Earlier this month, two people were killed at the scene of an accident on Interstate 25 in New Mexico. According to one local news report, the two people were killed as a result of a driver who was proceeding in the wrong direction.
Evidently, the accident occurred in the early morning hours of September 21. An ambulance driver was also driving down Interstate 25 when he noticed the motorist driving at an extremely fast speed in the wrong direction. Shortly after he noticed the danger, the driver made several 911 calls.
When police and emergency personnel arrived on the scene, they were faced with a deadly accident. They found two cars that were barely recognizable and two individuals who were deceased. The 22-year-old driver who was speeding in the wrong direction was killed, and the 21-year-old woman who was the driver of the other car was also killed. Current reports indicate that an investigation is ongoing, and they are unsure whether alcohol or any other substance played a role in the tragic accident.
Drinking and Driving Offenses in New Mexico
Although the results of any toxicology test in the above case have not yet been revealed, there is a possibility that, given the type and severity of the accident, alcohol could have been a factor. In New Mexico, like many other states, it is illegal for an individual to be in control of any motor vehicle if their blood alcohol concentration is above the legal limit. In New Mexico, this limit is .08 if the driver was over the age of 21. If the driver was under 21 or was operating a commercial vehicle or school bus, that limit is lower.
Many people believe that there are a certain number of drinks that will get them to that limit, but there are many factors that can result in a higher blood alcohol concentration than one may believe.
Criminal and Civil Liability for Drinking and Driving Offenses in New Mexico
New Mexico has stricter rules than many other states for individuals who have been found to be operating a motor vehicle under the influence of a substance. In New Mexico, individuals cannot enter a plea bargain for a lesser offense, such as reckless driving involving alcohol. Even after one offense, a person may receive jail time and a significant monetary penalty, in addition to required driver’s education programs and other courses. The repercussions only get more severe with each subsequent offense.
Additionally, in DUI car accident cases, the driver may be found civilly liable to his or her victims, regardless of whether the individual has been found criminally responsible. In that event, the culpable party may be required to pay significant damages to the individuals they injured due to their negligence.
Have You Been a Victim of a Drunk Driving Accident?
If you or a loved one has been hit by or was a passenger in a vehicle with a drunk driver, you should consider hiring an attorney at the Fine Law Firm to assist you in filing a personal injury lawsuit against the culpable party. If you are successful, you may be entitled to a range of monetary damages for the injuries that you sustained as a result of the accident. Defendants in these cases almost always have representation, and it is important that you do too. Contact our Albuquerque car accident lawyer at the Fine Law Firm at 505-889-FINE to schedule your free initial consultation.
More Blog Posts:
DWI Suspect Involved in Fatal New Mexico Crash Free on Bond Awaiting Trial, New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, July 27, 2015.
Construction Site Accident in Rio Rancho Kills One and Injures Several Others, New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, September 8, 2015.