Any type of car accident in New Mexico could burden you with painful and debilitating injuries, expensive vehicle damages, lost income and many other losses. Identifying who or what caused your car accident is typically necessary to obtain compensation in New Mexico. In many cases, studying the type of car accident you were involved in could reveal its cause. A car accident attorney in Albuquerque can help you determine the type and cause of your recent wreck.
Distracted Driving
Distracted drivers killed 3,166 people in 2017, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Common driver distractions are cellphones, food, drinks, passengers, billboards, radios, maps and roadside accidents. It is against the law to text or talk on a handheld electronic device in New Mexico. If you were a victim in a distracted driving accident, our distracted driving accident attorneys can help.
Speeding
Speeding is one of the most dangerous driver practices. Driving too fast for conditions on rural roads or highways could lead to catastrophic collisions. A collision occurs at the combined speeds of both vehicles. Speeding can increase the overall forces exerted on vehicles and passengers in a crash.
Head-On Collision
A head-on collision is often fatal for the passengers in one or both vehicles. Common causes of head-on collisions are drunk driving, drowsy driving, failing to yield the right-of-way at an intersection and driving the wrong way.
Elderly Accident
Senior citizens may lose the ability to drive safely. Declines in mental and physical health could increase the risk of accidents. Issues such as poor eyesight, cataracts, loss of strength, medications, health problems and injuries could contribute to accidents.
Chain Reaction/Multi-Vehicle Accident
A multicar pileup could be devastating for all involved. One driver often causes multicar accidents. A truck driver, for example, could fall asleep behind the wheel and rear-end another vehicle, pushing it hard enough to cause a chain reaction involving many other cars and victims.
Construction Site Accident
The city or state is responsible for overseeing the safety of its roadside construction zones. Construction occurring on the side of the road could present hazards such as loose gravel, uneven roads, distractions, bright lights and equipment near the road. These dangers could lead to preventable car accidents.
Highway Accident
New Mexico’s highways and freeways can be some of the most dangerous locations for drivers. Highway accidents often involve multiple vehicles, making it difficult to identify fault. They also often involve recklessness such as speeding or tailgating.
Road Defect
Roadway defects such as potholes, uneven shoulders, fallen limbs, dangerous designs and debris in the road could point to city liability for related accidents. It is the government’s duty to reasonably maintain its roads and highways.
Hit-and-Run
A hit-and-run involves the at-fault driver illegally fleeing the scene before leaving his or her information. It can be difficult to hold someone accountable for a hit-and-run crash; however, your insurance company may pay for your damages if you have uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance.
Drunk Driving
Drunk driving is an increasing problem in New Mexico. In 2016, 2,073 traffic accidents involved alcohol (4.6% of total accidents). Drunk driving wrecks are often fatal. Drunk drivers could be criminally and civilly liable for the accidents they cause.
Rear-End Accident
A driver may rear-end another vehicle if he or she is speeding, following too closely, driving distracted or driving drunk. Whiplash is a common injury connected to rear-end collisions. The rear driver is typically at fault for a rear-end collision, with some exceptions.
Rollover Accident
A rollover can occur in a standard collision between two vehicles, but it could also result from defects such as potholes or tire blowouts. Some vehicles, such as SUVs, have designs that make them more susceptible to rollovers than other vehicles.
Intersection Accident
Intersections in New Mexico can be dangerous for all road users, especially pedestrians and bicyclists. Failing to stop or ignoring rights-of-way at intersections and crosswalks could end in a deadly collision.