Fatal Melrose NM Trucking Accident Involving Three Tractor Trailers
News sources are reporting a fatal tractor trailer crash in Melrose, NM which occurred on June 9, 2019. Richard Joseph, a 45 year old man from Tijeras, was killed in a three-tractor trailer crash just west of Melrose, New Mexico. The trucking crash occurred just before 5:30 AM. New Mexico state police indicated that the Mr. Joseph’s 2000 Kenworth tractor trailer was traveling east on US 60. This tractor trailer crossed the centerline into the westbound lane and struck a 2017 Kenworth and a 1987 Peterbilt tractor trailer. Richard Jospeh was declared deceased at the scene of the tractor trailer crash. There is limited information regarding this trucking crash at this time. The only other information is that the other truck drivers did not initially report injuries.
Our law firm sends our condolences to the victims and their families of this crash. There are many possible reasons why this crash could have occurred, many possible reasons may be due to reckless, careless, or negligent reasons. If you or a loved one were hurt in this Melrose, NM trucking accident, please call our compassionate and experienced New Mexico trucking accident lawyer by dialing (505) 308-1556.
Liability in this Melrose NM Trucking Accident
At first glance it would appear that Mr. Joseph was solely at fault for this crash. After all, motorists must drive on the right side of the roadway and not cross the centerline. This is pursuant to New Mexico Stat. 66-7-308 , which provides that “[u]pon all roadways of sufficient width a vehicle shall be driven upon the right half of the roadway and where practicable, entirely to the right of the center thereof[.]” Here, it is clear that Mr. Joseph failed to do that. If either of the other truck drivers are injured, they would have a claim against Mr. Joseph and the trucking company he is employed with.
But this does not mean he is automatically at fault. There are several other possible reasons why this tractor trailer crash could have occurred. These reasons are the following:
- Mechanical errors – the trucking company could have negligently repaired the tractor trailer by failing to repair the steering column, defective brakes, damaged tires, or other mechanical defects that could have caused Mr. Joseph to lose control. The trucking company is responsible for the upkeep for their motor vehicles, and if the failure to properly maintain their trucks caused this wrongful death, Mr. Joseph’s family would be able to collect.
- Another vehicle – if another vehicle cut off the tractor trailer and forced Mr. Joseph into the centerline, it could not be his fault but rather an emergency situation;
- Roadway defect – if there was a roadway defect such as a giant pothole or damage, it could be the fault of the state or county;
- Spillage of debris from another vehicle – if a leading vehicle lost cargo or materials it could have caused Mr. Joseph to maneuver away from the debris or lose control and be the fault of the other motorist.
Victims of the Melrose, NM Trucking Accident Should Call Our Law Firm
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured or wrongfully killed in a New Mexico trucking accident, such as the fatal Melrose, NM tractor trailer crash, please call our experienced New Mexico trucking accident lawyers at the Mark Caruso by dialing (505) 308-1556 to learn how we can help you. We offer FREE consultations and can dispatched experts to the scene of an accident quickly to begin collecting evidence and building a case.
We handle cases throughout New Mexico, including in Lordsburg, Albuquerque, Las Cruces, Santa Fe, Roswell, or anywhere else. Call the Mark Caruso 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.
