When someone desires to become a commercial truck driver, there is a series of skills and knowledge tests that they must pass. In order to drive a truck or other large vehicle, it is important that the driver possesses the advanced skills that are necessary to maneuver a commercial motor vehicle. Furthermore, due to the potential hazards in the event of a New Mexico truck accident, these drivers are understandably held to a standard higher than those operating any other type of motor vehicle.
In order to acquire a commercial driver’s license (CDL), the driver must first get a special license from their home state. If a driver will be operating a vehicle with multiple trailers, tanks, hazardous materials, or other passengers, they must get additional “endorsements” on their license. These endorsements indicate that the driver has obtained additional safety and skills training.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Act (FMCSA) maintains a database that tracks the safety records of trucking companies and drivers. The Safety and Fitness Electronic Records (SAFER) is one record-keeping tool that tracks company records. These records indicate the types of vehicles the company maintains, their inspection records, crash data, and other safety-related ratings.
Despite all of these mandatory safety trainings and record-keeping tools, it may be surprising to learn that truck drivers are allowed to keep their licenses even if they have various driving infractions. For example, truck drivers are allowed to maintain their CDL even if they have points on their license. This means that these drivers can continue to operate these large vehicles until their points add up to an amount that would require a suspension. Furthermore, even truck drivers who are speeding or driving erratically may not have their license suspended. In New Mexico, a CDL driver can commit some serious offenses before their license is suspended.
Truck Driver Loses Control and Causes Multi-Vehicle Crash
According to a recent news report, a tanker truck lost control of its brakes and rammed into a series of vehicles that were stopped at a red light. A witness reported that as he was waiting at the red light, he saw the tanker truck speeding down the hill behind him. Unfortunately, nine vehicles were involved, and 11 people were injured. Luckily, none of the injuries were life-threatening, but many people were taken to the hospital for broken bones. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s records indicate that the company that owned the truck has been cited multiple times over the past two years, and the company’s drivers had recently been involved in 10 crashes, half of which resulted in serious injuries.
Have You Been Injured in a Trucking Accident in New Mexico?
If you or a loved one has been injured in a New Mexico trucking accident, you should contact the dedicated attorneys at the Fine Law Firm. Although it may take a lot for a truck driver to get their license suspended, that does not mean that they cannot be held financially liable for the injuries they caused due to their negligent driving. An attorney at the Fine Law Firm can help you navigate the intricacies of this area of the law and assist you in seeking the compensation you deserve. Contact the Fine Law Firm today at 800-640-6590 to schedule your free initial consultation.
More Blog Posts:
14-Year-Old Boy Hit by Semi-Truck on His Way to School, New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, October 24, 2017.
New Mexico Truck Accidents Caused by Improper Lane Changes, New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, November 13, 2017.