Defensive Driving in Albuquerque: Techniques to Avoid Highway Accidents
State officials and traffic experts documented over 450 road fatalities in New Mexico over the last year alone. This is a significant increase compared to the prior year’s total of 425 deaths throughout our state. Adding insult to injury, the leading causes of these fatal New Mexico accidents were speeding, aggressive or reckless driving, and driver distraction.
Thankfully, if you’ve sustained injuries in a vehicle accident caused by another motorist’s negligent actions, the other driver may be liable for your medical expenses and other damages. First, however, knowing more about the steps you should take to drive defensively, especially to avoid major highway accidents in New Mexico, is vital. Vehicle collisions are terrifying and overwhelming for victims.
We have all heard the phrase “defensive driving,” whether it comes from your high school driver’s ed instructor or your parents. While it’s important to be alert for anything from swerving automobiles to basketballs that run away, people sometimes confuse defensive driving with “fearful driving.” Fear may often be just as deadly on the road as any other restriction, resulting in preventable vehicle accidents. That said, taking the right precautions and steps before it happens can ensure you have the best chance of staying safe on our roads.
Data on Car Accidents in New Mexico
According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) research, an estimated 6% of automotive accidents were caused by vehicle failures, environmental variables, or other unidentified causes. The remaining 94% were human error. These careless errors included turning corners too quickly, falling asleep at the wheel, and driving while intoxicated or distracted. Per the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety, there were over 33,000 fatal accidents in the United States, nearly 370 of which happened in New Mexico. The most frequent causes of these New Mexico motor vehicle accidents are:
- Excessive speed
- Inattentive and distracted driving
- Driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs
- Falling asleep behind the wheel
- Overtaking or passing other cars illegally
- Driving in inclement weather or other hazardous conditions
- Reckless driving and ignoring basic traffic laws
Driving Defensively on New Mexico Highways
Never presume or overestimate the behavior of other drivers. It doesn’t always follow that the car in front of you will accelerate to merge into oncoming traffic. Aim to see four to five vehicles ahead of you to avoid being caught off guard. When you’re turning, attempt to glance over your shoulder to check whether somebody is emerging on the opposite side. The most frequent sites for accidents are those near brakes. Ultimately, the best form of prevention is preparation on the road. And, of course, we should all be aware that it is highly dangerous to text and drive.
However, this does not exclude the usage of phones in defensive driving situations. You may utilize applications on your phone to set up reminders for these important inspections, helping you to keep your vehicle up to date on tire changes, oil changes, and other essential maintenance tasks. At the same time, keep your phone out of your line of sight while driving to prevent the error of becoming distracted by it.
To avoid being enticed by the sound of an incoming phone or text, set it to Airplane or Do Not Disturb mode if it’s required for GPS or music. Unfortunately, car accidents are still sometimes unavoidable, no matter how attentive you are to the road and your surroundings. You should have a plan of action in place in case you are ever involved in an automobile accident. Making arrangements in advance, such as notifying relatives and friends or phoning the police and an Albuquerque accident lawyer, can help you remain composed under pressure and prevent you from unintentionally taking the blame for the drunk driver who ran a red light.
What to Do After a New Mexico Accident
If you are involved in a crash, make sure that you call 911, especially if you or another party involved in the crash has sustained injuries. People often avoid contacting the police, particularly if they believe they might be ticketed or blamed for a crash. Filing a police report after a wreck in our state is essential for documentation of the crash’s circumstances. In fact, state law stipulates that the involved parties are required to contact authorities in New Mexico as quickly as they can.
What’s more, if you intend to file a personal injury claim, you’ll need this type of documentation to support your case. You can also use a police report to your benefit when communicating and negotiating with insurers.
Once officers arrive at the scene of your crash, don’t acknowledge fault or disclose injuries. Exchange information and contact details, but keep communication simple and straightforward without making emotionally charged statements or attempting to influence police.
Consulting an Attorney After a New Mexico Accident
Furthermore, you should call a car accident attorney as soon as possible after a crash. A personal injury attorney will assist you in building your case, gathering evidence, and presenting your claim to bolster your chances of claiming your full, fair compensation for any accident-related expenses.
In the meantime, remember not to discuss any injuries or accident faults with police officers or insurance adjusters until you’ve retained legal assistance. An auto accident attorney can act as your point person with third parties and guide you through the claim process so that you do not inadvertently admit fault, miss deadlines, or forget any necessary documentation you need.
Call a Car Accident Lawyer in Albuquerque
No matter the circumstances surrounding each specific crash, auto accidents are catastrophic, and it’s common for victims to shoulder the brunt of the aftereffects. For this reason and more, if you’ve suffered injuries from a negligent driver in New Mexico, you should promptly contact an experienced attorney to protect your legal rights.
In the event that a reckless motorist has injured you or a loved one, please get in touch with Will Ferguson & Associates for a free initial consultation. Contact our Albuquerque car accident attorneys at (505) 243-5566 to learn more about your eligibility for compensation.
If we determine that you and your family have a viable claim for recompense, we will handle all aspects of your case. Do not delay reaching out for the seasoned legal guidance you deserve from our experienced, compassionate accident attorneys. Contact our New Mexico personal injury lawyers for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation to discuss the circumstances surrounding your auto accident today.
