New Mexico Pedestrian Accident Statistics
A recent study by the GHSA indicates that New Mexico is the most dangerous state for pedestrians. In 2022, there were 8,126 fatal pedestrian accidents in the state. There are approximately 4.4 fatalities per 100,000 people in New Mexico. That number has been trending upward since 2010.
If you or a loved one has been hit by a car while walking, it’s important to work with a pedestrian accident injury lawyer. They can ensure a smooth recovery after your crash.
Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in New Mexico
Multiple factors play a role in the cause of a pedestrian accident. Some of the most common causes include:
- Speeding – Speeding was a factor in more than 8% of pedestrian accidents in 2021. When vehicles exceed the speed limit, they risk not seeing pedestrians in time to stop.
- Drinking and Driving – In 2021, 19% of pedestrian fatalities involved a driver with a BAC of 0.08% or higher. Younger drivers were the most likely to be drinking and driving.
- Distracted Driving – Drivers who aren’t focused on the road can threaten pedestrians. Anything that takes a driver’s focus away from safe driving, like texting, talking to passengers, or using the phone, could cause an injury accident.
- Unmarked Crosswalks – Pedestrians in unmarked crosswalks are more at risk than those with clearly marked pathways. Drivers often fail to see people who are jaywalking or crossing without a signal.
- Failing to Yield Right-of-Way – When pedestrians are in a crosswalk or following marked signage, they have the right of way. However, many drivers fail to yield to pedestrians’ right-of-way, leading to a dangerous accident.
If you or a loved one was injured in one of these situations, it’s important to work closely with a crosswalk injury lawyer. Your attorney can determine what caused the accident and who should be held accountable.
Injuries Caused By New Mexico Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrians are vulnerable to serious injury in accidents because they have no protection from the force of a moving vehicle. The severity of injuries sustained in a pedestrian accident depends on several factors. These include the speed and size of the vehicle involved, the point of impact, and the pedestrian’s age and health.
The most common injuries caused by pedestrian accidents are:
- Soft Tissue Damage
- Broken Bones
- Head Injuries
- Internal Injuries
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Crush Injuries
- Emotional Trauma
Compensation Available in a Pedestrian Injury Accident
There are two main types of damages that you may be able to recover in a pedestrian accident case: economic damages and non-economic damages.
Economic damages compensate you for your financial losses because of the accident. These include medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, property damage, and other out-of-pocket expenses.
Non-economic damages are meant to compensate you for your non-financial losses, like your pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. These can be more difficult to quantify than economic damages, but they can be just as significant.
The specific types of damages that you may be able to recover in your pedestrian accident case will depend on the facts of your case. It is important to consult with an experienced New Mexico pedestrian accident attorney to discuss your case and your potential legal options.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident
If you are involved in a pedestrian accident, it is important to take certain steps to protect your health and legal rights. Here are some tips on what to do after a pedestrian accident:
- Check for injuries
- Exchange contact information with the driver
- Gather witness information
- Get evidence at the scene
- File a police report
- Contact a pedestrian accident lawyer
FAQs about Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents can be confusing. The attorneys at Patscheck Law have answers for you. If you need more information, reach out to us as soon as possible.
Is There a Deadline to File a Pedestrian Accident Claim in New Mexico?
There is a statute of limitations in pedestrian accident cases. This is a deadline by which you must file a personal injury lawsuit in New Mexico. That time limit is three years. However, there may be exceptions. Consult with a pedestrian accident attorney to find out how this deadline applies to your case.
What Should I Do If the Driver Leaves the Scene?
If the driver flees the scene of your pedestrian accident, you should immediately call 911. Leaving the scene of an accident without stopping is a criminal offense. Your attorney can interview eyewitnesses and review local traffic cameras. You should allow your attorney to investigate the situation on your behalf.
What Can Affect the Value of a Pedestrian Claim?
There are some factors that can affect the value of your pedestrian accident claim. The greater your economic and non-economic damages, the more your case will be worth. However, you must also be aware of New Mexico’s pure comparative negligence law that could reduce your verdict if your actions contributed to your damages. For example, if you jaywalked or failed to follow marked signage when crossing a roadway, you may be found to be partially at fault. If so, your compensation may be reduced.
How Can a Personal Injury Lawyer Help My Claim?
A personal injury lawyer can help your pedestrian accident claim in several ways, including investigating the accident, filing a claim with your insurance company, and filing a lawsuit. Your lawyer can also ensure you understand your rights and get the maximum amount of compensation possible. A personal injury lawyer can be an asset if you have been injured in a pedestrian accident.
Call a Farmington Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Now
Attorney Shellie Patscheck and her legal team work hard to help victims of pedestrian accidents. We know how these accidents can completely disrupt your life. We will help you get things back on track.
Call us today at (505) 325-9898 or use our online contact form to reach out.