An off-duty United States Border Patrol Agent allegedly struck and killed an El Paso Bicyclist in an early morning crash on New Mexico State Road 136 in Santa Teresa. According to New Mexico State Police Spokesperson Sergeant Emmanuel Gutierrez, the 29-year-old Border Patrol Agent claims the 47-year-old victim unexpectedly swerved in front of his pick-up truck as he traveled to work. Following the bicycle accident, the driver allegedly stopped and performed CPR on the man until emergency responders arrived. The bicycle rider was transported to Sierra Providence Hospital where he died about five hours after the accident.
The exact cause of the fatal bicycle accident is currently under investigation by the New Mexico State Police. According to investigators, there is no reason to believe the driver was distracted by his cellular telephone at the time of the deadly crash. Still, a bicyclist who was riding with the decedent at the time of the incident stated the 47-year-old was a conscientious rider for numerous years. Rolando Morales, Advocacy Director for EP Cyclists, added that the roadway is popular with bicycle riders and said vehicle drivers need to understand that bicyclists have the same rights as cars. Once the investigation is completed, it will reportedly be reviewed by the New Mexico District Attorney’s Office.
As this case demonstrates, whether you are traveling by bicycle, motor vehicle, or simply walking on a sidewalk, an unexpected accident with a reckless or inattentive driver can occur at any time. Section 66-3-702 of New Mexico’s Motor Vehicle Code requires that all bicycle riders who travel on a roadway in our state be afforded the same rights as motor vehicles. Regrettably, too many motorists choose to ignore this requirement. A bicyclist who is involved in a traffic wreck with an automobile may sustain severe and disabling injuries as a result of a collision. In too many cases, a New Mexico bicycle rider is tragically killed.
If you were harmed by a careless or negligent driver on your bicycle or in your car while traveling in New Mexico, you may be eligible to receive financial compensation for your medical costs, pain, suffering, lost wages and benefits, and other damages. If you tragically lost a treasured loved one in such a crash, you may be entitled to file a wrongful death claim against the driver who caused the accident. You are advised to consult with a quality bicycle accident attorney regarding your rights.
Do not hesitate to contact the Fine Law Firm if you or a family member was hurt or died as a result of a bicycle or other avoidable traffic wreck in New Mexico. Our hardworking Albuquerque personal injury lawyers have more than 100 years of combined experience helping the victims of devastating accidents receive the damages they deserve based upon the severity of their injuries. To schedule a free, confidential case evaluation with a knowledgeable advocate, please give the caring attorneys at the Fine Law Firm a call at (505) 889-3463 or contact us through our website.
More Blog Posts:
Three Teens Killed in Cuba Rollover Crash Were Not Wearing a Seat Belt, New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, August 22, 2013
High School Athletes in New Mexico May Suffer Concussions Despite Safety Laws, New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, August 22, 2013
Additional Resources:
El Paso bike rider struck, killed by off-duty Border Patrol agent, by Aaron Martinez, El Paso Times
Friend speaks out on fatal accident in Santa Teresa, NM, by Kay Recede, ktsm.com