Santa Fe Co., NM – Woman Killed in Head-On Collision on NM 502 at MM 13
Santa Fe County, NM (May 7, 2026) – A 96-year-old woman died on Wednesday, May 6, in a head-on crash on NM 502 near mile marker 13 in Santa Fe County. The collision happened about three miles east of NM 30 and two miles west of Pojoaque High School.
Emergency units responded after receiving reports of the crash. Officials later confirmed that the 96-year-old woman died after the accident.
The crash closed NM 502 in both directions while crews worked at the scene. Drivers were asked to use alternate routes and avoid the area during the closure.
Officials have not released additional details about the other vehicle or driver involved. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
We extend our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the woman who lost her life in this crash.
Compensation Available After a Fatal Crash in Santa Fe County, NM
When a loved one dies in a car crash in Santa Fe County, surviving family members may have the right to pursue several types of compensation. These can include funeral and burial expenses, lost financial support, loss of companionship, medical costs related to final treatment, and pain and suffering. Each category addresses a different loss families may face after a fatal accident.
Additionally, funeral and burial costs can create immediate financial pressure after a sudden loss. Families can seek compensation for these expenses through a wrongful death claim. You should keep receipts and invoices for funeral services, burial plots, and memorial arrangements, as these records can help support your claim.
Along with those immediate expenses, losing someone who provided steady income can create long-term financial strain. You may be able to seek compensation for the wages and future earnings your loved one would have contributed to your household. Financial records, tax documents, and employment details can help show the value of that lost support.
In some fatal crashes, the victim receives emergency medical treatment before passing. If that happened, families may seek reimbursement for ambulance transport, hospital care, procedures, and related medical bills. Collecting those records early can help document this part of the claim.
In addition, a wrongful death claim may include damages for pain and suffering if the victim survived for a period after the crash. Medical records and witness statements can help show what the victim experienced before death. This part of a claim depends heavily on the facts and timing of the case.
If your loved one played an active role in your daily life, you may also be able to seek damages for loss of companionship, care, and guidance. New Mexico law recognizes the deep personal loss that surviving spouses, children, and dependents experience. These damages reflect the emotional and relational void that a fatal accident leaves behind.
After a fatal collision, insurance companies may try to reduce payouts or dispute the claim entirely. Adjusters often review police reports, medical records, policy limits, and liability issues before making an offer.
A Santa Fe wrongful death lawyer can handle those conversations and challenge low settlement offers when they do not reflect the family’s losses.
Moreover, an attorney can help you understand filing deadlines, gather evidence, and explain what compensation may be available after your loss. Legal guidance can also help clarify how liability, insurance coverage, and wrongful death claims apply to your situation.
Our team at Will Ferguson & Associates helps families across New Mexico after fatal crashes. We can review the facts of the collision, explain your legal options, and help you understand the next steps.
If you lost a loved one in a crash in Santa Fe County, you can reach out to Will Ferguson & Associates at (505) 308-1458 to discuss your family’s legal rights and options.
