New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyer Blog

On December 4, 209 Rodrick Jones was shot in the back by an APD officer who was subsequently fired by APD as a result of his conduct involving the shooting.

Police shooting attorneys representing the family, Joe Fine and Brad Goodwin, pointed out that APD’s suggestion that Rodrick Jones was involved in a robbery was not supported by the fact that his fingerprints were not at the residence; there was an absence of stolen property in his possession; and Mr. Jones was in possession of any burglary tools. Rodrick Jones was a forty-two year old father of seven, a former US Air Force Security Officer and a security guard at Kirtland Air Force Base.

The $950,000.00 settlement is, to the family, recognition that APD made a serious mistake and that APD will attempt to improve its practices and procedures regarding the use of deadly force.

An early morning, June 22, 2011, New Mexico accident near Las Cruces has claimed the life of 3 individuals.  The New Mexico wrongful death accident occurred on Interstate 10.  While authorities are still investigating and trying to recreate the horrifying accident, initial reports suggest the FedEx driver collided with a pickup truck from behind. The New Mexico accident claimed the life of two individuals inside the passenger truck as well as the FedEx driver.

New Mexico accidents such as these are complex for many reasons. First, any New Mexico wrongful death or accident lawyer knows that fatal accidents must be handled with more care and attention. Often time the impact they leave on family members is profound and far reaching.  Second, accidents in which the responsible driver is working pose numerous other issues that must be addressed methodically and thoroughly.

In the event the FedEx driver is found to be responsible, the family of the victims will have various possible cases against not just the driver, but also the employer, FedEx.  In such situations, each case must be preserved and pursued to bring the highest level of justice to those suffering a loss.

Finally, survivors of fatal car accidents have various claims that they can bring.  This may include New Mexico bystander claims, or loss of consortium claims.

While injury lawyers know that no matter what, there are some losses that can never be fully compensated, and well planned case and successful result can help ease life’s pressures for those who are left coping with loss.

On April 9, 2011, a Toyota Lexus hit the right side of a Ford Tempo in the intersection of Airport Road and Paseo del Sol in Santa Fe.  The driver of the Lexus told police that she was escaping gunshots fired from a pursuing Ford Mustang.  The Mustang fled the scene of the accident.  

The Tempo was occupied by four people.  The driver and his two children were hospitalized.  The front seat passenger was the seventy-nine year old great-grandmother of the children.  She suffered fatal injuries.  The occupants of the Lexus were not injured.  The driver of the Mustang was later arrested.  He is facing multiple charges, including murder.  

A New Mexico personal injury lawyer could bring claims for wrongful death and bodily injuries against the drivers of the Lexus and the Mustang.  Depending on the facts, the driver of the Lexus could be found to be free of negligence.  The most culpable parties are the driver of the Mustang and the person who fired the gunshots from the Mustang.

If the driver of the Mustang and the shooter had automobile liability insurance, the insurance would not cover the damages caused in the collision.  Liability insurance policies exclude coverage for damages willfully caused by criminal conduct.  

If the driver of the Tempo had “uninsured motorist” insurance, the New Mexico car accident lawyer would make a claim for wrongful death and bodily injury damages against the insurance company under the “uninsured motorist” coverage.  Under New Mexico law, the driver of the Mustang and the shooter are “uninsured motorists.”

Under the “uninsured motorist” coverage, the insurance company is required to pay all damages for which the “uninsured motorists” are legally liable.  The exclusion for criminal conduct does not apply to the “uninsured motorist” coverage.  The insurance company would pay the damages for which the criminals are responsible.

On March 24, 2011, at 7:30 p.m., a car with five occupants was speeding down an Albuquerque on-ramp to southbound Interstate 25.  When the car reached the end of the ramp, the driver lost control.

The car veered across the southbound lanes.  A southbound van clipped the rear of the car.  The car went into a spin.  Two passengers were ejected, one landing in the northbound lanes.  Both died at the scene.  Two other passengers sustained minor injuries.  The three occupants in the van were not seriously injured. 

