Speeding is a common infraction in New Mexico, but that does not make it any less dangerous. Speeding laws exist to combat the extreme risks posed by operating a vehicle too fast for conditions. If you get into a car accident caused by speeding in New Mexico, you may be eligible for financial compensation from the speeding driver’s car insurance company and our Albuquerque motor vehicle accident lawyers can help.
What Is the Definition of Speeding in New Mexico?
“Speeding” according to New Mexico Statutes Section 66-7-301 means to drive a vehicle at a speed greater than the posted speed limit. This limit is no more than 75 miles per hour (mph) on highways, 30 mph in business and residential zones, and 15 mph in active school zones. Speed limits can also change in construction zones and other safety zones.
Speeding also refers to driving too fast for conditions. Drivers have a legal responsibility to control the speeds of their vehicles based on road, traffic and weather conditions to avoid collisions with others. This may mean driving below the posted speed limit in dangerous conditions, such as heavy traffic or bad weather.
The Dangers of Speeding
A motor vehicle is a deadly weapon. All drivers have an obligation to drive with care and in accordance with New Mexico’s traffic laws to help prevent fatal accidents. Speeding is a serious traffic violation that can dramatically increase the risk of collisions with people, vehicles and fixed objects.
When traveling too fast, a vehicle is more difficult to control. It has increased stopping distance, for example, and greater reactivity to the steering wheel. This can result in a speeding driver losing control of the car and causing a serious accident. Speeding also reduces reaction times, increasing the odds of collisions.
Speeding not only enhances the risk of automobile accidents but also the severity of collisions that do occur. The higher the speed of a motor vehicle, the greater the force of the collision. When this force is imparted on the passengers of the car, it can cause severe to catastrophic injuries and fatalities.
How to Prove Fault for a Speed-Related Car Accident in Albuquerque
Proof of speeding is often enough to place fault and liability, or financial responsibility, with the driver who was traveling too fast. Since New Mexico is a fault car insurance state, proving fault is necessary before a victim can receive financial compensation.
If you need to prove that another driver was speeding and that this caused your crash, look for the following types of evidence:
- The police car accident report
- Citations issued against the other driver for speeding
- Traffic camera or dashcam footage of the accident
- Photographs from the crash scene
- Eyewitness accounts
- The extent of the damage to both vehicles
- Injury severity and related medical records
- Testimony from accident reconstruction experts
- The vehicle’s black box or data recorders
Hiring a car accident lawyer can make it easier to gather the evidence you need for a strong injury claim after a speeding accident. Your lawyer can preserve and present evidence proving speeding while you focus on healing from your injuries. An attorney can also use aggressive negotiation techniques to demand high compensation for serious injuries from an insurance provider. The right lawyer can make a major difference to the outcome of your speeding claim. For a free car accident case review in Albuquerque, contact The Fine Law Firm.