Types of Car Accidents


Thousands of people are injured and killed in car accidents in New Mexico each year. At Caruso Law Offices, our attorney for car accident victims have extensive experience handling all types of car accidents, including the following:

Head-On Collisions

Head-on crashes occur when the front of two vehicles traveling in opposite directions collide. These motor vehicle accidents often result in fatalities and catastrophic injuries because they may involve speeding or drunk drivers who fail to brake before a collision.

Rear-End Accidents

Rear-end accidents are one of the most common types of motor vehicle accidents. They occur when the front of one vehicle hits the back of another. In these accidents, the rear driver is usually at fault for the accident because they may be caused by:

  • Following too closely
  • Speeding
  • Distracted driving
  • Inattention
  • Failing to yield the right-of-way

Side-Impact Collisions

Side-impact collisions occur when one vehicle hits the side of another vehicle. These accidents often occur at intersections or when a vehicle turns left into the path of oncoming traffic. They can also occur when a vehicle drifts into an adjoining lane and hits a vehicle in that lane.

Intersection Accidents

Intersection accidents occur at controlled or uncontrolled intersections. They represent a significant portion of traffic fatalities and injuries every year.

Speeding Accidents

Speeding has been a leading cause of motor vehicle accidents for the last several decades. These accidents are more likely to cause fatal or catastrophic injuries because speeders are more likely to lose control of their vehicle. They also have less time to brake to avoid a hazard once they recognize it. Higher speeds also translate to more serious injuries. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that 12,151 people suffered fatalities due to speeding in 2022.

Distracted Driving Accidents

Texting while driving is one of the most common and recognized forms of distracted driving. However, distracted driving can be any of the following:

  • Manual distractions – Manual distractions involve any type of activity that takes the driver’s hands off the steering wheel.
  • Visual distractions – Visual distractions take a driver’s eyes off the road ahead.
  • Cognitive distractions – Cognitive distractions take a driver’s mind off the task of driving.

Reckless Driving Accidents

Reckless driving involves intentional actions that put other motorists at risk, such as:

  • Excessive speeding
  • Weaving in and out of lanes
  • Running red lights
  • Running stop signs
  • Street racing
  • Drinking and driving
  • Drugged driving
  • Not activating lights during night or in inclement weather

Road Rage Crashes

Road rage crashes occur when a driver acts aggressively and intentionally causes a crash or takes some other action that endangers other motorists, such as driving them off the road.

Hit and Run Accidents

Hit and run accidents can result in serious injuries to the victim. Car accident victims may have their treatment delayed because the at-fault party escapes. They are also vulnerable to injuries from secondary accidents. These crashes can be complicated and may require you to file an uninsured motorist claim if you cannot locate the at-fault driver.

Drowsy Driving Accidents

Drowsy driving accidents occur when a fatigued or tired driver gets behind the wheel while they are in an impaired state. Drowsy drivers experience many of the same effects as drunk drivers and are more likely to fall asleep behind the wheel and cause a serious crash.

Caruso Law Offices Can Help for Any Type of Car Accident in Albuquerque

At Caruso Law Offices, we are ready to help accident victims who have been injured in any type of motor vehicle accident. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about how we can help.