In late September, a New Mexico State Police officer was hurt in a rollover accident south of Roswell after he allegedly attempted to avoid a head-on collision with a semi on State Route 249. At the time of the accident, Lieutenant Javier Moncada was patrolling for speeders in Lea County. When the 39-year-old law enforcement officer crested a hill, he reportedly found himself facing a tractor-trailer traveling in the wrong lane and headed straight for him. Moncada stated he left the roadway when he swerved to the right in an effort to avoid hitting the semi head-on. The State Police officer’s vehicle rolled at least three times before coming to a stop upside down in the brush on the side of the roadway.
The driver of the semi allegedly continued on towards Hagerman without stopping. According to New Mexico State Police Sergeant Lawrence Murray, other motorists on the roadway notified authorities about the accident. Following the accident, Moncada reportedly cut his safety belt and crawled out of the wrecked police vehicle. Emergency rescue crews transported the police officer to a Roswell hospital for treatment of the head, back, and neck injuries he purportedly sustained in the accident. Although the crash is currently under investigation, State Police investigators do not believe speed played a role in the incident.
Every year, more than 2,000 crashes involving big rigs occur throughout New Mexico. 18-wheeler accidents are different than typical automobile crashes because they often involve unique pieces of evidence. For example, on board computers can provide investigators with important details about the events that lead up to a semi crash. Also, big rig drivers must maintain log books and other records to document the amount of time they spend on the road each day. Tractor-trailer accidents are often caused by drunk or impaired driving, driver fatigue, excessive load weights, and poor truck maintenance.
If you were hurt by a negligent tractor-trailer driver, you may be eligible to recover financial compensation from the driver’s employer. In the State of New Mexico, truck accident victims may receive financial compensation for their pain, suffering, medical costs, lost wages, any temporary or permanent disability, and other damages. Anyone who was injured by a negligent semi driver should contact an experienced lawyer as soon as possible following the accident.
If you or a loved one was hurt in an accident with an 18-wheeler, contact the Fine Law Firm today. Our capable Roswell personal injury attorneys have more than 100 years of combined experience representing truck and other accident victims throughout New Mexico. At the Fine Law Firm, our dedicated lawyers are available to help you collect the damages you deserve following an injury accident. To schedule a free confidential case evaluation, please do not hesitate to contact the diligent attorneys at the Fine Law Firm through our website or give us a call at (505) 889-3463.
More Blog Posts:
Study Finds Longer Yellow Traffic Lights Increased Intersection Safety in Albuquerque, New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, October 5, 2012
Wrongful Death Case Filed Against Two Santa Fe Mental Health Professionals, New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, September 25, 2012
Additional Resources:
Cop dodging semi injured in rollover, by Gabrielle Burkhart, krqe.com