A 39-year-old man recently died following a motorcycle crash on Interstate 25 near Cañoncito. According to a representative from the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office, Lieutenant Joe McLaughlin, the Los Alamos man was headed north on the roadway when he attempted to pass a four-door Chevrolet on the right near mile marker 294. As he did so, the motorcycle rider reportedly lost control of his bike and struck a guardrail.
Following impact, the man apparently flew off of his motorcycle which then struck the Chevrolet. Despite that he was wearing a safety helmet at the time of the crash, the 39-year-old man was pronounced dead due to massive head injuries at the accident scene. Authorities stated neither the 42-year-old driver of the Chevrolet nor his 43-year-old passenger was hurt in the collision.
The exact cause of the deadly accident is currently under investigation by the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators apparently believe alcohol did not play a role in the traffic wreck. McLaughlin stated it appears excessive speed may have contributed to the deadly accident.
Motorcycle crashes in our state are often caused by a motorist’s inattention or simple negligence. Regrettably, the injuries sustained by the victim of a motorcycle collision are generally much more serious than if the same accident had involved the driver of a car or truck. Too many New Mexico motorcycle accidents result in catastrophic injuries and untimely death.
According to the United States Department of Transportation, almost 40,000 deadly motorcycle crashes occur throughout the nation every year. Normally, less than half of those killed in such an accident are wearing a protective safety helmet. In addition, speed reportedly played a role in at least 40 percent of fatal motorcycle collisions nationwide. Because New Mexico is a comparative fault accident state, a motorcycle crash victim may receive damages for his or her accident injuries even if the motorcycle rider was partly responsible for the crash. It is always a good idea to speak with a knowledgeable motorcycle accident attorney following any bike crash in New Mexico.
Do not hesitate to contact the Fine Law Firm if you were the victim of a New Mexico motorcycle crash. Our hardworking Santa Fe motorcycle accident lawyers have more than 100 years of combined experience assisting those who were hurt as a result of a motorist’s negligent act. At the Fine Law Firm, our skilled attorneys are available to help you collect the damages you deserve following an unexpected motorcycle or other collision. To schedule a free, confidential case evaluation with a competent advocate, please give the helpful attorneys at the Fine Law Firm a call at (505) 889-3463 or contact us through our website.
More Blog Posts:
General Motors Recall Expanded to Include Unsafe SUVs in New Mexico and Throughout Nation, New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, June 25, 2013
Passenger Killed in Negligent Semi Rollover Accident on I-40 Near Grants, New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, June 25, 2013
Additional Resources:
Around Northern New Mexico, by Journal Staff, Albuquerque Journal
Los Alamos man killed in motorcycle crash, The Santa Fe New Mexican