If you have lost a loved one in a fatal car accident in New Mexico, the experienced Albuquerque personal injury attorneys at Caruso Law Offices want to help. We are ready to fight for the justice you deserve and help you hold the at-fault driver responsible for the loss of your loved one. Contact our car accident lawyers in Albuquerque today for a free case consultation.
Albuquerque Fatal Car Accident Statistics
In 2022, 467 people died in New Mexico car accidents, according to the Albuquerque Journal. 11 of these deaths occurred in Bernalillo County, which is the county that experienced the highest number of deaths in the state for the year.
Common Causes of Fatal Car Accidents in Albuquerque
Fatal car accidents can occur for various reasons. However, some of the most common causes of fatal car accidents that our Albuquerque auto wreck attorneys deal with include:
- Impaired driving – Alcohol was a factor in 23% of traffic fatalities in New Mexico in 2022. Forbes reports that New Mexico has the second highest rate of drunk drivers under the age of 21 involved in fatal car crashes and is the seventh worst state for drunk driving.
- Drowsy driving – Drowsy driving mimics many of the effects of drunk driving, including delayed reaction time, difficulty maintaining a lane, and impaired judgment. It also makes it more likely that the driver will fall asleep behind the wheel and crash into oncoming traffic.
- Reckless driving – Drivers may speed, carelessly weave in and out of lanes, pass unsafely, and act in other reckless ways that make the roadways unsafe for other motorists, potentially causing a fatal crash.
- Speeding – Speeding was responsible for the deaths of 12,151 people in 2022, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Speeding makes it more likely that fatalities will occur because the force of the impact is greater.
If your loved one was killed in a fatal car crash in Albuquerque, Caruso Law Offices can investigate the case to determine how the accident happened and who is responsible for it.
Wrongful Death Claims in New Mexico
New Mexico law Stat. § 41-2-1 allows the personal representative of a decedent’s estate to file a legal claim against the party who caused the death by “wrongful act, neglect, or default.” If the victim had survived the incident and would have had the right to file a personal injury lawsuit against the defendant, their personal representative would have this right after their death. Any proceeds they obtain through a verdict or settlement are distributed to the surviving family.
Through a fatal injury claim, you can seek justice on behalf of your loved one. Our Albuquerque car accident attorneys seek financial accountability and obtain compensation for the losses you suffered because of the defendant’s negligence, including for:
- Reasonable burial and funeral expenses
- Final medical expenses
- Lost income and benefits
- Loss of support
- Loss of guidance and counseling
- Pain and suffering
New Mexico requires that wrongful death lawsuits be filed within three years of the date of death. Your time to take legal action is limited. Protect your rights by reaching out to a caring wrongful death lawyer today.
Contact an Experienced Albuquerque Car Accident Lawyer Today
The caring and compassionate Albuquerque car accident lawyers with Caruso Law Offices are here to help. We can guide you through the process of filing a claim and seeking accountability from those responsible for your loved one’s death. Contact us today for a free case review.