Three people died and two others were hurt in a recent head-on collision that involved a tractor-trailer on Interstate 40 near Grants. According to law enforcement authorities, the crash occurred after a big rig that was headed east unexpectedly crossed the median of the roadway near mile marker 95 and struck a westbound pick-up truck carrying three people. The driver of the pick-up, 27-year-old Devin Marine, reportedly died as a result of the injuries he sustained in the wreck. Sadly, his two passengers, 47-year-old Rick Macurio and 21-year-old Branden Macurio, were also killed in the accident.
Following the fatal head-on collision, emergency responders allegedly transported the seriously injured driver of the semi to the University of New Mexico Hospital via emergency helicopter. In addition, a passenger in the tractor-trailer was allegedly taken to Cibola General Hospital in Grants for treatment. Authorities stated the passenger was later transported to the University Hospital in Albuquerque.
After the collision, the interstate was purportedly closed in both directions for several hours while law enforcement officers investigated. Although the exact cause of the fatal crash is still under investigation, authorities reportedly do not believe alcohol played a role in the accident. The driver of the pick-up was allegedly not wearing a seat belt when he was killed. Both of his passengers, however, were reportedly wearing a safety belt when the wreck occurred.
Unfortunately, 18-wheeler crashes are common in our state. More than 2,000 traffic accidents in the State of New Mexico involve a semi each year. Tractor-trailer collisions are normally different than simple automobile wrecks because they usually involve unique pieces of evidence. Computers installed onboard a big rig can provide accident investigators with a number of important details about the events that lead up to an 18-wheeler crash. Big rig drivers are also required to maintain daily log books and other records in order to document the amount of time spent traveling each day.
Semi wrecks may be caused by many factors including driver fatigue, excessive load weights, driver impairment, and poor truck maintenance. Individuals who were hurt in a crash with a tractor-trailer may be entitled to receive damages for lost wages and benefits, the cost of their medical expenses, any temporary or permanent disability that resulted from the wreck, pain, and suffering. Certain relatives of someone who was killed in an accident with a semi may also be eligible to recover funeral expenses and receive other compensation. Anyone who was hurt by a negligent tractor-trailer driver should contact a skilled New Mexico truck accident lawyer as soon as possible following a collision.
Call the Fine Law Firm at (505) 889-3463 if you or a loved one was injured in a traffic wreck with a semi. Our dedicated Albuquerque accident attorneys have more than 100 years of combined experience helping the victims of unexpected accidents receive the compensation they deserve based on the severity of their injuries. To schedule a free, confidential case evaluation with a hardworking personal injury lawyer today, please contact the Fine Law Firm through our website.
More Blog Posts:
Two Roadway Construction Workers Killed, One Hurt When Struck by RV Near Gallup, New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, December 27, 2012
New Mexico Again Ranks Number One in Per Capita Accidental Deaths, New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, December 23, 2012
Additional Resources:
Victims identified in fatal semi crash, koat.com