News sources are reporting an awful crash that occurred between Albuquerque and Arizona on I-40. The crash involved three big rig trucks and resulted in the death of one individual. Police say that five our people were injured in the crash. News agencies are reporting that one big rig crossed the centerline median and flipped over. Two other big rigs crashed into the truck resulting in a pileup collision. There is no known cause at this time. Reporters are noting that this is the third time a tractor trailer collision has occurred when one vehicle is crossing the centerline and striking another vehicle. Learn more about this fatal trucking crash from our Albuquerque, New Mexico trucking accident lawyers.
Headlight Defects Causing New Mexico 18 Wheeler Wreck
Our Albuquerque trucking accident lawyers have seen many different types of crashes, but some of the most frustrating types of crashes are those caused by mechanical defects. This is because truck drivers and trucking companies have these issues under their control and should be on top of their maintenance. One of the more dangerous types of defects is a headlight defect. Not only could this be due to the lack of a headlight which can cloak an oncoming truck, but also improperly adjusted lights could blind oncoming vehicles with extreme glare. Learn how these dangerous headlight defects could cause a New Mexico 18 wheeler wreck.
Broadside Collisions with Tractor Trailers Backing Up: Albuquerque Trucking Accident Lawyers Explain
Large commercial vehicles are dangerous no matter how they are operated. Even very skilled and careful drivers could still cause catastrophic trucking accidents. One of the most dangerous maneuvers that large tractor trailers, double trailers, tankers, flatbeds, and other big rigs could do is back up. One of the most dangerous locations for backing up is on the roadway. While it sounds like it may not make sense for a large truck to backup on a roadway into a driveway, sometimes it is even more dangerous to go head in and then have to backup on the roadway. Unfortunately, anytime a large truck is backing up it could result in serious New Mexico trucking accidents. When a truck is backing up across lanes of traffic, that type of trucking accident could be a broadside collision. This is particularly true at night. Learn more from our Albuquerque trucking accident lawyers available here.
Inspecting your truck can help you identify safety concerns
Driving a big rig across New Mexico can make for some exciting and adventurous times, especially when you have the opportunity to travel somewhere new. Part of your ability to enjoy these travels and to uphold your responsibility to your employer to get a product efficiently to its destination is your ability to do so safely. At Caruso Law Offices P.C., we understand the challenges that truckers face and also the risks they may encounter.
The last thing you want to happen is a serious accident where you or someone else is injured or killed. As the person driving a big rig, you have the responsibility to properly maintain and operate your vehicle to prevent it from becoming a threat to other motorists. Likewise, you should remain vigilant of your surroundings for drivers who may not be as experienced or who may not understand the dangers of cutting off or driving too closely to a vehicle of your size.
3 Reasons NM Interstate Trucking Accidents Can be Deadly
New Mexico interstate trucking accidents can be deadly for many reasons. Inherently, large commercial trucks have more force in collisions and therefore connect with more violence. This is due to a truck's sheer size and weight, which is magnified on highways and interstates like I-10, I-25, and I-40. This is why interstate trucking accidents are commonly deadly in New Mexico, no matter what type of collision. While there are many possible types of collisions and causes for 18 wheeler wrecks, our Albuquerque trucking accident lawyers want to share 3 common reasons why New Mexico interstate trucking accidents can be so deadly.
Tractor Trailer Unhitch Accidents in New Mexico
Large commercial trucks are generally in two parts. The cabin is where the truck driver operates the vehicle. This is the cockpit of the truck with the steering wheel and brakes. The second part is the trailer bed, or the part of the truck for the cargo. Some trucks have two trailer beds for extra cargo. Some states even allow triple trailers. The trailers are connected to the cabin and the other trailers by a hitch. This hitch is what keeps them connected. However, defects in the hitch, improper maintenance, and improperly hitching the trucks can result in tractor trailer unhitch accidents in New Mexico. Learn more about this type of crash and serious personal injuries.
Fatal New Mexico Jackknife Trucking Accidents
One of the most violent types of New Mexico trucking accidents is a jackknife trucking accident. This is when a large commercial vehicle has the trailer (where the cargo is) and the cabin (where the driver sits) fold into itself to form a right angle. The appearance of the cabin and trailer cutting into itself at an angle resembles an old folding "jackknife" which is why this type of trucking accident is known as a jackknife trucking accident. This can be one of the most deadly and devastating types of New Mexico trucking accidents that victims may be entitled to compensation for their injuries.
New Mexico Carriage Underride Crashes
One of the most dramatic and traumatizing types of New Mexico trucking accidents is a carriage underride crash. This is because smaller passenger vehicles and motorcycles can get swept underneath the trailer of a truck which cause catastrophic injuries and devastating damage. Smaller vehicles could be run over and crushed, dragged and shredded, or both which result in horrific injuries to occupants and likely wrongful deaths. Learn more about New Mexico carriage underride crashes due to the negligence of a truck driver from our Albuquerque trucking accident lawyers.
Tractor Trailer's Jumping Curbs and Hitting Pedestrians
Large commercial vehicles like tractor trailers, 18 wheelers, tankers, and other box trucks are inherently more difficult to operate. In fact, they are so difficult to operate that a special license is required which is only issued after a written test, shadowing another driver, and passing a practice test/road exam. One of the most dangerous maneuvers is a turn, especially in a city or urban area. This is because large tractor trailer that jumps a curb could cause significant damage to pedestrians and other motorists. If you or a loved one have been injured in a New Mexico trucking accident due to a tractor trailer jumping curbs and hitting pedestrians, please ask our Albuquerque trucking accident lawyers how we can help.
How do you file a claim against an uninsured motorist?
Seeing that you are okay and that no one else involved in the car accident is seriously injured, there is nothing worse than hearing that the person who hit you in New Mexico does not have insurance coverage. While some form of insurance is required in many states, some people simply choose not to prioritize the maintenance of an insurance policy and simply do not have one.
While finding out this news can be disconcerting, to say the least, you do have a chance at holding the other driver somewhat accountable, especially if you are prepared to get adequate information at the scene of the accident. Once you have made sure that everyone is okay and are in a safe place where you are out of the way of other motorists, ask the other driver for his or her contact information. Take pictures of the accident scene, the damage on both of your vehicles and different angles of the crash impact. Call the police and file a report and stay on scene to fill out a driver exchange form.
