Possible Negligence in the Thoreau Greyhound Bus Crash: Why a Blown Front Tire Could be Evidence of Negligence
Multiple news agencies are reporting on the fatal Greyhound bus crash from last week in Thoreau, New Mexico. This crash between a large semi tractor trailer and a Greyhound bus resulted in the deaths of 8 people, and the injuries of almost 30 more people. The crash occurred when a semi tractor trailer blew a front, driver’s side tire. This caused the tractor trailer to lose control, cross the center medium, and strike a large Greyhound bus head on. There was a devastating collision which caused catastrophic personal injuries. Our New Mexico trucking accident lawyer has been following the crash caused by the blown front tire.
Here at the NM Truck Accident Attorneys, we know that any large commercial truck, 18 wheeler, big rig, or other box truck crash caused by a blown front tire, flat tire, or other equipment failure could be the result of negligence from the truck driver or trucking company. If you or a loved one were seriously injured or wrongfully killed in a New Mexico truck accident such as the Thoreau Greyhound bus crash in McKinley, New Mexico, please call us by dialing (505) 308-1556 to learn what your rights to compensation may be. We are licensed to practice law in both New Mexico and California, speak Spanish, and can meet you anywhere to discuss you case.
Tire Failures and Liability for Trucking Crashes in New Mexico and Throughout the United States
Since trucking is part of interstate commerce, meaning that it involves multiple states at a time, the federal government as promulgated regulations which govern the conduct of truck drivers and trucking companies throughout the United States. This agency is the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, or FMCSA, which has enacted certain trucking regulations governing tires and inspections of tires. Our New Mexico truck accident lawyer is experienced in using the FMCSA regulations to help prove a case.
For instance, 49 CFR section 393.75 (a),”[n]o motor vehicle shall be operated on any tire that-
- Has body ply or belt material exposed through the tread or sidewall,
- Has any tread or sidewall separation,
- Is flat or has an audible leak, or
- Has a cut to the extent that the ply or belt material is exposed.”
In addition, under 49 CFR section 392.7 (a), “[n]o commercial motor vehicle shall be driven unless the driver is satisfied that following parts and accessories are in good working order . . . tires.” The particularly includes a truck driver being required to check “wheels, rims, lugs, tires” before they go onto the road.
If a trucking company or truck driver violate one or both of these regulations, it is evidence of negligence through the doctrine of negligence per se. This doctrine allows a victim of a New Mexico trucking accident to hold the truck driver and trucking company liable for personal injuries caused by a violation of a regulation which is meant to protect that individual from personal injuries. Meaning, if you are hurt by the violation of a regulation that is meant to protect you, whomever violated that regulation and hurt you may be found automatically liable. In the case of FMCSA regulatory violations, it will be evidence of negligence (not an automatic finding).
Victims of the Thoreau Greyhound Bus Crash and Semi Tractor Trailer Wreck Should Call Our Law Firm
Our experienced New Mexico trucking accident lawyer knows how the FMCSA regulations apply to auto accidents such as the tragic Greyhound bus collision last week. We have an expert certified by the Department of Transportation who can get out to the scene of the crash immediately and begin collecting data. Call us today to come meet with you in California, New Mexico, or elsewhere to discuss your case without any cost to you. We speak Spanish and are able to send out our expert immediately to collect data and begin an investigation. Call the NM Truck Accident Attorneys by dialing (505) 308-1556 to learn how we can help. You can also contact us on our website through the easy to use and convenient Contact box located by clicking here.
