Several New Mexico news outlets reported on a horrific truck crash that took place on a state highway just southwest of Hatch, NM.
In a collision that killed three people, two semi-trucks collided on state Road 26 about 15 miles from Hatch. The truck crash led to road closures as New Mexico State Police investigated the incident. Members of law enforcement are pushing drivers onto alternate routes to avoid the crash site.
“New Mexico truck crashes are awful,” said Singleton Schreiber New Mexico Managing Partner Brian Colón. “Having represented families in tractor-trailer cases I have seen lives torn apart by these tragic incidents, and our hearts go out to the families of those who were killed and injured.”
A spokeswoman for the New Mexico Department of Transportation said it was a head-on crash of two 18-wheelers. The photos of the highway showed boxes and debris littered across the road.
Singleton Schreiber truck accident attorneys can be reached at (505) 270-2154 or by emailing info@singletonschreiber.com.
New Mexico Truck Crashes
New Mexico truck crash attorneys are noting that this incident comes just weeks after a multi-car accident which happened on Interstate 40 in Grants, NM. On February 17, New Mexico State Police reported a four-vehicle crash in which a Volvo semi-truck rear-ended a 2021 Freightliner CMV which then crossed into the median and struck an 2005 International DMV and a 2009 Cadillac.
As interstate commerce recovers from the various supply chain issues caused by Covid, more and more trucks and different types of trucks are filling interstate highways across New Mexico. Areas such as Hatch, Radium Springs, Las Cruces, Mesilla, Salem, Rincon, Garfield and Derry which normally do not see these types of big rig crashes. But, with Interstate 25, Interstate 10 covered in large trucks, these incidents will only become more common.
For people involved in semi-truck collisions, having a qualified New Mexico truck crash lawyer on their side is vitally important. These three people who were killed likely had families who are now left to pick up the pieces.
Deadly Nature of Large Commercial Trucks
Car crashes can be tragic, but due to the sheer size they are much less dangerous than 18-wheeler crashes. Large commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when a trailer is attached. They are difficult to drive, are easily knocked over by wind and they can take 20-40% more distance to stop than cars do. That’s about the length of two football fields. When a truck goes 55 MPH and is suddenly struck by another vehicle or is cut off, disaster is right around the corner.
Further complicating matters, many drivers are often run ragged trying to make their deadlines. There are hundreds of cases of drivers who’ve been sleep deprived or high on serious drugs. This leads to cases of distracted drivers crashing into other trucks, cars or whatever is on the road. An exhausted driver behind the wheel of a 40-ton truck surrounded by other trucks and cars is a dangerous situation no matter what time of day it is.
New Mexico has seen a high uptick in semi-truck crashes, with more than 1,400 occurring in the last few years. Semi-truck accidents in New Mexico are four times more likely to result in a fatality, like this devastating situation that took place in Hatch. One out of every 15 commercial truck crashes results in severe injuries to one or more drivers.
After a wrongful death crash, serious issues will occur for the family.
- Medical bills
- Psychological trauma
- Property damage
- Funeral costs
These are just some of the issues a family can face.
Brian S. Colon, the former New Mexico State Auditor, is helping truck accident victims from Hatch to Albuquerque deal with their loss and put their lives back together.
“People who have suffered a serious loss need help, they need comfort and they need support,” Mr. Colón said. “I want to be the attorney who offers help and assistance and makes this awful period in someone’s life a little bit easier so they can focus on the grieving process.”
Singleton Schreiber is a trial law firm with several offices throughout New Mexico. With a long track record of success, the firm has obtained more than $2 billion on behalf of clients. Currently, the firm represents hundreds of New Mexico residents whose lives were ruined in the Hermits Creek/Calf Canyon fires and floods, and their New Mexico legal team is one of the best in the nation. To learn more, call (505) 270-2154.
