Late last week, a crash occurred on U.S. 550 that resulted in the deaths of two individuals. A local New Mexican station reported that the crash occurred around 6:45 p.m. on December 19. Apparently, Sandoval County police noticed a car driving north on U.S. 550 without its light on. The police officers attempted to stop the car, but the driver continued to keep driving.
Instead of stopping, the car started swerving and veering across the northbound lanes. The car was weaving dangerously in and out of traffic. Eventually, a deputy began pursuing the driver, but even then the car continued on. The police stopped pursuing the car while the deputy was following the driver. Shortly after that pursuit, that car and another driver ended up in a head-on collision. The driver and her passenger were killed. The driver in the car was air-lifted and remains in critical condition as of the most recent reports.
Head-On Collisions in New Mexico
All car accidents have the potential to result in serious injuries, but head-on collisions can often be catastrophic. The above situation is a prime example of how head-on collisions often occur. Generally, one car will swerve across lanes and hit the front of another car.
In many situations, the injured party or his or her family may want to bring a claim of negligence against the other driver. New Mexico law follows the same basic format of negligence for car accidents as many other states. The plaintiff must establish that the defendant failed to exercise a standard duty of care that a reasonable person in his or her position would have. In the above situation, the plaintiff can argue that the defendant was driving erratically by swerving and not stopping for the police sirens. Furthermore, the plaintiff must show that the defendant breached the duty, that the defendant caused the plaintiff’s injuries, and that damages resulted.
Many times, these cases can be settled before being heard by a judge or a jury. This can be a time-saving and money-saving measure for all the parties involved. An attorney can be of great assistance in settlement negotiations because these often deal with talking to multiple parties, including insurance companies and the defendant’s attorney.
Have You or a Loved One Been Injured in a Serious Car Accident?
If you or a loved one has been injured in a serious car accident in New Mexico you may be entitled to monetary compensation for your injuries. Compensation can include awards for your past medical bills, future medical expenses, and possibly pain and suffering related to the accident. It is important to note that many times these damages are awarded during settlement negotiations, and the need for a trial can be avoided. It is important to contact an experienced and dedicated attorney to increase your chances of success. An attorney’s strategic planning, preparation, interviewing, researching, settling, and litigation experience is indispensable in serious car accidents. Contact the Fine Law Firm at 505-889-FINE to schedule your free initial consultation today.
More Blog Posts:
Sleeping Driver Responsible for Fatal Lea County Accident, New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, November 9, 2014.
Investigation Continues into Semi-Truck Crash that Killed Four Texas Student Athletes, New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, October 13, 2014.