While waiting at a red light, another vehicle suddenly slams into yours, spinning you into oncoming traffic. In the blink of an eye, an ordinary commute turns into a devastating collision.
Intersection accidents in Albuquerque often involve a failure to yield the right of way. When careless drivers ignore traffic signals or roll through stop signs, innocent people get hurt. If a negligent motorist has injured you, the experienced Albuquerque accident lawyers at Keller & Keller are here to protect your rights. Here’s what you need to know about intersection accidents in New Mexico.
How Most Intersection Accidents Happen
Intersections are among the most dangerous places on New Mexico roads. With vehicles entering from multiple directions, there are numerous chances for something to go wrong. Some of the most common causes of intersection crashes include:
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Speeding to "beat the yellow"
- Making unsafe left turns
- Failing to yield when required
- Texting or other distracted driving
In each of these scenarios, a driver's careless actions put others at risk. And unfortunately, that negligence often leads to serious accidents and injuries.
The Devastating Impact of Failure to Yield
Failure to yield the right of way is one of the leading factors in Albuquerque intersection accidents. This occurs when a driver doesn't yield to oncoming vehicles or pedestrians when they're supposed to. Common examples are:
- Not yielding to oncoming traffic when making an unprotected left turn
- Rolling through a stop sign without giving cross-traffic the right-of-way
- Failing to yield to pedestrians in a marked crosswalk
- Turning right on red without yielding to vehicles with a green light
These reckless maneuvers often result in T-bone collisions, pedestrian accidents, and multi-vehicle pileups. The violent forces in these crashes can cause devastating harm to vehicle occupants, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Neck, back, and shoulder injuries
- Broken bones and internal bleeding
- Spinal cord damage and paralysis
- Crushed or amputated limbs
- Disfiguring facial lacerations
Injury victims often face a long road to recovery, requiring extensive medical treatment, rehabilitative care, and time away from work. The physical, emotional, and financial impact can be overwhelming.
Determining Fault in Intersection Collisions
Determining who is liable for an intersection crash is rarely straightforward. Multiple drivers, complex traffic patterns, and conflicting stories can muddy the waters. However, some key types of evidence can help shed light on fault, such as:
- Videos from traffic cameras or dashcams
- Photos of vehicle damage and skid marks
- Eyewitness statements
- Police accident reports
- Data from vehicle "black boxes"
- cellphone records showing texting while driving
It's important to note that New Mexico follows a comparative negligence rule in car accident cases. Under this law, an injured person can still recover compensation even if they are found to be partly at fault, as long as their percentage of blame is less than the other party's. However, their damages award would be reduced in proportion to their degree of fault. So if you are found to be 30 percent responsible for the crash, you can only recover 70 percent of your damages.
An experienced Albuquerque accident lawyer will know how to thoroughly investigate the crash and secure vital proof to support your claim.
What to Do After an Intersection Accident
The scene after an intersection collision is often chaotic and overwhelming. You may be in shock, struggling with pain, and unsure where to turn. To protect your health and your legal rights, take these key steps:
- Call 911 and report the accident to the police.
- See a doctor as soon as possible.
- Follow your healthcare provider's treatment plan.
- Gather evidence, such as photos and witness contact information.
- Avoid discussing fault with the other driver or posting on social media.
- Contact an experienced Albuquerque car accident lawyer.
Why You Need an Attorney After an Intersection Crash
Intersection accident claims are complicated. Proving liability requires strong evidence and sharp legal skills. Insurance companies will look for any excuse to downplay your injuries and shift blame onto you.
The seasoned Albuquerque accident attorneys at Keller & Keller will:
- Thoroughly investigate your accident to determine fault
- Identify all potential sources of compensation
- Handle communication with the insurance companies
- Gather evidence to build the strongest possible case
- Aggressively advocate for the full and fair recovery you deserve
You have a limited time to take legal action after an intersection accident in New Mexico. Don't let the medical bills and lost wages threaten your financial stability.
