Understanding the Law When a Pedestrian is Hit by a Drunk Driver in Albuquerque, NM
There are many ways that a motorist could be negligent and cause serious personal injuries or the wrongful death of an innocent person in New Mexico. One of the most preventable and reprehensible is when a defendant drivers drunk and causes serious personal injuries to another. Often times a drunk driver always seems to walk away from an accident without an injury, whereas the innocent victim is catastrophically injured or wrongfully killed. This is no more true than when a pedestrian hit by a drunk driver in Albuquerque, NM suffers due to this preventable type of motor vehicle accident.
Here at the Caruso Law Offices, P.C., our experienced Albuquerque personal injury lawyer knows how devastating it can be when a pedestrian is hit by a drunk driver. Unlike other motorists, a pedestrian does not have a seatbelt, side curtains, air bag, or even the shell of a vehicle around them to protect them from serious personal injury. This means that victims of pedestrian knockdowns are likely to suffer serious or catastrophic personal injuries, especially traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord injuries (SCIs) such as paralysis, amputations, organ injuries, broken bones, and other devastating injuries. If you or a loved one were seriously injured by a drunk driver, or if a loved one was wrongfully killed, call our law firm for a FREE consultation to learn how we can help you today.
NM Law for Drunk Driving
It does not matter what state you live in, or really what country you live in. Drunk driving is unlawful. It is simply dangerous and any person who is willing to drive a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol is a person who is simply risking the lives of other people and themselves. In the age of ride-sharing, drunk driving is even more repugnant. Victims who are seriously injured by a drunk driver are victims who have been recklessness and unnecessarily injured.
Under New Mexico law, drunk driving is strictly prohibited under NM Stat. 66-8-102 which states that it is “unlawful for a person who is under the influence of intoxicating liquor to drive a vehicle within this state . . . . [and it is] illegal for a person who is under the influence of any drug to a degree that renders the person incapable of safety driving a vehicle to drive a vehicle in this state.”
In addition, a defendant could also be liable under the common law which requires a motorist to exercise reasonable care under the circumstances in the use and operation of their motor vehicle. A drunk driver is not complying with this standard.
Pedestrians Hit by a Drunk Driver
When a pedestrian hit by a drunk driver in Albuquerque, NM suffers serious, debilitating, or catastrophic personal injuries, he or she may face a lifetime of medical challenges. These are almost always injuries which should never happen and effect a person’s life. Unfortunately for pedestrians, it is impossible to avoid drunk drivers because it is so hard to know which cars are operated safely and which ones are not.
In addition, pedestrians and drunk drivers frequently meet in the same areas as more city, suburban, or walk-friendly areas are most likely where restaurants and bars are going to be. This means pedestrians are likely walking in these more populated areas or more popular areas at the same time when drunk drivers are leaving and around.
Were You Hit by a Drunk Driver in New Mexico? Call Our Albuquerque Personal Injury Lawyers
If you or a loved one were seriously injured by a drunk driver in a car or if you were a pedestrian, call the Caruso Law Offices, P.C. to learn how we can protect your rights to compensation under New Mexico law. Our experienced Albuquerque personal injury lawyer can work with your treating medical providers to help build your damages claim. We can also work with police, investigators, and other liability experts to establish liability against the defendant.
We handle cases throughout New Mexico, including in Las Cruces, Rio Rancho, Santa Fe, Roswell, Farmington, Hobbs, Lordsburg, or anywhere else in the state, including Albuquerque where our law office is located. Call the Caruso Law Offices, P.C. by dialing (505) 308-1556 to learn how we can help. You can also contact us on our website through the easy to use and convenient Contact box located by clicking here.
