A tragic multi-vehicle accident claimed the life of a beloved member of Albuquerque’s lowriders community early Sunday morning, July 20, 2025. Just before 8 am, emergency crews responded to a call about a commercial vehicle fire on westbound Interstate 40 near the Rio Grande exit. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered a burning car pinned beneath a semi-truck and another vehicle about 50 yards away, also with a trapped occupant.
The driver of the burning vehicle, Cecil Barreras, a well-known car enthusiast, was taking his classic 1958 Chevy Impala in for detailing. Firefighters were able to pull him from the wreckage before the flames overtook the vehicle, but sadly, Barreras succumbed to his injuries after being transported to the University of New Mexico Hospital. Another person was also critically injured and taken to UNM Hospital. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.
If you or a loved one were impacted by this collision, contact Singleton Schreiber to learn more about your legal options.
Why Car vs. Semi-Truck Crashes Are So Dangerous
Accidents involving passenger vehicles and semi-trucks are often catastrophic due to the sheer size and weight disparity between the two. A fully loaded commercial truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, which is nearly 20 times the weight of a typical car. This imbalance means that even low-speed collisions can cause devastating injuries or death.
In this case, one of the most deadly and feared types of collisions occurred: an underride crash, where a smaller vehicle becomes trapped under the trailer of a large truck. These crashes often result in fires, crushing injuries, or fatalities. They’re especially dangerous because the upper structure of the car is often destroyed upon impact, leaving occupants with little protection.
“Our hearts go out to Mr. Barreras’ family and everyone affected by this heartbreaking crash,” says Brian Colón, managing partner of Singleton Schreiber. “The forces involved in a semi-truck collision are immense. We often see crushing injuries, traumatic brain injuries, or fatal outcomes, especially in underride scenarios. Liability can extend beyond the truck driver to include the trucking company, vehicle maintenance providers, or even parts manufacturers if mechanical failure played a role.”
Legal Recourse for Families After a Fatal Truck Collision
When a loved one is killed in a crash involving a semi-truck, the surviving family members may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim. Depending on the facts of the case, liability may fall on one or more parties:
- The truck driver, if they were distracted, fatigued, under the influence, or violated traffic laws
- The trucking company, if they failed to properly vet, train, or monitor their drivers, or if they pressured drivers to exceed safe driving hours
- A third-party maintenance company, if mechanical failure was due to poor repairs or inspections
- A manufacturer, if a defect in the truck or a component, like brakes or tires, contributed to the crash
An experienced personal injury attorney can investigate the crash thoroughly by reviewing black box data, driver logs, maintenance records, and traffic footage. Families may be entitled to compensation for funeral expenses, medical bills, loss of income, and emotional suffering.
If you have lost a loved one in a truck collision, contact Singleton Schreiber today for compassionate legal representation. We are here to help you understand your rights and explore your legal options for justice. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
