New Mexico poses special dangers related to runaway truck accidents. Mountain grades are a particular hazard that requires skilled drivers, properly loaded and maintained vehicles, and roadways with proper signage.
Unfortunately, the state is home to hazardous mountain passes, including Raton Pass and other mountainous roads near Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Taos and other communities – that can be twenty to thirty miles long and take an hour or more to traverse. And behind the wheel may be a trucker who takes unnecessary chances because they are desperate to make a delivery on schedule.
All of this is a recipe for a tragic runaway truck accident.
What can go wrong?
In general, truckers are among the most responsible drivers on the road. Their experience gives them insights on safety. At the same time, a careless trucker can become overly confident and aggressive even as they are controlling an 80,000-pound vehicle. Common issues leading to runaway truck accidents include:
- Speeding
- Driver falling asleep
- Driver impaired by alcohol or drugs
- Driver distracted
Drivers also can underestimate hazardous conditions while overestimating their own abilities and the worthiness of their vehicle, including the brakes, to safely navigate a lengthy mountain pass. The result? A runaway truck.
What can you do to protect yourself? Not enough
No matter how careful you drive, some factors are beyond your control. One moment, you are safely behind the wheel on a mountain pass. The next, your life has been turned upside-down by a runaway truck. You may be injured, facing a lengthy recovery while you are unable to work and provide for your family as your bills pile up. You are likely overwhelmed as you deal with the trucking company and its insurer, which will try to take advantage of you by offering a financial settlement that is much less than you need or deserve.
Even the odds by contacting the Szantho Law Firm. Truck accident attorney Andras Szantho, with offices in Albuquerque and Santa Fe, has experience handling cases just like yours, standing up to deep-pocketed commercial trucking companies, their highly paid attorneys and their insurance companies. As a former prosecutor, Szantho knows how to make the court system work for you. Contact him for a free case consultation. Don’t settle. Get Szantho.