What Happens if the Truck Driver was Speeding and Caused my Crash?
Understanding New Mexico Law: What Happens if the Truck Driver was Speeding and Caused my Crash?
One of the most common causes of a New Mexico motor vehicle accident is a speeding vehicle. Unfortunately because we have the Big I exchange in Albuquerque, many of these speeding motor vehicle accidents are trucking accidents. This includes with large commercial vehicles such as 18 wheelers, big rigs, and semi tractor trailers. When this happens, victims are likely to suffer serious personal injuries including amputations, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, or even wrongful death. This is because a speeding tractor trailer is a very dangerous vehicle since the truck’s weight is multiplied by its speed to generate significant momentum. This momentum is what disperses force into a smaller, passenger vehicle in a collision. This is why many people say “speed kills,” especially with large commercial trucks. Victims and their families commonly ask what happens if a truck driver was speeding and caused a victim’s crash resulting in catastrophic injuries or wrongful death.
Victims who have been seriously injured or who have had a loved one wrongfully killed in a New Mexico trucking accident may be entitled to compensation under New Mexico law. Here at the Caruso Law Offices, P.C., our experienced Albuquerque trucking accident lawyers understand how devastating a big rig crash with a speeding truck driver can be. This is why we have dedicated our entire firm to protecting the rights of victims who have been seriously injured in trucking wrecks and other catastrophic personal injury accidents. If you or a loved one were seriously injured, or if a loved one was wrongfully killed, ask our Albuquerque trucking accident lawyers how we can help protect your rights to compensation.
Speeding is Illegal in New Mexico: Truckers That Violate the Speeding Law May be Liable
It is well-known that every state has a speed limit. Even if the speed limit is not posted, the speed limit is still what the statute says for that particular stretch of road. Not only do motorists must follow the speed limit, but under New Mexico Stat. 66-7-301 this section provides “[i]n every event, speed shall be so controlled by the driver as may be necessary: (1) to avoid colliding with a person, vehicle or other conveyance on or entering the highway; (2) to comply with legal requirements as may be established by the state highway and transportation department or the New Mexico state police division of department of public safety and the duty of all persons to use due care . . . .”
If a truck driver was speeding and caused a victim’s crash, the truck driver and trucking company could be automatically liable under this section of the vehicle and traffic law. This is known as the doctrine of negligence per se. The doctrine of negligence per se allows a victim to recover compensation for his or her personal injuries by establishing liability for a defendant who breaks the law and harms a person that is supposed to be protected by that law.
Hurt by a Speeding Truck Driver? We Can Help
If a speeding truck driver causes serious personal injuries to you or a loved one, we can help. New Mexico law allows victims to recover compensation for their serious personal injuries—including for trucking accidents. Thus, what happens if the truck driver was speeding and caused your crash should mean that you call our lawyers at the Caruso Law Offices, P.C. to learn how we can protect your rights to compensation. Call to schedule your FREE appointment with our lawyers at the Caruso Law Offices, P.C. by dialing (505) 883-5000.
We handle causes throughout New Mexico, including Las Cruces, Santa Fe, Roswell, Cuervo, Rio Rancho, Clovis, Farmington, Hobbs, Albuquerque where our office is located, and anywhere else throughout New Mexico. Please call to schedule for FREE appointment by dialing (505) 883-5000 or contact us through our website’s easy to use and convenient contact box available here.
