It is no secret that driving drunk is dangerous and often deadly. With widespread knowledge about the hazards of intoxicated driving and the prevalence of alternatives like taxis and rideshares, it is shocking that drunk driving still accounts for thousands of crashes every year. Tragically, in New Mexico alone, more than 100 people die every year in crashes involving alcohol, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Hundreds more are injured.
If you or a loved one suffered from the actions of a drunk driver, you may be entitled to compensation. An Albuquerque drunk driving accident lawyer may be able to support you in pursuing financial awards for medical bills, physical therapy, emotional pain and suffering, and lost wages, among other losses. If a family member died in a car crash caused by a drunk driver, you might be eligible for compensation for funeral and burial or cremation costs. While no amount of money can take away your suffering, financial awards may equip you with the resources you need to start rebuilding after a trauma.
When you are well enough to do so, consider contacting the team at Ben Crump Law, PLLC. This legal team is dedicated to helping victims and their families pursue justice. If you have suffered a significant loss at the hands of a drunk driver, call us at (800) 598-7557 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
Common Injuries Associated with Drunk Driving Crashes
Whether you were a passenger in the car with a drunk driver, a passenger or driver of another vehicle, a pedestrian, or a cyclist, you may suffer one or more severe injuries in a drunk driving accident. Factors such as speed and directionality can have a significant impact on the types and severity of harm. Common types of injuries you may experience include:
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Lacerations from broken windows
- Whiplash and neck and back injuries
- Burns
- Internal bleeding or organ damage
- Dismemberment
- Wrongful death
After a car accident, you must seek medical treatment right away. This could save your life. A prompt medical exam can also help you when filing an insurance claim or pursuing a personal injury suit.
For a free legal consultation with a drunk driving accidents lawyer serving Albuquerque, call (800) 598-7557
New Mexico Laws
Like most states, New Mexico has taken numerous measures to deter drunk driving, from educational campaigns to increased law enforcement. Nonetheless, the state consistently ranks among the nation’s worst when it comes to drunk driving incidents. As of 2019, it was number five, according to SafeWise.com. Year after year, the state’s DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) arrest rate continues to increase.
It is illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs in New Mexico. Any degree of impairment can affect a person’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. However, a person’s blood alcohol content level must be at least 0.08% for a law enforcement officer to arrest them for a DWI. If a person receives a DWI, they may have to pay fines to the state and have their license suspended. If they have had prior DWIs or other serious charges, or if they injure or kill someone while driving under the influence, they may also have to serve jail time.
Driving while intoxicated can have devastating consequences for all involved. The reckless action puts the driver’s life at risk and endangers everyone else on the road as well. Drunk driving crashes can result in a range of injuries, from lacerations and whiplash to permanent disability and disfigurement, and even death.
As a victim, you have a right to seek compensation for your losses and hold the person responsible accountable for their actions. Even if the driver is not convicted in criminal court, you can pursue compensation from them in a civil court of law. It is often easier to prove liability in a civil court case than a criminal court case, particularly if you have the support of a lawyer.
However, you may have difficulty recovering the full amount of damages you are due if the defendant does not have sufficient insurance coverage or assets. Fortunately, there may be other avenues to pursue. New Mexico Statutes Annotated, section 41-11-1 is a dram shop law that can impose liability on an establishment or homeowner that serves alcohol to someone who is already visibly intoxicated. A lawyer may be able to bring a suit against a dram shop or social host. In these circumstances, the maximum amount you can sue for bodily injury damages is $50,000 per person or $100,000 per accident. Of course, if your injuries are severe, this may not cover the full scope of your losses.
If you were hurt in an Albuquerque drunk driving accident, a lawyer may be able to support you in seeking fair compensation.
Albuquerque Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Near Me (800) 598-7557
Get in Touch with an Albuquerque Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Today
In the aftermath of a drunk driving accident, you may feel overwhelmed and stressed. Grappling with physical pain and emotional trauma, as well as mounting medical bills and the financial strain of lost wages, you may be unsure of what to do or who to turn to for help. The team at Ben Crump Law, PLLC is here for you.
An Albuquerque drunk driving accident lawyer will seek justice for victims of reckless and negligent behaviors like drunk driving. They will help you pursue monetary awards to hold the responsible parties accountable and help you get back on your feet.
Some damages a lawyer can attempt to recover for you include current and reasonably anticipated medical bills and rehabilitation costs, cost of long-term care, lost wages, and emotional pain and anguish. If you lost a family member in a crash, you might be eligible for the cost of funeral and burial expenses.
When you can, consider getting in touch with Ben Crump Law, PLLC to get started. Dial (800) 598-7557 to speak with a staff member to discuss your situation and determine if you have a case.
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