New Mexico semi truck drivers are required to follow stringent requirements when it comes to driving their big rigs. The New Mexico truck accident blog has addressed the numerous semi truck regulations that apply, both from the state and federal level. However, one intriguing issue for a New Mexico truck accident lawyer is when does a violation trigger to ability to recover punitive damages.
Unlike compensatory damages, New Mexico punitive damages are intended to punish the wrongdoer for his or her actions in hopes of preventing similar recurrences in the future. One such trigger for punitive damages as they apply to semi truck accidents is when the regulations are violated for profit driven reasons. Examples of this could include giving drivers financial incentives to drive extended hours and risk fatigue, or overloading the cargo beyond capacity to save money. In such situations, not only is it possible that the semi truck driver’s employer may be responsible for the truck driver’s conduct, but they may also be responsible, and exposed to punitive damages in their own right.
