Santa Fe Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Fighting for Your Recovery

Hit by a car in New Mexico? Get full compensation for your injuries.

Pedestrian accidents in Santa Fe often result in serious injuries that bring sudden medical bills, financial strain, and the stress of recovery.

Many of these accidents happen due to factors beyond the pedestrian’s control — like distracted or impaired drivers and unsafe road conditions — yet victims are left to deal with the consequences.

Despite clear fault, securing fair compensation can still be a complex process.

Victims deserve full support to recover physically, financially, and emotionally, but handling a claim alone while healing can be overwhelming. The right Santa Fe pedestrian accident lawyer can make all the difference.

Szantho Law Firm is here to take on that burden, fighting for the full compensation victims need to rebuild their lives.

If you or a loved one were injured in a Santa Fe pedestrian accident, contact Szantho Law Firm for a free consultation and learn how we can help you pursue justice and peace of mind.

Common causes of pedestrian accidents in Santa Fe, New Mexico

In Santa Fe, understanding the causes of a pedestrian accident and determining liability is important for victims seeking justice and fair compensation.

Identifying who is at fault — whether it’s a reckless driver, a negligent company, or a city responsible for road safety — lays the foundation for a successful claim.

We can navigate these complexities, build a strong case, and fight to secure the compensation injured pedestrians need for medical bills, lost income, and other damages.

Common causes of pedestrian accidents in Santa Fe include:

• Distracted Driving – In Santa Fe, drivers distracted by phones, GPS, or other in-car activities are a significant risk, especially in the busy plaza areas and neighborhoods with high pedestrian traffic. When distracted driving leads to an accident, liability often rests with the driver, who is required to stay alert and prioritize safety on Santa Fe’s streets.
• Speeding – Excessive speed is a serious issue on Santa Fe’s main roads, such as St. Francis Drive and Cerrillos Road, where speeding reduces reaction time and increases the force of impact. When speeding contributes to an accident, the driver is typically liable for disregarding safe driving practices, particularly in areas with heavy pedestrian activity.
• Failure to Yield at Crosswalks – Drivers in Santa Fe are legally required to yield to pedestrians in designated crosswalks, particularly when people are crossing the street near popular areas like the Railyard or around the Plaza. A driver who fails to yield is generally held liable for violating New Mexico’s pedestrian right-of-way laws.
• Impaired Driving – Alcohol or drug impairment greatly affects a driver’s judgment and response times. When a driver is found to be under the influence, they are almost always held liable due to the severe safety risks associated with impaired driving.
• Poor Roadway Design or Maintenance – Santa Fe’s older infrastructure can contribute to pedestrian accidents, with issues like poorly marked crosswalks, inadequate sidewalks, or low lighting. When these conditions play a role in an accident, liability may extend to city or county entities responsible for maintaining safe roadways.
• Bad Weather Conditions – Weather can impact visibility and road conditions, making it harder for drivers to see pedestrians. Although drivers are expected to adjust their driving according to weather, proving liability in these cases may require a nuanced look at driver behavior and roadway conditions.
• Reckless or Aggressive Driving – Drivers who engage in reckless behaviors like running red lights, tailgating, or weaving in and out of traffic pose a serious risk to pedestrians. Reckless driving can establish clear driver liability due to the extreme disregard for safety.

Each of these factors requires a careful examination of the accident’s circumstances and evidence to determine who is liable. In cases of fatal pedestrian accidents, loved ones may have the right to file wrongful death claims to seek justice and financial support.

Working with an experienced Santa Fe pedestrian accident lawyer ensures that each possible cause is fully explored, so you aren’t left shouldering the burden alone.

If you or someone you love was injured, contact attorney Andras Szantho to understand your options for holding the right party accountable and securing the compensation you need.

Who pays for injuries in a Santa Fe pedestrian accident?

Common injuries in pedestrian accidents often include traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, internal organ damage, and lacerations or contusions.

These injuries can lead to expensive medical bills, lost wages, and many other compensable damages.

