Last week, a semi truck driver was hurt in New Mexico and traffic was backed up for hours after two 18-wheelers crashed on eastbound Interstate 10 near mile marker 155 in Vado. According to an accident witness, Jorge Robles, the collision occurred after a white 18-wheeler attempted to merge onto the interstate directly in the path of a blue semi carrying a load of green chiles and watermelons. According to Robles, the driver of the blue semi attempted to avoid the collision by slamming on his brakes. The vehicle’s tires reportedly began to smoke as the driver tried to slow the truck. The blue truck was allegedly unable to stop, however, and struck the rear left side of the white 18-wheeler. According to Robles, the blue semi then flipped and his load of produce was spread across the roadway.
The driver of the blue 18-wheeler, 41-year-old Luchann Cunningham of Freeman, Virginia, was reportedly severely injured in the crash. Although an emergency helicopter was initially summoned, he was taken to University Medical Center in El Paso by ambulance. The other driver, a 51-year-old Arizona man, was not hurt in the collision. Additionally, a 41-year-old police officer collapsed while working at the scene of the accident. Lt. Robert Potter was transported to Memorial Medical Center in Las Cruces where he later died as a result of a massive heart attack. Following the accident, New Mexico State Police closed the roadway for several hours so the produce could be removed from the freeway.
Each year, more than 2,000 collisions involving semi trucks occur in the State of New Mexico. Big rig crashes are normally caused by driver fatigue, defective brakes, excessive load weights, and drunk or impaired driving. New Mexico 18-wheeler accidents are unusual as they often involve unique pieces of evidence. For example, black boxes and on board computers can provide investigators with significant details regarding the events that lead up to a truck crash. Additionally, drivers are required to maintain log books and other records to document the amount of time they spend on the road each day.
If the driver of an 18-wheeler acted negligently, you may be able to recover financial compensation from his or her employer for any injuries you sustain as a result. Truck accident victims may be awarded damages for their suffering, pain, medical expenses, lost wages, and any temporary or permanent disability. Despite that the victim in a New Mexico semi truck accident has up to three years to file a lawsuit, anyone injured by an 18-wheeler should discuss their case with a capable attorney as soon as possible following the accident.
Call the Fine Law Firm at (505) 889-3463 if you or a loved one was the victim of a New Mexico big rig accident. Our experienced Las Cruces truck accident lawyers are available to help those who were hurt in a crash caused by an 18-wheeler. At the Fine Law Firm, we represent injured clients throughout the State of New Mexico. Our knowledgeable attorneys have more than 100 years of combined experience helping accident victims in New Mexico achieve the financial compensation they deserve following an unexpected injury. To speak with a hardworking truck accident lawyer today, please do not hesitate to contact the Fine Law Firm through our website.
More Blog Posts:
Couple Who Lost Unborn Baby in San Miguel County Accident Seek Stricter New Mexico DWI Laws, New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, August 13, 2012
Fatal Semi Truck Accident on Highway 70, New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, August 10, 2012
Additional Resources:
One injured in Wednesday tractor-trailer crash on I-10 near Vado, by Brian Fraga, Las Cruces Sun-News
New Mexico police officer dies from heart attack suffered at Vado crash scene, by Brian Fraga, Las Cruces Sun-News