The police noted that excessive speed and influence of alcohol were factors in the accident.  The driver of the car had been convicted of DWI in 2008.  The driver was treated at the hospital for a possible head injury.  A test of her blood revealed a blood-alcohol concentration of .23. 

A New Mexico car accident lawyer could file claims for wrongful death damages against the driver of the car from which the decedents were ejected.  If the driver’s liability insurance is not adequate to cover the wrongful death compensation claims, the accident attorney would look to other sources of recovery.

If the decedents were “insureds” under their own auto policies, there could be a recovery under the “underinsured” provisions of the policies.  There is also the possibility that a decedent was an “insured” under an auto policy owned by a household member.

The results of the blood test indicate that the driver was highly intoxicated at the time of the accident.  A New Mexico car accident lawyer would investigate the possibility of New Mexico wrongful death claims under New Mexico’s dramshop law.  If the driver was served alcohol when she was impaired, dramshop liability could apply. 

If a bar or a retail store supplied the driver with alcohol when she was intoxicated, the alcohol provider could be liable for its proportionate share of wrongful death damages.  Under New Mexico law, liability can be imposed if the intoxication was a substantial cause of the fatal accident.

A recent Carlsbad semi truck accident seems to belong in Hollywood rather than the streets of New Mexico. The tanker truck accident occurred on State Road 128 (Jal Highway) when two semi trucks collided head on. Both trucks were tanker trucks and believed to be carrying full loads. The head-on accident has claimed the life of one Carlsbad resident, and resulted in critical injuries to an El Paso man.

As is true with all New Mexico semi truck accidents, one of the most common problems that arrise is the need to preserve crucial evidence such as black boxes and data records before they are wiped clean. Sadly, many accident victims and their mourning families overlook these pressing needs and occasionally experience a weaker case as a result.

Another New Mexico wrongful death accident involving a mother and child is making headlines. This one, occurred on I-25 near Santa Fe. According to initial reports, the New Mexico rollover wrongful death accident began when a woman was traveling on interstate 25 when she collided with another car.

This Santa Fe car accident resulted in the Las Vegas woman’s vehicle rolling several times at which point her three-year-old child was ejected. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the New Mexico accident and the various factors that contributed to the child’s death.

No matter what happens, this type of accident is a tragedy. It sends a profound shock wave through not only the family involved, but also their friends and community. From a New Mexico personal injury lawyer’s perspective, it is always difficult handling such cases. However, it is nonetheless important to recognize that while a financial recovery, of whatever amount, may not be enough to compensate accident victims, it can be used to bring some good to those involved.

In a case such as this there are various possible claims that may arise. There are at least two separate vehicle insurance policies that may provide coverage as well as other possible theories to review. These theories include a New Mexico product defect case as well as a possible government liability case.

Prescription medication injuries and death are often times related to inappropriate medications being given or, appropriate medications being given with inappropriate dosages. However, there are also many New Mexico medication injuries caused not by inappropriate prescriptions, but rather the way in which the prescriptions are filled by a pharmacy.

It is not difficult to understand how these cases can arise. A doctor, while visiting with the patient, may order numerous prescriptions for the patient to fill. As is common, these prescription orders are often scratched into the paper and with an illegible series of symbols. It is then up to the pharmacist to correctly interpret a prescription and fill it in the way it was intended.

There are many ways in which a pharmacist or technician can fill a prescription inappropriately. Whether the medication is misread, or mistakes are made regarding strength of the medication, dosage, and frequency of use, the results can be devastating to the unsuspecting patient.

Our New Mexico prescription error lawyers have seen numerous such cases and are aware that often times it is crucial to compare the physician orders with the pharmacy records. Typically any such inconsistencies will result in a possible case against the pharmacist and his or her employer.