Liability for pedestrian accident injuries and damages often falls on multiple parties depending on the specific circumstances of the accident. Every state has its own liability and negligence laws that influence compensation.

Here’s a closer look at who may be held liable in a Santa Fe pedestrian accident:

• The Driver – Often, the driver involved in the accident is liable if they were distracted, speeding, impaired, or otherwise negligent. Drivers are responsible for yielding to pedestrians and following road laws, especially in pedestrian-heavy areas. Violations of these duties often place liability on the driver.
• Employers of Commercial Drivers – If a commercial vehicle or delivery truck caused the accident, the driver’s employer might also be liable. Companies are responsible for ensuring their drivers follow safety guidelines, receive adequate training, and maintain their vehicles.
• Government Entities – In cases where poorly maintained or improperly designed roads contributed to the accident, a government entity could be held accountable. This might involve unsafe crosswalks, insufficient lighting, or damaged sidewalks that create unsafe conditions for pedestrians.
• Vehicle or Part Manufacturers – Occasionally, defective vehicle parts, such as brakes or tires, play a role in causing an accident. If a defect contributed to the driver’s inability to stop or control the vehicle, the manufacturer could be liable for the resulting injuries.

Determining liability in a pedestrian accident is a complex process. Szantho Law Firm can investigate each possible source of fault, gather evidence, and build a case that ensures you’re not left bearing the costs alone.

Tips for drivers to share the road with pedestrians in Santa Fe

Drivers play a crucial role in keeping Santa Fe’s roads safe for pedestrians. Given the city’s unique layout, popular pedestrian areas like the Plaza and Railyard, and the influx of tourists, it’s essential for drivers to stay vigilant and keep a lookout for people on foot.

Here are some key safety tips for drivers to help prevent pedestrian accidents:

• Yield at Crosswalks and Stop for Pedestrians: Drivers must always yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and intersections, even if there are no traffic signals. This is especially crucial in areas with heavy foot traffic, like St. Francis Drive or Cerrillos Road.
• Stay Alert in Residential and School Zones: Santa Fe’s neighborhoods and school zones often have increased pedestrian activity. Slow down, follow posted speed limits, and watch for children and others who may be crossing the street.
• Avoid Distracted Driving: Taking your eyes off the road for even a moment can lead to a serious pedestrian accident. Put away your phone, minimize in-car distractions, and keep your full attention on driving, particularly in pedestrian-heavy areas.
• Be Cautious When Turning: Pedestrians have the right-of-way when crossing the street, even when drivers are turning. Always check for pedestrians before making a turn at an intersection.
• Adjust for Poor Weather and Low Lighting: Santa Fe’s road conditions can be challenging during rain or at night. Reduce your speed and use extra caution when visibility is limited, ensuring you can see pedestrians on dimly lit streets.

These safe driving tips help protect pedestrians and make Santa Fe’s roads safer for everyone. However, even with these precautions, pedestrian accidents can still happen due to reckless or negligent drivers.

Put a legal warrior on your side. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Pursuing a pedestrian accident claim in Santa Fe can be challenging, especially when insurance companies try to shift blame or minimize payouts.

New Mexico’s comparative negligence laws allow for your compensation to be reduced if you’re found partially at fault, making it essential to have a pedestrian accident attorney who can protect your claim and secure maximum compensation.

When facing a complex pedestrian accident claim, having the right advocate can make all the difference.

Szantho Law Firm brings the experience and determination needed to handle tough insurance tactics and protect your right to full compensation.

If you or a loved one were injured in a Santa Fe pedestrian accident, contact us to schedule a free consultation to explore your options, understand the next steps, and start building a strong case for your recovery.

“I wholeheartedly recommend Andras Szantho if you need representation for any type of personal injury case. Not only was he extremely knowledgeable and quick to respond to any questions or issues I had, but he made the process almost painless and, most importantly, was successful in facilitating the best possible outcome for my case. I highly recommend his services.” — Meribeth D.