Understanding Liability for Merger Accidents in New Mexico: Big I Merge Accident in Albuquerque
One of the busiest interstate exchanges in the United States is the Big I in Albuquerque where I-25 and I-40 meet together. It is estimated more than 300,000 vehicles a day use this exchange. Many of these vehicles are large commercial trucks that are switching direction from traveling north or south to switch to west or east. While the vast majority of motor vehicles using the Big I navigate it safely and without issue, there are still many motor vehicle accidents that occur there each year. Many of these vehicles result in catastrophic personal injuries or fatal injuries resulting in wrongful death. The most common types of accidents are Big I merge accidents in Albuquerque.
Our experienced Albuquerque auto accident lawyers know how dangerous and devastating a merge accident can be in New Mexico and on the Big I. Many individuals who are injured on highway accidents could result in serious neck and back injuries resulting in spinal cord damage including paralysis such a paraplegia or quadriplegia. If you or a loved one were seriously injured or wrongfully killed in a serious merge accident, ask for a FREE consultation at the Caruso Law Offices, P.C.
Merge Accidents
Merge accidents happen one when vehicle changes lanes. It could be when two lanes combine into one, or when an entrance or exit ramp has to merge into an existing lane. On the Big I, there are a lot of these types of serious accidents when lanes merge together. Most of these types of accidents are caused by sideswipe accidents with tractor trailers or vehicles that hesitate when merging onto the highway.
Liability for Big I Merge Accidents in Albuquerque
When a motorist violates a New Mexico statute, it could result in an automatic finding of negligence under the doctrine of negligence per se. When merging onto a highway or interstate like the Big I, there are applicable provisions relating to lane changes and merges.
Specifically, NM Stat. 66-7-317 (A), “[w]henever any roadway has been divided into two or more clearly marked lanes for traffic . . . a vehicle shall be driven as nearly as practicable entirely within a single lane and shall not be moved from such lane until the driver has first ascertained that such movement can be made with safety.”
A motorist who merges into another lane that results in a motor vehicle collision could be negligent as a matter of law for violating this section of law.
Injuries from a Big I Accident in Albuquerque
There are many common injuries that could be caused by a merge accident in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Some of the most severe types of personal injuries include the following:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Paralysis
- Amputations
- Organ injuries
- Nerve injuries
- Lacerations and permanent scarring
- Burn injuries
- Whiplash injuries
- Dislocations or separations
- Wrongful death, and
- Many other types of very serious personal injuries that could be debilitating or fatal.
Ask Our Albuquerque Auto Accident Lawyers for Help
If you or a loved one were seriously injured in a Big I merge accident in Albuquerque, New Mexico, ask our personal injury lawyers at the Caruso Law Offices, P.C. for a FREE consultation to learn how we can help protect your rights to compensation under the law. Call to schedule your FREE appointment with our lawyers at the Caruso Law Offices, P.C. by dialing (505) 308-1556.
We handle causes throughout New Mexico, including Las Cruces, Santa Fe, Roswell, Cuervo, Rio Rancho, Clovis, Farmington, Hobbs, Albuquerque where our office is located, and anywhere else throughout New Mexico. Please call to schedule for FREE appointment by dialing (505) 308-1556 or contact us through our website’s easy to use and convenient contact box available here.