Tucumcari, NM (May 3, 2023) — One person is dead after a crash involving a box truck and a tractor trailer on Interstate 40 according to New Mexico State Police. The accident happened on Monday night at around 9:30 PM in the westbound lanes of I-40 near Tucumcari. Investigators state that the 2024 International Box Truck, driven by 18-year-old Diego Ignacio Castro Serrito of Fort Worth, TX, was heading west on the interstate. For unknown reasons, the truck drifted off the roadway and crashed into a 2024 Volvo tractor trailer parked on the shoulder of I-40. After the initial impact, Serrito was ejected from the box truck onto the road where he was hit by a 2019 Freightliner tractor-trailer. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The 46-year-old driver of the Volvo and the 50-year-old driver of the Freightliner did not sustain any injuries in the accident. Alcohol does not appear to have been a factor in the crash, but investigators note that Serrito did not appear to be wearing a seatbelt. The exact cause of the crash is still under investigation.
Source: New Mexico State Police
Our Attorneys Offer Their Condolences to the Victim’s Family
At Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C., our hearts go out to the family of the victim in this awful car accident near Tucumcari. While there are still a lot of unknowns, we hope that the NMSP is able to complete a thorough investigation and figure out the cause. If for any reason it is found that negligence on behalf of an employer or manufacturer led to the accident, the responsible party should be held accountable.
The Unique Difficulties with Trucking Accident Claims
In accidents like this that involve commercial trucks, determining the cause of the crash, let alone who is at fault, can be difficult. This is because there are many state and federal regulations that truck companies must follow. However, some companies try to cut corners when it comes to safety, all in an effort to save time and money. Unfortunately, this can lead to preventable accidents due to various factors, including:
- Lack of sufficient driver training,
- Inconsistent truck maintenance,
- Violations of state and federal safety rules,
- Improperly loaded trailers, or
- Manufacturer errors.
At Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C., our attorneys understand that any one of these factors can cause an accident. In many cases, the trucking companies or manufacturers have this evidence, whether intentionally hidden or conveniently ignored.
If You Lose a Loved One in a Fatal Car Crash on I-40, Our Attorneys Are Here for You
Whether you are a family member of the person killed in this accident or lost a loved one in a similar crash, know that you have legal options. Our attorneys at Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C. understand how painful it can be to lose someone close to you in an accident. That’s why we do everything we can to fight for victims’ families. With extensive experience in handling trucking accident cases, we are always dedicated to advocating for our clients’ recovery. To schedule a free case review, give us a call at 855-943-0230.
James Tawney
James Tawney is a native of the Southwest dedicated to serving his community. He was born and raised in Arizona where he attended Northern Arizona University where he received his undergraduate degree. James then went on to attend Texas Tech University School of Law in Lubbock, Texas. In 2016, he, along with fellow plaintiff’s attorney Alejandro Acosta, founded Flores, Tawney & Acosta, P.C. with offices located in Las Cruces and Carlsbad, New Mexico, and El Paso, Texas.
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