CALL (800) 863-5312 to talk with Las Cruces traffic accident lawyers for free
In 2020, more than 40,000 people died in motor vehicle crashes in the United States. That is more than 110 people killed in crashes every day. If you were injured in a car accident or lost a loved one as a result of someone’s negligent driving, the Las Cruces traffic accident lawyers from Zinda Law Group can assist you with your injury claim.
For a free consultation with a Las Cruces personal injury lawyer, call (800) 863-5312. We’ve advocated for many clients injured in car accidents and we are here to help you, too.
John (Jack) Zinda
Founder / CEO
Over 100 years of combined experience representing injured victims across the country.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationLas Cruces Car accident statistics
On an average day in New Mexico, approximately 100 car crashes occur. Many citizens of Las Cruces have concerns about road traffic safety and for good reason. New Mexico’s fatal crash rates and fatality rates have been higher than the national average for the last five years.
However, there was some good news in the year of 2020:
- New Mexico and national crash rates decreased abruptly.
- Pedestrian fatalities involving DUI dropped 13%.
- Law enforcement agencies continued to improve their electronic reporting systems.
Unfortunately, some of the more positive crash statistics are attributable to a decrease in traffic volume. Traffic volume dropped sharply during the COVID-19 pandemic, which accounted for the global reduction in road traffic collisions. As the New Mexico Department of Transportation recognized in their 2020 annual report, changes in traffic volume affect the number of crashes that occur in any given year.
As traffic volume increases, so will the number of accidents. The car accident attorneys from Zinda Law Group are prepared to discuss your car accident personal injury claim. For a 100% free consultation and to speak with a Las Cruces car accident attorney, call (800) 863-5312 today.
Neil Solomon
Partner
Real results matter. We do not get paid unless we win your case.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationWHAT DO I DO AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT IN LAS CRUCES?
Everyone knows that the aftermath of an accident is chaotic. Car accidents are unexpected and often result in serious injuries. Although a car accident can catch you off guard, there are some things you can do to protect yourself after a motor vehicle accident.
Jason Aldridge
Attorney
Standing by 24 hours a day, 7 days a week ready to answer in your time of need.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationCall 911 and Report the Accident
Police play a critical role in documenting the accident and preserving evidence. Plus, officers can speak with everyone at the scene and piece together what caused the collision.. Additionally, the presence of a law enforcement officer may also be helpful if the other driver is driving under the influence or without car insurance.
Cole Gumm
Attorney
We are here to ensure you won’t have to face this difficult time alone.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationSeek Medical Attention if Injured
It’s crucial that you get medical help right away. After an accident, your adrenaline will be pumping, and you may not realize the severity of your injuries. Even if your injuries seem minor, you should get immediate medical attention to prevent further injury from delayed treatment. Additionally, you should insist on a full diagnosis, including X-rays, MRIs, and other available examinations.
Take Photos of the Scene
If you are able, taking pictures can make a major difference during the car insurance claims process. As you wait for help to arrive, try to take as many photos as you can of the accident. The photos you take could end up being the concrete evidence that you need to prove your injury claim. Make sure to capture any damage to vehicles and property, license plates of cars involved, videos of the roadway, and any skid marks on the road.
Never Admit Fault After an Accident
After an accident, you may feel compelled to take responsibility. You may even feel overwhelmed and shaken because of the other party pressuring you to admit fault. Many contributing factors could’ve caused the accident, and neither you nor the other driver can be entirely sure how the accident occurred.
Avoid admitting fault by:
- Not stating any personal opinions
- Not embellishing facts or other information
- Allowing your attorney to speak to all parties on your behalf
Before an investigation unfolds, it’s best not to speculate as to why the accident occurred. Furthermore, the other driver’s insurance company will be looking for statements that they can use to deny your claim. Saying too much could harm your chances in pursuing compensation, even when you truly did not cause the accident.
Contact Las Cruces Traffic Accident Lawyers as Soon as Possible
You shouldn’t have to pursue your legal claims alone. Insurance companies might try to offer you an inadequate settlement or refuse to pay you altogether. A lawyer can be incredibly helpful when it comes to protecting your legal rights. A Las Cruces personal injury attorney is ready to assist you if you or a loved one were injured in an accident.
Most Common Causes of Car accidents
Data scientists at the CDC, NHTSA, state-level motor departments of transportation, and other governmental organizations work hard to gather information about traffic accidents. These organizations use the data to form a coherent picture that guides public policy choices, thereby keeping motorists and their passengers safe. According to their research, the following factors most often contribute to roadway accidents in the United States.
Distractions
On an overage day in New Mexico in 2020, a distracted-driving crash occurred every 29 minutes. There are many ways that a driver could get distracted while behind the wheel of a car. For example, a driver can easily be distracted when they are:
- Texting
- Talking to their passengers
- Talking on the cell phone
- Adjusting the stereo
- Trying to find an item in the vehicle
All it takes is a split second for a distraction to cause an accident. Most people are aware of this, but still think they can multitask while operating a vehicle. In New Mexico, driver inattention was a contributing factor in 19% of all crashes.
Fatigue
A driver’s ability to respond, react, and discern conditions on the road can be hampered by sleepiness, drowsiness, or outright exhaustion. Around one-third of adults report sleeping fewer than the recommended seven to eight hours of sleep. The safety, health, and quality of life of the American public are all negatively impacted by fatigue. In fact, in 2017, an estimated 91,000 police-reported crashes involved drowsy drivers.
