18-Wheeler Accidents May Be Getting Worse

Accidents with commercial vehicles, semi-trucks, big rigs, 18-wheelers, and tractor-trailers are all too common in New Mexico.

Even though they make up less than five percent of the vehicles on the roadway, they are involved in a disproportionate number of car accidents. For example, they are involved in more than 12 percent of traffic fatalities.

Because of the tremendous forces involved, commercial vehicle accidents are often more devastating than other types of motor vehicle crashes. This is especially true for individuals involved who are in a passenger car.

Federal Regulations limit the weight of a fully-loaded Semi-Tractor Trailer to 80,000 pounds but that might change under the new administration.

A new drive for deregulation will not leave trucking companies untouched. The trucking industry has been lobbying for changes to the federal regulations that would allow trucking companies to extend the length of the trailers by five feet.

This will increase the weight capacity and allowance by up to 11,000 pounds. This means there will now be Semi-Tractor Trailers operating on New Mexico highways weighing 91,000 pounds and traveling at speeds upwards of 80 miles an hour on a regular basis.

Bigger and heavier 18-wheelers will mean more accidents and more serious injuries. The forces involved in high-speed collisions will be more devastating.

The reality is that big trucks tend to cause big injuries. It is common knowledge that something that big striking a much smaller object is dangerous. When there is an accident with an 18-wheeler you may have a right to recover damages from the driver or the trucking company.

The Attorneys at Whitener Law Firm have the strength and the resources to take on the big trucking companies and we have done so in the past. We have the experience to know how to handle trucking cases and help you get the money you deserve for your injuries.

If you were injured due to someone else’s negligence, call the truck accident attorneys at Whitener Law Firm to find out what we can do to get you the money you deserve. For a free consultation regarding a personal injury claim, contact us at 505-883-7877.

There is NO FEE unless we win your case.