driver and can allow victims to receive compensation for their injuries. If you or a loved one have been injured or killed in a New Mexico trucking accident involving an improper lane change, contact the experienced New Mexico trucking accident attorneys at the Mark Caruso to learn how we can protect you rights to compensation. Call us for a FREE consultation by dialing (505) 407-0458 to learn more!
New Mexico Law Prohibits Improper Lane Changes
A significant number of New Mexico trucking accidents occurring on interstates involve an improper lane change. Under New Mexico Law, NM Stat 66-7-317 (A) provides “[w]henever any roadway has been divided into two or more clearly marked lanes for traffic the following rules in addition to all others consistent herewith shall apply: (A) a vehicle shall be driven as nearly as practicable entirely within a single lane and shall not be moved from such lane until the driver has first ascertained that such movement can be made with safety[.]”
Therefore, when a large commercial trucks attempts to move lanes without doing so safety, the truck driver and the trucking company will be liable for violating this statute. This will render the truck driver and trucking company negligent per se, which will help a victim establish negligence as the cause of the trucking accident. Additionally, a trucking company and truck driver may be liable under the common law (judge-made) finding of negligence.
Causes of Improper Lane Changes
Large commercial trucks such as tractor trailers, big-rigs, flatbeds, tankers, and other large commercial vehicles have a lot of unique characteristics which contribute to causing trucking accidents. Some common causes of improper lane change accidents include the following:
- Excessive speed;
- Distracted driving such as cell phone use or playing with the radio;
- Failing to check mirrors;
- Inexperience;
- Failing to gauge distance;
- Insufficient training;
- Oversized cargo;
- Weather conditions;
- Failure to use turn signal;
- Failure to yield; and
- Many other causes.
Improper Lane Changes on the Interstate Can Cause Wrongful Deaths
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motor vehicle accident, call the experienced New Mexico truck 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.