Drowsy-driving accidents occur most often between midnight and 6 a.m. Many peoples’ work schedules cause them to make their commute during those times. Drinking a coffee or an energy drink might not be enough for some people. For most, it takes more than caffeine to achieve the restorative effect of a good night’s rest.
Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol
Drugs and alcohol are contributing factors in 22.2% of crash-related fatalities in New Mexico. Still, drivers in New Mexico drive impaired in high numbers. In fact, New Mexico had the seventh-highest DUI severity score in the United States.
In 2020, Las Cruces was one of the 20 cities in New Mexico with the highest number of alcohol-involved crashes. In fact, Las Cruces ranked only behind Albuquerque in the number of total alcohol-involved crashes. However, alcohol-involved crashes per 10,000 city residents were higher in Las Cruces than in Albuquerque.
Injuries common to Las Cruces Car accidents
Virtually any part of the body can be seriously injured in a car accident. The following are a few of the most common injuries suffered by car accident victims:
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Whether they are instantly noticeable, or you consult a physician after the first signs of symptoms, brain injuries can be serious. The most common type of injury suffered in a car accident is a concussion. Concussions are the result of direct trauma to the head, but not all brain injuries involve direct contact with the head. Acquired brain injuries refer to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) resulting from blood loss, chest complications, lung and rib damage, and throat injuries.
Spinal Injuries and Paralysis
Many people suffer spinal cord injuries and long-term disability because of car crashes. The spine has many functions in the body, such as sensory information processing, movement control, and rhythmic pattern generation (like walking and breathing). The American Association of Neurological Surgeons reports that as many as 17,000 new spinal cord injuries occur every year in the United States.
Back Injuries
Also, being involved in a motor vehicle collision increases the risk of suffering from future back pain. In 2020, data showed that 63% of ongoing low back pain can be attributed to a prior injury in a car crash. These statistics show suffering from back pain is common even when it wasn’t part of the initial injury.
Burns
In 2016, fire and smoke inhalation caused 2,475 deaths. Out of those cases, 310 fires were the result of vehicle crashes. It’s important that you exit your vehicle if you see smoke. Not only could you be injured by inhaling the smoke, but you could also suffer serious burns if the car were to catch on fire. Additionally, depending on the location and severity of the burn, the injury can become a life-threatening emergency.
Broken Bones
Car accidents frequently cause broken bones. Some injury risks include being ejected from the vehicle, the force of the accident crushing your body, or reaching to brace yourself just before the accident. Outside of seeing the bone poking through the skin or a deformed appearance, it might be hard to tell if you have a broken bone. X-rays are generally the best way to tell if you’ve broken a bone.
Disfigurement and Scarring
A deep cut or wound can leave a noticeable scar on a car accident victim. Thankfully, medical advances made in cosmetic surgery make it possible to reduce the appearance of scars, allowing car accident victims to more fully recover. A person disfigured because of a car accident might be able to obtain funds for mental health services, including counseling and medication.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that the citizens of the United States spend more than 1 million days in the hospital each year due to car accident injuries. In New Mexico alone, over 16,000 people suffered an injury because of a car accident in 2020. A Las Cruces car accident attorney from Zinda Law Group is here for you. For a 100% free consultation with a Las Cruces personal injury lawyer, call us today at (800) 863-5312.
What if my Loved one was killed in a car accident?
Under the common law, a person’s potential legal claim vanished with the loss of their life. Today, a wrongful death claim can be brought on behalf of the deceased, usually by a close relative. Importantly, a wrongful death claim is a right granted by law and the scope of this right varies from state to state.
Does the Statute of Limitations Apply to Wrongful Death Claims?
Yes, you must comply with the statute of limitations to have a valid wrongful death claim. The window of time that you can file a claim varies from state to state. In California, for example, the statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is two years, as opposed to three years in New Mexico.
What if the Person Responsible is Criminally Prosecuted?
Wrongdoing can result in both criminal charges and a wrongful death claim. In other words, a defendant can be sued in civil court for wrongful death while also facing criminal charges related to the same death. The main differences between a criminal prosecution and a civil injury claim are the standards of proof and who the decision benefits. In criminal cases, the burden of proof is higher, and the decision benefits society as opposed to directly benefitting the loved ones of the deceased.
The car accident attorneys from Zinda Law Group are experienced in filing wrongful death suits and can help you understand the applicable standard of proof for your claim. If you have lost a loved one in an accident, call (800) 863-5312 to speak with a Las Cruces personal injury lawyer today and discuss the possibility of filing a wrongful death lawsuit.
Schedule your free case evaluation with Zinda Law Group’s Las Cruces traffic accident lawyers today
Car accidents are an unfortunate reality of life, especially in an up-and-coming city like Las Cruces, New Mexico. As more cars and younger drivers are on the road, car accidents are likely to remain commonplace. If you have been injured in or lost a loved one to a car accident, a Las Cruces car accident lawyer can help you file a claim and pursue legal action. If the harm you suffered was the result of someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation.
The lawyers at Zinda Law Group work to make sure your recovery process is as easy as possible. It’s our mission to serve the victims of car accident injuries in Las Cruces. That’s why we offer our No Win, No Fee Guarantee. To schedule a free case evaluation today, call Zinda Law Group at (800) 863-5312. Our attorneys are eager to hear the facts of your case and determine how they can help.
Meetings with attorneys are available by appointment only.
Jason Aldridge
Attorney
We have successfully represented clients in a wide variety of cases across the country.
Available 24 / 7|Free Consultation
