New Mexico Car Accident Statistics

New Mexico Car Accident Numbers

Despite efforts from the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) to improve road safety, car accidents across the state have risen. Factors such as road conditions, traffic congestion, and distracted driving contribute to this increase.

• In 2023, New Mexico saw over 45,000 car accidents statewide.
• Of these, 350 accidents resulted in fatalities, claiming the lives of more than 400 people.
• 1,200 crashes were classified as serious injury accidents involving life-threatening injuries.
• 8,000 accidents resulted in minor injuries, while 7,500 caused possible injuries.
• Over 28,000 accidents reported in 2023 were non-injury crashes.
• In addition, 3,500 accidents involved unknown injuries due to the lack of immediate reporting.

Common Causes of NM Car Accidents

Car accidents happen for various reasons, but several common factors are more prevalent in New Mexico. These causes contribute to the high number of crashes across the state, and understanding them can help drivers avoid dangerous situations.

Distracted Driving

Activities like texting, eating, or using a GPS divert attention from the road, drastically increasing the chances of a crash. These distractions are dangerous for drivers and pedestrians, often resulting in severe accidents.

If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver, your attorney can gather critical evidence—such as phone records, witness statements, or dashcam footage—to prove the driver’s negligence.

Speeding

Driving above the speed limit or too fast for road conditions is another significant factor in crashes. Speeding reduces reaction time and increases the impact force during a collision, often leading to more severe injuries and fatalities. 

If your attorney can demonstrate that speeding was the cause of your accident, you could recover damages for your injuries, lost wages, and long-term costs.

Alcohol and Drug Impairment

Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or both significantly increases the likelihood of a crash. DUI accidents can be especially devastating, leading to catastrophic injuries or fatalities.

Your lawyer can use police reports, breathalyzer results, and eyewitness testimony to show the driver’s intoxication and hold them accountable for your damages.

Weather Conditions

Drivers unprepared for these sudden weather changes, such as icy roads or poor visibility during a storm, are more likely to lose control and cause accidents.

If weather conditions played a role in your accident, a lawyer can help assess whether the other driver was driving recklessly or failed to adjust their behavior. In cases where certain government offices were responsible, your attorney may also explore claims against those responsible for maintaining safe roads.

Driver Fatigue

Long stretches of rural highways in New Mexico contribute to driver fatigue. Fatigued drivers can experience slower reaction times, impaired judgment, or even fall asleep behind the wheel, which significantly increases the risk of collisions.

When fatigue leads to an accident, proving that the driver was too tired to operate their vehicle safely is key. A lawyer may investigate the driver’s travel history, work logs, or Hours of Service violations (in the case of commercial drivers) to establish negligence.

Failing to Yield

Intersections are a common site for accidents, particularly when drivers fail to yield. This often leads to side-impact collisions or “T-bone” crashes, which can be deadly, especially for those on the impacted side.

In failure-to-yield cases, a lawyer can review traffic camera footage, eyewitness reports, and police documentation to prove that the other driver violated traffic laws.

Types of Car Accidents in New Mexico

Car accidents in New Mexico vary in nature, with different types leading to unique challenges for drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.

Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end accidents are among the most common types of crashes in New Mexico, frequently occurring in areas with heavy traffic like Albuquerque or Santa Fe. These incidents often happen when a driver follows another vehicle too closely or fails to stop in time. While some rear-end collisions result in minor damage, others, especially those at high speeds, can cause serious injuries such as whiplash, spinal trauma, or head injuries.

Side-Impact Crashes

Side-impact collisions, or T-bone accidents, often occur at intersections when a driver fails to yield the right of way or runs a red light. Traumatic injuries like broken bones, head trauma, and internal organ damage are common in side-impact crashes, particularly for the driver or passengers seated on the side of impact.

Head-On Collisions

Head-on collisions are among the deadliest car accidents in New Mexico, often resulting in some of the most severe injuries and fatalities. These types of crashes occur when a driver crosses into oncoming traffic due to impairment, distraction, or losing control of their vehicle. The immense force of two vehicles colliding head-on can lead to injuries that could require years of medical treatment.

Rollover Accidents

Rollover accidents, particularly common among SUVs and trucks, generally happen when a vehicle loses control, often due to high speeds, sharp turns, or hitting an obstacle like a curb or median. Because of the vehicle’s high center of gravity, it may roll over, causing multiple impacts and potentially crushing the roof. This can increase the risk of severe injuries and even cause ejections from the vehicle.

Multi-Vehicle Accidents

Multi-vehicle accidents, or pileups, often occur on busy highways and can be particularly chaotic, with numerous drivers involved. These crashes usually happen when one car suddenly brakes or loses control, triggering a chain reaction of collisions. With multiple vehicles involved, the potential for serious injuries, including multiple impacts, is high.

Our Car Accident Lawyers Can Help

If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, the aftermath can be overwhelming. Medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress are just a few challenges you may face. However, you don’t have to navigate this difficult time alone.

At The Law Giant, we have the skills, resources, and record of success needed to guide you. We are committed to helping our clients navigate the complexities of car accident cases in New Mexico. With a reputation for holding negligent drivers and insurance companies accountable, we will pursue the compensation you deserve.

Our New Mexico car accident attorneys will:

• Investigate the accident: We’ll conduct a thorough investigation to gather essential evidence such as accident reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and vehicle damage assessments, all of which are critical to building a strong case.
• Establish liability: Car accidents may involve multiple liable parties, such as the other driver, vehicle manufacturers, or even third parties like road maintenance crews. We work diligently to uncover any negligence, traffic violations, or other factors contributing to the accident, ensuring those responsible are held accountable.
• Negotiate with insurance: Dealing with insurance companies can be challenging, especially when they try to reduce your payout. We’ll manage all negotiations on your behalf, working to ensure you receive full compensation for medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and any emotional distress caused by the accident.
• Calculate your damages: We collaborate with experts to assess the full scope of your financial and personal losses, including future medical needs, pain and suffering, and diminished quality of life, to pursue the maximum compensation available.
• Take your case to court: While many car accident claims are settled, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial if needed. Our team will fight for your rights and advocate for the justice and compensation you deserve in New Mexico.

Injured in a NM Auto Accident? The Law Giant Wins Big

If you’ve been hurt in a car accident, the experienced legal team at the offers free case evaluations to assess your situation and guide you through all your options. Let us fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.

Contact The Law Giant at (505) 900-0000 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward recovery.