On Black Friday, two tourists were hospitalized after being hit by a sport utility vehicle (SUV) in Santa Fe. According to Santa Fe Police Lieutenant Dale Lettenberger, a 62-year-old female and a 61-year-old male were struck by a Jeep Cherokee at the intersection of Paseo de Peralta and East Alameda Streets. The pair was reportedly crossing the street near dusk when they were hit by the SUV. Following the crash, emergency rescue crews transported both unconscious pedestrians to Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center. Although the injured woman was released the following day, the man reportedly remains hospitalized with severe head trauma.
According to the 64-year-old driver of the Jeep, she was headed south on Paseo de Peralta and passing through a green light when she collided with the two pedestrians. Lettenberger stated that neither speed nor alcohol appear to have played a role in the injury accident. The roadway was reportedly closed for several hours while police investigated the crash.
As this unfortunate case demonstrates, whenever a pedestrian is hit by a motor vehicle the injuries that result are frequently traumatic or fatal. A traumatic brain injury may cause dizziness, headaches, confusion, double vision, and mood swings. In addition, a serious head injury may leave a victim with lifelong seizures, slurred speech, a permanent loss of smell and taste, poor coordination, and other difficulties.
Pedestrians who were hurt by negligent, careless, or reckless drivers may be entitled to recover damages for their medical expenses, suffering, pain, lost benefits and wages, and any resulting temporary or permanent disability. The close family members of someone who was killed in a pedestrian accident may also be able to recover the costs associated with the decedent’s funeral as well as other damages. If you or a loved one was struck by an automobile while crossing the street, you have a limited amount of time during which you may file a personal injury claim. Because of this, you are advised to speak with a quality personal injury attorney as soon as you are able.
If you were hurt in an accident with a motor vehicle, you should contact the Fine Law Firm. Our knowledgeable Albuquerque traumatic brain injury lawyers are ready and willing to assist you following an unexpected injury. Our capable attorneys have more than 100 years of combined experience helping clients who were hurt by someone else protect their rights and achieve the compensation they deserve. The Fine Law Firm represents clients in both state and federal court throughout New Mexico. To schedule a free case evaluation, do not hesitate to contact the Fine Law Firm through our website or give us a call at (505) 889-3463.
More Blog Posts:
One Killed, Five Injured When Car Rear-Ends Moving Trailer on I-25 Near Santo Domingo Pueblo, New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, November 19, 2012
Fiery Semi Crash Sends Driver to Albuquerque Hospital and Closes Interstate 40 Near Grants for Hours, New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, November 9, 2012
Additional Resources:
Police continue investigation in vehicle-pedestrian collision, by Chris Quintana, Santa Fe New Mexican