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A look at pedestrian accidents in New Mexico

On Behalf of | Mar 25, 2016 | Uncategorized |

Many New Mexico residents who pay attention to the news may become aware of the frequency in which car accidents occur. Sometimes it can seem like every day there is a serious accident reported. Some of these accidents involve two motor vehicles of similar make and model. Others involve great size disparities, as is the case in many truck accident cases. Sometimes, too, accidents involve a motor vehicle and a pedestrian, in which case the pedestrian is put in great danger.

According to the National Highway Traffic Association, nearly 5,000 pedestrians die in motor vehicle related accidents each year. In 2012, nearly 76,000 pedestrians were injured in an accident involving a car or truck. These accidents have a variety of causes. Some accidents are the result of an intoxicated driver swerving into a pedestrian walk lane. Other accidents result from a driver failing to see a pedestrian cross the road. In all of these, victims may have rights.

In order to protect their rights, victims often most prove the negligence of another driver. To prove this negligence, victims must show that the driver owed the victim a legal duty, breached that legal duty through action or inaction, caused the accident to occur and injured the victim as a result. If the victim of a pedestrian accident can prove these four elements, it is often possible to obtain compensation.

Compensation for injuries in a car accident can help victims cover the many costs that may result from such an accident. These costs can include medical expenses and the expenses related to vehicle damages. Although monetary compensation can never undo the trauma that victims have been forced to endure, it can provide victims and their families financial relief.

Source: FindLaw, “Pedestrian Accidents Overview,” Accessed on March 22, 2016

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