Earlier this month, a tragic accident took the lives of a mother, her two daughters, and her sister. According to one local news report, the accident occurred at around 9:30 p.m. on September 7th.
Evidently, the woman tried to make a turn from one road to another when the pickup truck driver, who was proceeding southbound, slammed into the driver’s side door. The Mazda was pushed into a metal pole, the impact was so hard that the pole fell down, and debris and glass were thrown all over the road. Witnesses who lived near the scene of the accident stated that the noise was extremely loud, and when they went to render aid the pickup truck driver seemed callous and expressed sadness only over the loss of his truck.
The women in the car died as a result of the accident. However, the pickup truck driver and his three passengers walked away from the scene of the accident before being questioned by authorities. Eventually, with the help of witnesses, the police officers caught up to the men, and they were apprehended. An investigation is ongoing, but it was discovered that the truck was littered with empty beer bottles.
New Mexico Procedures After an Accident
In the above case, it is very likely that the family of the individuals who were killed will bring a car accident lawsuit against the culpable party, most likely the pickup truck driver. The reports above indicate that the pickup truck driver did not act in the legal or proper manner after the accident. It is important that plaintiffs know their rights and what is expected of those who cause truck accidents in New Mexico.
In New Mexico, the culpable party should always stop their vehicle and if possible move the vehicle if it is blocking traffic. Both parties should keep the scene as close to how it was when the accident occurred. Next, the parties should call an ambulance as soon as possible. It is important to note that New Mexico law demands that individuals who cause an accident render “reasonable assistance” – usually by calling 911 and reporting the accident.
Next, parties should not leave the scene of the accident until authorities have arrived. It is important that those involved in accidents contact the police to report the accident because those details will be crucial in any subsequent legal proceeding.
Have You Been Injured in a Hit-and-Run Accident in New Mexico?
In the above case, the man was luckily apprehended by police, but in many cases the plaintiffs are not so lucky. It is important that when an individual has been hurt in a car accident, they take all the steps necessary to get the damages they deserve. This often necessitates a personal injury lawsuit against the culpable party. An Albuquerque accident attorney at the Fine Law Firm can help you navigate the New Mexico legal system as well as the complex nature of these cases and help you get the compensation that you deserve. If you have been injured, contact the Fine Law Firm today 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.