Logging Trucks
One of the worst traffic disasters imaginable is a logging truck accident. This type of accident can be catastrophic, with loose logs tumbling into the road and striking oncoming vehicles. Accidents involving logging trucks can often be prevented, meaning that victims injured or killed in these crashes may be eligible for car accident injury compensation in Albuquerque from the truck driver, a trucking company or another party.
What Are the Risks Involved With Logging Trucks?
A logging truck is a commercial truck used to carry loads of wood, logs and other timber products, either within the same state or across state lines. These trucks are often found on highways and interstates, as well as rural roads where they make their pickups and deliveries.
Logging trucks are often extremely heavy due to the cargo they carry, making them challenging to maneuver for drivers and a serious hazard to others in the event of a truck accident. Passenger cars are no match for large logging trucks, especially if a truck drops its load in the collision.
If not properly operated, a logging truck could end up involved in a rollover accident, truck jackknife accident, rear-end collision, underride or override accident, head-on collision, wide-turn crash, or accidents involving lost loads.
Why Do Logging Truck Accidents Happen?
Many lapses and oversights by a trucking company or truck driver could lead to a logging truck accident in New Mexico, including:
- Improperly secured load
- Logs falling off the truck
- A load shifting in transit
- A tired or fatigued driver
- Violated hours-of-service rules
- Broken federal safety laws
- Inadequate truck maintenance
- Mechanical failures
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Poor truck driver training
- Hazardous road conditions
Since New Mexico relies on a fault-based car insurance law, determining the cause of a logging truck accident is necessary before victims can seek financial compensation.
How to Hold Someone Liable for a Logging Truck Accident in New Mexico
Logging truck drivers and trucking companies have legal duties of care. They must obey state traffic laws as well as federal motor carrier rules and regulations when transporting logs. The logs on the bed of a truck must be properly secured or tied down, for example, and the driver must have the training to properly operate the logging truck.
If a truck company, logging company, maintenance crew, truck driver or another party violates its duty of care, this is grounds to hold that party liable for a subsequent accident. As an injured victim, you can file a claim with the insurance provider of the at-fault party in pursuit of a settlement for your losses.
Logging Truck Accidents Can Cause Catastrophic Injuries
Collisions involving logging trucks often result in severe and life-threatening injuries due to the unique circumstances of the crash. Common injuries include:
- Amputations
- Decapitations
- Head and neck injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis (paraplegia or quadriplegia)
- Deep lacerations
- Disfiguring scars
- Permanent disability
Sadly, many logging truck accidents are fatal. In these tragic situations, surviving loved ones may be able to file wrongful death claims on behalf of those killed.
How a Logging Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help You
If you suffered serious injuries or the loss of a loved one in a recent logging accident in New Mexico, help is available. An experienced truck accident lawyer at The Fine Law Firm can take legal action on your behalf to hold someone accountable for the crash and your related losses.
Hiring an attorney for representation during insurance settlement negotiations or a personal injury lawsuit can enable you to get the financial compensation that you need after a severe logging truck accident, helping you get back on your feet and rebuild your life as much as possible.
For a free consultation with a local logging truck accident lawyer, contact The Fine Law Firm to arrange a meeting with one of our attorneys. We have more than 35 years of experience and care about our clients.