Leading Causes of Albuquerque Motor Vehicle Accidents

As New Mexico’s most populous city, congested highways and traffic accidents are common occurrences in Albuquerque. There are several reasons for Albuquerque highway crashes, ranging from driver error to vehicle malfunction.

Let’s review the leading contributing factors of traffic accidents and your legal options.

Driver Inattention

Driver inattention isn’t the same as distracted driving. You don’t have to text or engage in other activities to be classified as an inattentive driver. Failing to focus on the road and other drivers is enough to cause an accident due to distracted driving.

A widespread problem, driver inattention was a contributing factor in 6,524 Albuquerque car crashes in 2022. Sadly, these accidents caused 35 fatalities and 2,425 injuries.

Motorists breach their duty of care when they fail to pay attention when driving. You can file a car accident claim to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages you suffer due to an inattentive driver.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving causes hundreds of motor vehicle accidents in Albuquerque each year. Motorists take their attention off the road when texting, talking on the phone, interacting with passengers, and engaging in other activities.

As with driver inattention, motorists breach the duty of care when they drive while distracted. You might be eligible to collect compensation from the motorist’s insurance company if there’s evidence that the other motorist was distracted.

Failure to Obey Traffic Laws

Traffic laws such as speed limits and stop signs are in place to ensure order and protect drivers and passengers on the road. Disobeying the laws puts motorists at risk, often leading to accidents on Albuquerque’s highways.

The following are the most common violations that cause accidents in Albuquerque:

• Failure to yield the right of way
• Following too closely
• Disregarding traffic signals
• Excessive speed
• Improper lane changes

The city of Albuquerque has taken steps to make roadways safer, including installing automatic speed enforcement cameras in different zones. Still, many motorists drive recklessly, breaching their duty of care and putting others at risk.

Your attorney can review traffic camera footage and other evidence to build a case against the motorist. This can help you build a strong case if you pursue a legal claim.

Drugs and Alcohol

Motorists put others at significant risk of bodily injury or death when they drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. There were 518 alcohol-involved car crashes in Albuquerque in 2022, and many were severe. Thirty-five of those accidents caused fatalities, and another 194 led to injuries.

Law enforcement officers can arrest motorists who drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Additionally, you can file a personal injury claim to recover damages resulting from the accident.

Vehicle-Related Issues

From defective tires to mechanical defects, vehicle-related issues contributed to 490 accidents in 2022. Various parties may be liable for accidents caused by vehicle malfunctions. The driver could be held liable for failing to maintain the vehicle, or a mechanic or manufacturer could be responsible for faulty repairs or parts.

A car accident attorney can evaluate all the evidence and assign fault to responsible parties. You can pursue a claim against individuals and businesses that contributed to the accident.

Pedestrian Error

Albuquerque is one of the most dangerous cities for pedestrians due to the high rate of traffic fatalities. Pedestrians can also make the roads less safe for motorists by breaking traffic laws. In fact, pedestrian error was fully or partially responsible for 100 accidents in 2022.

Pedestrians also must uphold a duty of care when walking and crossing streets. They may be liable for the accident if they are reckless or disregard the law, even if injured.

Traffic Congestion

Many people complain about the traffic congestion in Albuquerque. Most of the time, it’s frustrating but doesn’t create real issues. However, traffic congestion contributes to hundreds of accidents each year, including 454 in 2022.

You’re most likely to get in an accident at high-traffic intersections with a high-crash density. Many of the most hazardous intersections are along I-25. Take special care when driving at the intersection of I-25 and Paseo Del Norte, Eubank Boulevard, Montgomery Boulevard, and Osuna Road.

You might think you just have bad luck if you’re involved in an accident on a busy road. Even if traffic contributes to the accident, there could be other factors as well, including driver error. An attorney can identify the responsible parties before filing a legal claim.

Find Out If You Have a Car Accident Claim

It’s hard to think straight after a car accident. As a result, you might be unsure if you or the other driver is at fault. Don’t risk taking responsibility for an accident you didn’t cause. Consult an attorney to determine who is at fault and if you’re eligible for compensation.