All fatal traffic accidents are tragic. However, those that involve a drunk driver and a young victim feel particularly devastating. Lawmakers and police do everything they can to enact and enforce laws that deter drunk driving, but there is no substitute for good judgment. In fact, drunk driving is such a problem in New Mexico that between the years of 2002 and 2013, over 1,200 people lost their lives due to alcohol-related accidents. Furthermore, New Mexico’s per capita rate of death in drunk driving accidents is 30% higher than the national average.
Sadly, nothing can be done to bring back someone who lost their life in a drunk driving accident. However, the family of the victim may be able to hold the responsible party accountable through a civil wrongful death lawsuit. Wrongful death cases in New Mexico are technically brought by the administrator of the deceased’s estate. However, they are brought for the benefit of the surviving family members, usually a spouse, children, or grandchildren. In order to prove a New Mexico wrongful death case, the person bringing the lawsuit must show that the defendant’s negligent act caused the death of their loved one. In the case of a drunk driving accident, this is often proven through evidence of the driver’s intoxication.
23-Year-Old Man Killed in Wrong-Way Drunk-Driving Accident
Earlier this month, a young man was killed in a drunk driving accident on Interstate 25. According to one local news report covering the tragic accident, the collision occurred at around 11:30 in the evening in Santa Fe.
Evidently, the young man was heading southbound on Interstate 25 when a wrong-way driver approached in his lane, coming from the north. The two cars collided head-on, and both vehicles caught fire. Emergency responders arrived on the scene in a matter of minutes but were unable to pull the young man out of his car before he passed away. The other driver also died as a result of injuries she sustained in the accident.
Although no survivors remain from either of the vehicles, police did conduct an investigation and believe that both speed and alcohol were factors in the fatal accident. It remains to be seen if the family of the victim will pursue a wrongful death lawsuit against the at-fault driver’s estate.
Have You Been a Victim of a Drunk Driver’s Recklessness?
If you or a loved one has recently been a victim of a drunk driving accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation for your injuries or loss. It is important to keep in mind that even though a case may seem straightforward, unanticipated issues can and often do arise. It is therefore critically important to your case to retain the assistance of a dedicated personal injury attorney to prepare your case. The attorneys at the Fine Law Firm have decades of experience helping New Mexico residents seek the justice they deserve. Call 505-889-FINE today to set up your free consultation.
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State Supreme Court Awards Nearly $4 Million Verdict in Liposuction Lawsuit, New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, September 21, 2016.