It appears that a driver’s poor decision has resulted in two deaths from a collision with a Rail Runner passenger train near Albuquerque last week. According to articles from krqe.com and koat.com, New Mexico State Police have determined that the driver of the car that was hit drove around another car that was stopped at the railroad crossing and then around the arms that were down and into the path of the oncoming train. Both the driver, a 35-year-old man, and the passenger, a 34-year-old woman, were killed in the crash.
According to the article, the victims were a couple who had two children whom they had dropped off shortly before the crash and fortunately were not in the car during the collision.
Rushed Driving Can Lead to Devastating Results
When drivers are in a hurry, they often make bad decisions that result in tragic accidents. Whether an accident is caused by a rushed driver running a red light, speeding recklessly, or driving around the gates at a railroad crossing, the injuries or deaths that result can be devastating to the families of the victims. Drivers who are negligent and cause an accident in which they are injured or killed are rarely entitled to relief through filing a New Mexico auto accident lawsuit unless another party’s negligence contributed to the accident. When a passenger is hurt or killed because of a driver’s negligent or reckless conduct, however, they or their families can be entitled to relief.
By filing a New Mexico personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit, a passenger or his or her surviving family members can receive compensation for any expenses and losses related to an accident. Even in a situation where the passenger was in the car that was “at fault” for the crash, the passenger may be entitled to recovery from the driver or an insurance company if there is coverage on the vehicle involved. It can be difficult for a passenger or his or her family to sue the driver over an accident because the passenger and driver are often friends, lovers, or coworkers. However, our legal system is designed to protect victims in these circumstances, and drivers with adequate insurance are covered for this exact type of situation.
Unfortunately for the victims of car accidents, insurance companies have extremely skilled legal teams working for them around the clock to find a way for the insurance company to avoid paying accident victims the amount that they truly deserve. Often victims, even passengers, can be blamed for the accident by the insurance company when there is no basis to do so. Shortly after auto accidents, insurance companies are quick to offer settlements to victims or their families who are still recovering from the initial shock of the accident. Victims can be saddled with so many expenses and so much stress from the loss that it is sometimes tempting to take the first settlement offer made by an insurance company, but this is usually a poor choice.
Have You Been Injured in a New Mexico Car Accident?
If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident, the New Mexico accident lawyers at the Fine Law Firm can help you determine if the insurance company is offering a fair settlement. We know the ins and outs of New Mexico personal injury and wrongful death laws, and when insurance companies offer unreasonably low settlements we will fight to get what our clients actually deserve. Our New Mexico wrongful death and personal injury attorneys are not afraid to take a case to trial, and we have won substantial jury awards for our clients against insurance companies that make the mistake of refusing to fairly settle an accident case. The Fine Law Firm represents plaintiffs in all types of injury cases, including auto accidents. Call us to schedule a free consultation, and we can help you decide it you have a case that is worth pursuing. Give the Fine Law Firm a call at (585)889-3463 or contact us through our website to set up a meeting today.
More Blog Posts:
Number of Pedestrian Deaths in Albuquerque Hits Yearly Average with More than Three Months Remaining in 2014, New Mexico Truck Accident Lawyer Blog, September 12, 2014.
Federal Officials Confirm Breach in Safety Protocol Resulted in First Transmission of Ebola Virus within United States, New Mexico Truck Accident Lawyer Blog, October 13, 2014