A Lubbock Teenager Was Killed in a Single Car Crash in New Mexico: Who is Liable in These Types of Accidents?
News sources are reporting that a Lubbock, Texas teenager has been killed in a one car crash on US Highway 62/180. The crash occurred about 26 miles away from Hobbs, New Mexico. The vehicle was traveling west. The victim was a 14-year old in the front, passenger seat. She was not wearing her seatbelt. The vehicle left the roadway and rolled over. The victim was ejected from the vehicle and sustained serious personal injuries that resulted in her death. She died at the scene. Other occupants were taken to the hospital for treatment.
New Mexico crashes like this are horrible and destroy families. Here at the Mark Caruso, our New Mexico car accident attorneys handle many fatal accidents involving minors, on the highway, and single car vehicles. We have also represented many victims who live in other states but were injured or killed in New Mexico. If you or someone you love has had a similar accident, call us today for a FREE consultation to learn your rights to compensation by dialing (505) 308-1556.
Liability in Single Car Crashes
In a New Mexico single car crash there could be several people at fault. Generally, a passenger in a single car crash is rarely if ever at fault. Only where there is evidence that the passenger affirmatively caused the crash can the passenger be at fault. Thus, when a passenger is injured or killed in a single car crash, the passenger likely has a claim against the driver.
Indeed, the driver of the single car will likely be the liable party. Standard negligence claims may apply, such as distracted driving, drunk driving, drugged driving, falling asleep at the wheel, and excessive speed.
When a driver of a single car crash kills a passenger that driver will be subjected to a wrongful death lawsuit. Unfortunately, the driver and passenger usually have some relationship such as family, friends, or co-workers. This makes a wrongful death lawsuit difficult for parties to bring against the driver, but it is very necessary to ensure the family of the victim gets the compensation for the victim’s loss of services, financial support, and pain and suffering.
Car Accidents In New Mexico from Out-of-State Victims
In the news report, the victim was from Lubbock, Texas but the car accident occurred in New Mexico. There is something known as “conflict of laws” and long arm jurisdiction, or the ability of the court’s in a certain location to hear a case. This is generally known as jurisdiction.
When the victim is from out-of-state and is injured in New Mexico in a negligence case, a New Mexico court will very likely have jurisdiction. This means that the victim can bring his or her case in New Mexico because the courts can hear that type of case.
Our experienced New Mexico car accident attorneys at the Mark Caruso have handled many motor vehicle crashes involving victims out of state. The most common are from trucking accidents involving truckers in Ontario, California and Upland, California. This is where many truck drivers are from and can result in trucking crashes in New Mexico. Anytime a victim from out of state is injured in New Mexico, especially in the sad result of a wrongful death, victims should always call a New Mexico attorney first such as us to learn their rights.
Lubbock Texas Victims Should Call the Mark Caruso for Legal Representation in Single Car Accidents
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motor vehicle accident, call the experienced New Mexico truck accident attorneys at the Mark Caruso today by dialing (505) 308-1556 You can also contact us on our website through the easy to use and convenient Contact box located by clicking here.
