A Santa Fe judge has ruled that blood alcohol tests performed on a driver following a deadly traffic wreck may be admitted as evidence in a criminal case against him. 40-year-old David Gurule is accused of vehicular-homicide in connection with the deaths of two passengers riding in his sport utility vehicle in May 2010. The man was allegedly under the influence of prescription painkillers when he drove the SUV into a tree on New Mexico 369 south of the town of Española.
According to prosecutors, Gurule was speeding when he lost control of his vehicle on a curve in the highway at night. He allegedly drove over a fence and gas meter prior to striking the tree. Tragically, a 42-year-old woman and an 18-month-old child were killed in the crash. Gurule and the child’s mother were purportedly taken by medical helicopter to the University Hospital in Albuquerque. Although alcohol did not play a role in the incident, the injured woman reportedly claims Gurule was high on drugs when the accident occurred.
Former Rio Arriba County Sheriff’s Office DWI Investigator Jose Martinez stated Gurule provided oral consent for a blood draw at the hospital. Gurule currently stands accused of two counts of vehicular-homicide, one count of bodily injury by vehicle, and driving on a suspended or revoked license in connection with the fatal crash. A trial date has not yet been set.
Sadly, drug and alcohol-related collisions are common in the State of New Mexico. Everyone traveling on the roadways throughout our state is placed at risk of serious injury or death when a drunk or drugged motorist makes the choice to get behind the wheel of a vehicle. As occurred in this case, criminal charges may be filed when a motorist is accused of driving while impaired. In addition, a high or drunk driver may be held financially responsible for any damages he or she caused. The victim of a drunk or drugged driving crash may file a lawsuit to recover compensation for any pain and suffering, medical expenses, or other damages that resulted from the collision. If you were injured in a DWI accident, a capable personal injury lawyer can explain your right to recovery in greater detail.
If you were hurt or someone you love died as a result of the actions of an impaired driver in New Mexico, you should contact the Fine Law Firm. Our capable Albuquerque drunk driving accident attorneys are available to help you recover the compensation you deserve following a devastating traffic wreck. At the Fine Law Firm, our committed lawyers have more than 100 years of combined experience handling thousands of car, motorcycle, truck, and other injury accident cases throughout the State of New Mexico. To schedule a free confidential case evaluation, please call the Fine Law Firm today at (505) 889-3463. You may also contact our hardworking lawyers through the law firm’s website.
More Blog Posts:
New Mexico State University Basketball Player Charged in Connection With Fatal Alamogordo Traffic Accident, New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, January 27, 2013
Study Claims Obesity is Linked to Increased Traffic Deaths in New Mexico and Nationwide, New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, January 22, 2013
Additional Resources:
Judge allows blood tests in fatal DWI crash, by Nico Roesler, Santa Fe New Mexican
Prosecutor: Driver in Crash Was on Drugs, by Vic Vela, Albuquerque Journal