The Permian Basin has become one of the most prolific centers for oil and natural gas in the U.S. The boom has resulted in a dramatic influx of traffic on rural roads originally designed for light use. Route 285, constructed in the early 20th century, runs through the heart of West Texas to the Permian Basin. It now accommodates more than 10,000 vehicles a day. Because of the increase in oil and gas trucks on this small highway, U.S. 285 is now locally known as “Death Highway.”
In July 2019, four oilfield workers and a tractor-trailer driver were killed in a head-on collision. Both vehicles caught fire, and both drivers and three passengers were declared dead at the scene. The crash occurred when a pickup truck carrying four oilfield workers crossed the center line into eastbound traffic. The location of the accident was along State Route 128, east of Jal, approximately 195 miles east of El Paso.
On July 4, 2019, a tanker rolled over on I-25 near Broadway in southeast Albuquerque, spilling 200,000 to 500,000 gallons of fuel. The crash forced officials to close I-25 in both directions, north and south. Dozens of emergency teams responded, including State Police, Albuquerque Fire Rescue, and a hazmat team.
Because of increases in oil and gas truck traffic, crashes along New Mexico Routes 128 and 31 and U.S. 285 have increased significantly in recent years. State police have stepped up patrols, and billboards urge drivers in these areas to exercise caution.
Effects of the Oil and Gas Boom in Southern New Mexico
The Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that the Permian Basin is currently producing more than 12 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day. The economic benefits of the oil and gas boom are evident in this mostly rural area – but the benefits come with serious risks.
As reported in an Albuquerque Journal article, tanker trucks are lined up at the intersection of N.M. 18 and N.M. 128 in Jal at 3:00 or 4:00 in the morning. Truck drivers under pressure to meet delivery deadlines and frustrated by traffic congestion may speed or take chances they should not. They may neglect truck maintenance and fail to complain when their employers do the same. Drivers being paid by the load or by the mile are hurrying to make more money and may not give safety a high enough priority. The result has been a significant increase in deadly truck crashes.
Why You Need a Lawyer After a Gas Truck Accident
Gas truck crashes are complex cases involving multiple potentially responsible parties, a host of state and federal regulations, and potentially catastrophic or fatal injuries. An experienced New Mexico trucking accident lawyer can thoroughly investigate to determine what caused the accident and which parties may be held liable for injuries or wrongful death. Our firm may engage other professionals, such as medical experts, accident investigators, financial experts, and accountants, to build a strong case in support of your claim. We have the knowledge, skills, and resources to effectively pursue the compensation you and your family deserve after a serious gas truck accident.
- We focus our practice exclusively on personal injury matters and offer client-centered services to address your unique needs.
If you have been seriously injured or lost a loved one in a gas truck crash, it is crucial to speak with an experienced New Mexico trucking accident attorney as soon as possible. Call Sorey & Gilliland, LLP at (903) 230-5600 for the dedicated legal help you need.
