New Mexico roads rank high among states with the most fatal car accidents per capita. In 2020, the state recorded 365 fatal crashes, resulting in 18.8 deaths per 100,000 people. New Mexico's fatal car accident rate exceeds that of its neighbors. Arizona reported 14.7 deaths per 100,000 people, while Texas had 13.3. This places New Mexico significantly above the national average, which raises concerns about road safety in the Land of Enchantment.
Why do New Mexico roads have such high car accident rates?
Several factors contribute to New Mexico's high accident car rates. For example, many rural roads lack safety features such as guardrails and wide shoulders, which can make them particularly dangerous at night or during inclement weather.
Also, drunk driving remains a persistent problem in New Mexico. Drunk driving impairs skills needed for safe driving, including reaction time, judgment, coordination, and vision. As a result, intoxicated drivers are more likely to make poor decisions, fail to respond to hazards in time, and lose control of their vehicles.
Other common causes of car accidents in New Mexico include:
- Distracted driving
- Drowsy driving
- Failure to yield
- Speeding and aggressive driving
What can New Mexico do to improve road safety?
Improving safety on New Mexico roads requires a multi-faceted approach involving government initiatives, public awareness, and individual responsibility. As drivers, we all play a role in making our roads safer by staying alert and following traffic laws.
To reduce fatal accidents, New Mexico could consider several strategies, such as:
- Enhancing enforcement of drunk driving laws and increasing public awareness campaigns about the dangers of impaired driving.
- Improving rural road safety by adding more guardrails, widening shoulders, and increasing signage.
- Investing in regular maintenance and upgrades for New Mexico roads, particularly in areas prone to weather-related deterioration.
- Implementing targeted education programs for high-risk groups, such as young drivers or those in areas with higher crash rates.
What should I do after a car accident on New Mexico roads?
If you're involved in a car accident on New Mexico roads, follow these steps:
- Check for injuries and call 911 immediately.
- Call the police and wait for a law enforcement officer to arrive at the crash scene.
- Exchange information with the other driver, including insurance details and contact information.
- Document the crash scene with photos and notes about road conditions and any contributing factors.
- Get medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine.
- File a claim with your insurance company as soon as possible.
- Keep all records of damages, including medical bills, vehicle repair estimates, pay stubs, and a pain and suffering journal.
- Get legal help and avoid speaking to the other driver's insurance company.
Contact an experienced New Mexico car accident lawyer
If you were injured or lost a loved one in a car accident in New Mexico, you deserve justice and fair compensation. Don't count on the insurance companies to readily compensate you for your damages. They often use tactics to keep costs down, even at your expense. Let a skilled New Mexico car accident lawyer at Szantho Law Firm investigate your crash, negotiate on your behalf, and protect your rights every step of the way.
Our law firm has a proven track record of helping injury victims secure the compensation they deserve. Don't let insurance companies undervalue your claim or pressure you into a quick, inadequate settlement. Contact us today for a free case evaluation. There is no obligation to hire us, but you won't owe any money upfront if you do. That's because we work on a contingency fee basis and only get paid if we win your case.
"The Szantho Law Firm represented me in my personal injury case where I was hit by a negligent driver and seriously injured my wrist. Mr. Szantho dealt with the insurance company and the other attorneys involved in my case. My own insurance company was very reluctant to pay any money on my behalf even though the accident was purely the fault of the other driver.
The Szantho Law Firm handled my case professionally and aggressively and made sure that my insurance company was held accountable. Due to Mr. Szantho's aggressive and spirited representation my insurance company gave a settlement that I was very happy with. Mr. Szantho also made sure that my medical bills were paid and dealt directly with my medical providers. I was extremely happy with the representation that I received with the Szantho Law Firm and I would highly recommend the Szantho Law Firm to anyone who has been injured in a car accident." - J. Martinez