On November 9, brothers Brad Gunter and Chad Gunter were killed when a semi truck drove off Interstate 40 and crashed into their Moriarty blacksmith shop.
The brothers were co-owners of Ribs BBQ in Cedar Crest, and a recent memorial in their honor saw more than 700 people attend. According to the Albuquerque Journal, the brothers were beloved in the community. The memorial was held at Legacy Church’s East Mountain campus.
Their restaurant, Ribs BBQ, was an important part of the community, and with the restaurant closed their employees are having to look for work. A GiveSendGo campaign was started to help those in need.
“The Gunter brothers and their family were beloved pillars of the community,” said Brian Colón, East Mountain truck crash attorney and Managing Partner of Singleton Schreiber’s New Mexico offices. “The family’s loss is unimaginable and heartbreaking. The impact is felt in their family, churches and even the business communities. Our hearts go out to everyone mourning their loss. I’ve personally visited with folks who knew these young men and it is clear they will never be forgotten.”
If you or someone you loved has been injured in a semi truck crash in New Mexico, contact the personal injury attorneys at Singleton Schreiber by calling (505) 587-3473 or by emailing info@singletonschreiber.com.
Fatal New Mexico Semi Truck Crash
Fatal semi-truck crashes in New Mexico have long been a matter of concern, not only for residents of the state but also for transportation authorities and policymakers across the nation. These tragic incidents often result in loss of life, severe injuries, and significant property damage, leaving a lasting impact on the affected individuals and their families.
One of the key factors contributing to fatal semi-truck crashes in New Mexico is its unique geographic and transportation characteristics. New Mexico sits at a crossroads of major interstate highways, including I-25 and I-40, making it a crucial transit point for commercial trucks transporting goods across the country. The high volume of truck traffic passing through the state increases the likelihood of accidents, especially in areas with heavy congestion and challenging terrain, such as mountain passes and winding roads.
Driver fatigue is another significant contributor to fatal semi-truck crashes in New Mexico. Long hours on the road, tight delivery schedules, and the pressure to meet deadlines can lead to tired and overworked truck drivers. Fatigue impairs a driver’s reaction time and decision-making abilities, making them more susceptible to accidents. To address this issue, federal regulations limit the number of consecutive hours a commercial truck driver can be on duty and mandate rest breaks, but compliance isn’t always guaranteed.
Additionally, distracted driving is a growing concern. The use of smartphones, GPS devices, and other technology can divert a driver’s attention from the road, increasing the risk of collisions. Strict enforcement of distracted driving laws and greater awareness among truck drivers about the dangers of multitasking while driving are crucial steps toward reducing these tragic incidents.
New Mexico’s weather conditions also play a significant role in semi-truck accidents. The state experiences a wide range of weather patterns, from intense sun and heat in the deserts to heavy snow and ice in the mountains. These sudden and sometimes extreme changes in weather can make road conditions treacherous. Proper training and equipment for truck drivers to handle adverse weather, coupled with effective road maintenance and signage, are essential components of a comprehensive safety strategy.
To combat fatal semi-truck crashes in New Mexico, a multi-faceted approach is necessary. This includes stringent enforcement of traffic laws and regulations, enhanced driver training, stricter monitoring of trucking companies’ compliance with safety standards, and continued investment in road infrastructure improvements. Additionally, public awareness campaigns can educate both truck drivers and passenger vehicle operators about the risks and responsibilities associated with sharing the road.
Fatal semi-truck crashes in New Mexico are a complex issue with multiple contributing factors. Addressing this problem requires a concerted effort from government agencies, law enforcement, the transportation industry, and the public. By working together to implement and enforce safety measures, we can reduce the frequency and severity of these tragic accidents and make New Mexico’s roads safer for everyone.
“Semi-truck crashes in Cedar Crest and throughout New Mexico aren’t easy to investigate,” Mr. Colón added. “How this semi-truck ran off the interstate, what condition the truck and its driver were in, and other factors all deserve a thorough examination. Having an attorney by your side is absolutely necessary to determine what truly happened. We all must call for accountability so future tragic losses can be avoided.”
Anyone who has lost a loved one in a semi truck crash should contact the personal injury attorneys at Singleton Schreiber by calling (505) 587-3473 or by emailing info@singletonschreiber.com.
