In a tragic accident last month, one woman was killed and three others were injured when their car clipped another vehicle and smashed head-on into a light pole. According to a report by a Fox affiliate KFOX15, the driver was speeding and drove through a red light at an intersection in Anthony, New Mexico, when he struck a car that was stopped at the traffic light and veered into a light pole. None of the occupants had their seat belts on, and the front seat passenger was ejected from the car and died on the scene. The other occupants were severely injured and airlifted to a hospital in El Paso, Texas.
According to the report, the car was speeding by at least 15 miles an hour when it entered the intersection, and there was no evidence that the driver applied the brakes before crashing. Police believe that the driver was drunk at the time, and that his intoxication played a role in the accident.
Drunk, Negligent, and Reckless Driving in New Mexico
In New Mexico, drivers face various penalties for driving recklessly and causing injury, death or property damage. The driver from last month’s accident can face criminal penalties for drunk or reckless driving, battery, and manslaughter. Additionally, the driver may be financially liable to the injured passengers and the family of the deceased woman. If the driver of the car had auto insurance, his insurance company could also be liable for damages. Accidents caused by drunk or reckless driving result in significant costs, and unfortunately the victims of these accidents can rarely afford the expense.
The Legal Case for Damages
The laws of New Mexico protect victims that are hurt or killed in auto accidents that are caused by the negligence of a driver involved. If the driver is breaking the law and that conduct directly relates to the cause of the accident, he is said to be negligent per se, and liability is much easier to prove in court. The driver in last month’s accident was speeding, ran a red light, and may have been intoxicated. The other occupants may have a legal case against the driver for wrongful death, reimbursement of medical costs, lost work and their pain and suffering. Because the driver was likely negligent per se, the other occupants may have a strong case against the driver, and could be entitled to a large settlement or jury award. Most auto accidents result from the negligence of at least one driver, who should be held responsible for his or her actions.
Is it Time to Contact a Lawyer?
Have you or someone close to you been involved in an auto accident in New Mexico? The Fine Law Firm is eager to help with your personal injury claim, and they assure you their personal service. The dedicated and experienced New Mexico personal injury attorneys at the Fine Law Firm have the skills needed to get the results that their clients deserve The Fine Law Firm represents clients in a variety of personal injury cases, including those caused by reckless driving or drunk driving. To speak with an attorney and discuss the facts of your case, dial 505-889-FINE(3463) or click here to contact the firm.
More Blog Posts:
New Mexico Man Caught Driving While Intoxicated for the Eleventh Time, New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, January 23, 2014.
New Mexico Appellate Court Opinion Discusses the Adoption of the Doctrine of Circuity in a Recent Negligence Case, New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, February 27, 2014.