Exploring the Common Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents in New Mexico
At the Law Office of Samuel I. Kane, P.A., our truck accident attorneys in Las Cruces know the best way to avoid collisions with commercial vehicles is to understand what causes them.
Unfortunately, throughout the U.S. and New Mexico semi-truck crashes are causing life-changing injuries and fatalities that are the direct result of negligence.
When they do, our Dona Ana County truck accident lawyers are here to help. And while we hope you never need us, we can help make a difference in your case by pursuing each of the negligence parties that caused your crash, so you can pursue the financial recovery you need to get your life back.
Here is what our New Mexico residents need to know about the top causes of semi-truck accidents as listed in the Large Truck Causation Study published by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
Leading Causes of Truck Accidents in New Mexico and Throughout the U.S.
Speeding
When a large truck that can weigh up to 80,000 pounds is speeding on our New Mexico roadways, the accidents that result can change lives.
Illegal Drug Use
All truck drivers are required to take random drug tests, but that does not mean some are not able to cheat the system, which can cause serious accidents, injuries, and fatalities.
Driver Inexperience
When truck drivers are unfamiliar with the roads they were traveling, their inexperience can lead to making wrong turns or trying to fit their large truck in a space that was not designed for its travel.
Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medications
Legal and prescribed drugs of any kind can be dangerous when consumed by drivers who are unaware of the side effects, which can lead to poor judgment and slower reaction times.
Failing to Check Blind Spots and/or Signal
When truck drivers do not take the time to double-check their surroundings before making turns or changing lanes, occupants of nearby vehicles are going to get hurt or killed. When drivers fail to check their blind spots, their turn signal often alerts other drivers to their movements. When they fail to do both, terrible accidents can and will occur.
Tired truck drivers caused approximately 13% of all commercial truck accidents last year.
Failing to Maintain a Safe Distance
When truck drivers fail to maintain a safe distance between their large vehicles and much smaller passenger cars, serious accidents can occur when they must brake quickly or swerve to avoid an accident (which typically causes another one).
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is dangerous in any vehicle, but when a truck driver is behind the wheel of a large commercial vehicle that can crush a much smaller car or SUV.
Have You Been Injured or Lost a Loved One to Truck Driver Negligence in New Mexico?
If you have been hurt in a truck accident in New Mexico, contact our truck accident lawyers in New Mexico at the Law Office of Samuel I. Kane by calling 575-222-0472 to schedule a free consultation, so we can review the circumstances of your truck crash injuries and begin building your case for success.
