Truck accidents in New Mexico pose significant risks due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles involved. New Mexico’s extensive network of highways, including major interstates, witnesses a substantial volume of truck traffic, contributing to the likelihood of accidents.
Factors such as driver fatigue, speeding, impaired driving, inadequate maintenance, and adverse weather conditions often contribute to these incidents. Truck accidents can have severe consequences, causing catastrophic injuries, fatalities, property damage, and substantial traffic disruptions.
In this article, we provide insight into the prevalence of truck accidents in the state, the common causes of these accidents, and the legal considerations that come into play for victims and their families.
Truck Accident Statistics on Fatalities and Injuries
In New Mexico, truck accidents have unfortunately led to numerous fatal injuries and property damage. The 2022 New Mexico truck accident statistics reveal the breadth of the problem.
Large Truck Accident Statistics
- New Mexico witnessed 821 large truck accidents, with 44 fatal crashes and 235 injury accidents.
- A total of 168,320 truck accidents occurred, resulting in 4,766 fatalities for one or more individuals involved.
- Approximately 76,180 individuals were injured in the truck accidents.
- Large truck accidents resulted in 5,370 accident deaths.
- Among 35,766 fatal motor vehicle accidents in the U.S., 12.5% involved large trucks.
Semi-Truck Crash Statistics
- A total of 964 semi-truck accidents occurred in New Mexico.
- Among 964 semi-truck accidents in New Mexico, 61 were fatal truck accidents.
- There were 116,353 semi-trucks involved in accidents in the U.S.
- About 30% of accidents involving semi-trucks resulted in an injury.
- About 3% of accidents involving semi-trucks ended in a fatality.
In terms of injuries, truck accidents led to a high number of injuries, with serious injuries being an expected outcome. According to the New Mexico Department of Transportation, the leading month for crashes is typically December, likely due to winter weather conditions and holiday traffic. [1]
Causes of Truck Accidents in New Mexico
New Mexico experiences a high number of truck accidents each year, resulting in devastating consequences for those involved. The causes of these accidents are diverse and often preventable, making it essential to understand the factors contributing to them.
Distracted Driving
Driver inattention is a significant issue in New Mexico, with the key factors contributing to it, according to the New Mexico Annual Traffic Report, being the use of mobile devices, eating or drinking, and adjusting the radio or GPS. These driver errors divert their attention from the road, increasing the risk of accidents.
Driver Fatigue
Driver fatigue is a pressing issue contributing to truck accidents in New Mexico. Fatigued drivers are more likely to display impaired reaction times, decreased awareness of their surroundings, and an inability to control their vehicle properly.
These factors can drastically increase the likelihood of accidents, particularly with large trucks, where the consequences can be severe. The combination of lengthy travel times and irregular schedules can lead to exhausted drivers taking to the road. The result is a higher probability of accidents caused by tired and overworked truck drivers.
Poor Road Conditions
Crumbling or uneven road surfaces, potholes, and inadequate signage can all pose significant hazards to large trucks. These conditions can lead to loss of vehicle control, reduced traction, and increased stopping distances, making it more challenging for truck drivers to maneuver their vehicles safely.
Poor road maintenance and design can create sharp curves, narrow lanes, and inadequate shoulder space, further increasing the risk of accidents, especially for trucks with large dimensions and limited maneuverability.
Speeding
Excessive speed has been identified as a significant contributor to truck accidents in New Mexico. The state’s extensive network of highways and interstates sees a high volume of truck traffic, and when these large vehicles exceed the speed limit, the risk of accidents increases exponentially.
The impact of a speeding truck can be catastrophic, often resulting in severe injuries and even fatalities. The weight and size of trucks make them more challenging to control at high speeds, leading to a greater likelihood of losing control and causing a collision.
Areas with Highest Risk for Truck Accidents in New Mexico
New Mexico is known for its vast and diverse landscapes, including open highways, mountainous terrains, and urban areas. As a result, several areas in the state are particularly high risk for truck accidents. Among these are major interstate highways, such as Interstate 40 and Interstate 25, which see heavy traffic from commercial trucks transporting goods across the state and the country.
The mountainous regions of northern New Mexico, such as the stretch of I-25 near Glorieta Pass, present challenges for truck drivers due to steep grades, winding, and dangerous roads. Urban areas like Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Bernalillo County also see a high volume of truck traffic, increasing the potential for accidents in these densely populated areas.
The infamous routes for heavy truck traffic accidents also include U.S. Route 285, U.S. Route 64, U.S. Route 70, and U.S. Route 550.
Legal Considerations for Truck Accident Victims in New Mexico
Truck accidents can be devastating and often result in serious injuries or fatalities. As such, many legal considerations come into play for truck victims as they seek compensation for their damages and losses. Here are some of the key legal considerations for truck accident victims:
- Comparative Negligence: In some cases, the victim's actions may have contributed to the accident. Understanding the concept of comparative negligence is important, as it may affect the victim's compensation.
- Documentation and Evidence: Collecting and preserving evidence is vital in establishing the facts of the accident. It includes gathering police reports, witness statements, medical records, and other relevant documentation.
- Insurance Policies: Truck crashes typically involve commercial insurance policies with high coverage limits. Understanding and navigating these policies, including dealing with insurance adjusters and ensuring fair compensation, is significant for truck accident victims.
- Legal Representation: Truck accident victims often go against well-funded insurance companies and their legal teams. Seeking legal advice and representation from experienced accident lawyers specializing in truck accident cases can significantly improve the victim's chances of obtaining fair compensation.
- Liability: Determining liability in a truck accident is a complex process. In addition to the truck driver, other parties, such as the trucking company, the truck manufacturer, or even the cargo loaders, may be held accountable. Proving liability often requires a thorough investigation and the expertise of legal professionals.
- Losses and Damages: Truck accident victims may be entitled to compensation for various losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. Calculating and proving these losses is a significant part of the legal process.
- Statute of Limitations: Truck accident victims must be aware of the Statute of Limitations, which is the time within which they must file a lawsuit. Failing to file within this time frame can result in losing the right to seek maximum compensation. The Statute of Limitations in New Mexico for most civil lawsuits, including truck accident claims, is three to four years. [2]
Goldberg & Loren is an experienced personal injury law firm specializing in truck accident cases in New Mexico. With in-depth knowledge of state and federal trucking regulations, we can effectively advocate for our clients in negotiations with insurance companies or in the courtroom.
Please get in touch with Goldberg & Loren law firm if you require a truck accident attorney in New Mexico.
FAQs
The highest number of fatal semi-truck accidents were recorded in Texas, with California, Florida, and Georgia following closely.
Truck accidents have a higher likelihood due to their size, weight, and longer stopping distances along with other factors such as driver fatigue, long hours on the road, and the nature of hauling goods, leading to more severe consequences in the event of a crash.
In New Mexico, Interstate 40 is at a higher risk for truck accidents due to its status as a major transcontinental highway running through the southeastern and southwestern United States. It ranks as the third-longest Interstate Highway in the country, stretching 2,556.61 miles, following I-90 and I-80.
Sources:
[1] Truck Accident Statistics – 2023 Edition. (n.d.). https://www.truckinfo.net/research/truck-accident-statistics
[2] New Mexico Statute of Limitations: Personal Injury, Malpractice, and Fraud | Wrongful Death Statute of Limitations in New Mexico. (2021, July 12). Statutes of Limitations. https://www.statutes-of-limitations.com/state/new-mexico/
