It appears from the preliminary investigation into a tragic two-vehicle crash that occurred last month that the effects of drowsy driving have taken the lives of two more New Mexicans. The drivers of the two vehicles, which collided head-on, were both killed. Passengers in each vehicle were airlifted to a Texas hospital with serious injuries. According to a local news source, the crash occurred at around 6:40 AM near milepost 60 on State Road 18 in Lea County, between Lovington and Hobbs.
The article indicates that the driver of the southbound vehicle, a 24-year-old man from Lovington, fell asleep while driving and drifted into the northbound lane of traffic, crashing head on into the other vehicle, which was being driven by a 30-year-old man from Los Lunas, New Mexico.
Inattentive and drowsy driving remain among the most concerning dangers for drivers today, and the dangerous decision by a driver not to pull over to rest all too often results in a deadly New Mexico auto accident, as happened last month. Drowsy driving accidents are the most common on rural highways with little to no nighttime lighting and high speed limits, and they often involve vehicles colliding with each other head-on. These factors unfortunately help to explain why accidents involving sleeping drivers have a comparatively high chance of resulting in serious injury or death. Because of this danger, drivers must know to always stop and rest if they are feeling drowsy behind the wheel. Rest stops and expanded shoulders are available for drivers to pull over, and it is always better to be late than to be responsible for a tragedy and potentially encounter significant civil and criminal liability.
New Mexico Accidents
Victims of New Mexico highway accidents and their families face daunting responsibilities and difficult choices after they or their loved one is involved in an accident and injured or killed. The expenses that come along with an injury or fatality can be surprisingly high, and when victims and their families are in physical and mental pain, getting through the immediate and ongoing aftermath of a tragic accident can be extremely difficult. It can be especially troubling for a victim or his or her loved ones to seek compensation for their loss and help with expenses in the wake of an accident. Although drivers and companies are insured in order to provide accident victims with the resources to obtain the treatment and assistance they require after an accident, these insurance companies are often working toward competing goals.
After a New Mexico car crash, the insurance companies providing coverage for all of the vehicles involved usually begin investigating what happened immediately, usually with an eye toward reducing the liability of whoever they are accepting responsibility for. Making matters worse for victims, insurance companies often use their position between the victims and the money they and their families need to get accident victims to agree to unfair settlements as a way to pay the immediate expenses related to the accident.
Are You in Need of an Attorney?
Accident victims need to have a skilled advocate on their side as soon as possible after an accident occurs. A knowledgeable New Mexico personal injury attorney can help victims get a fair shake from an insurance company before a case is even filed. if you or someone whom you love has been injured or killed in a New Mexico car accident, the New Mexico accident attorneys at The Fine Law Firm are experienced in dealing with insurance companies, and we know how to protect your rights and argue your case. Our personal injury lawyers help get victims the compensation that they deserve. The Fine Law Firm handles most personal injury and wrongful death cases, including crashes caused by drowsy, inattentive, or intoxicated drivers. Contact us today through our website or call (555)889-3463 to schedule a consultation and let us help you with your case.
More Blog Posts:
Texas Woman Killed After Semi-Truck Crosses into Oncoming Traffic and Hits Three Vehicles, New Mexico Truck Accident Lawyer Blog, September 12, 2014.
Investigation Continues into Semi-Truck Crash that Killed Four Texas Student Athletes, New Mexico Truck Accident Lawyer Blog, October 13, 2014.