A recent holiday parade in Raton, New Mexico brought anything but joy when it was released that a man injured during the festivities passed away from his injuries. Police have indicated that the 78 year old man was hit by an SUV driven by a 17 year old female. Although no charges have been filed to date, police a continuing to investigate the New Mexico wrongful death accident.

Such an accident injury is too similar to another accident case previously discussed in which a Rio Rancho motorcycle rally resulted in numerous New Mexico motorcycle accidents and injuries. Such organized events are resulting in more and more injuries throughout New Mexico. While driver error may play a part in these accidents and injuries, it is also important to make sure that the injuries could not have been prevented with a better organized traffic plan or safety measure.

Common examples of such safety measure that protect participants and such rallies or parades includes a revised traffic plan, extra law enforcement, and pedestrian crowd. Although it is not possible to determine if such factors, or lack thereof contributed to these injuries, it is nonetheless an alarming trend.

A recent Clovis, New Mexico car accident, in addition to being a tragic story, highlights New Mexico government liability law, specifically, New Mexico's Tort Claims Notice requirements.

The fatal New Mexico accident occurred when a Clovis police officer ran a stop sign near Grand and Sycamore and struck another vehicle. The driver of the other vehicle was taken to University of New Mexico hospital and is listed in critical condition. Sadly the passenger died as a result of the injuries.

Under New Mexico law, each accident victim is entitled to pursue a New Mexico wrongful death claim. However, under the letter of the law, there is immediate action taken. Depending on the severity of her injuries, the accident survivor may have only three or six months to place the government on notice that there may be a potential claim. With respect to the deceased accident victim, her family and loved ones may only have six months.

These limits arise from the New Mexico Tort Claims Act that requires near immediate notice to the correct branches of the government. Although some New Mexico wrongful death lawyers have been successful in challenging these requirements, there nonetheless remains various legal requirement that must be followed while New Mexico accident victims must also cope with their injuries.

New Mexico hospitals are where you want to be when injured or sick, however, they are also capable not of helping heal you, but rather causing an infection. Many infections, are called a risk-of-the-procedure, meaning there may be no legal basis to pursue a case. However, some hospital infections are different an entirely preventable.

Considering such hospital infections are a top 10 cause of death in America, preventing future infections is a true development in medicine. By the same token, it means that infections should no longer be the risks they used to be and that hospital infections should no longer benefit for legal loopholes as they have in the past.

The New Mexico Health Department has recently joined a movement to track infections with a goal of minimizing patient risks. Simultaneously, a recent advisory committee is recommending New Mexico Hospitals be required to report infection rates. Local hospitals that have expressed a level of participation in the movement include: University of New Mexico Hospital in Albuquerque, as well as Lovelace in Albuquerque and Rio Rancho.

New Mexico’s most recent fatal truck accident occurred on US 54 and involved vehicles from Wisconsin and Minnesota. Initial reports suggest that the accident began near Nara Visa when two passenger vehicles collided and were subsequently hit by a semi truck. The New Mexico truck accident has left a man and a woman dead and two others in critical condition.

Multiple impact car crashes such as this can become very complex, very quickly. Under New Mexico accident law, each driver is responsible for his or her own actions and the damages that are caused. For example, even though the semi-truck did not start this particular New Mexico truck accident, the driver could still be accountable of any of his driving contributed to the second accident. Similarly, the vehicle that was struck by both the first car and the semi truck may be allowed to pursue claims against both insurance carriers.

As is true in any New Mexico wrongful death case, the prospect of financial recovery offers no consolation for the families of those involved, but nonetheless, we have seen recovery used to improve the quality of life for the victims loved ones.

Airbags are now common place throughout the nation. We rely on airbags to protect us when the unthinkable happens. However, defective airbags can be just as harmful, if not more dangerous than no airbag at all.

Defective airbag lawsuits generally involve a limited series of claims. The airbag deployed with too much force, too little force, or it failed to deploy under the appropriate force. An experienced airbag attorney (not meant as a slur) is aware that such cases are often very technical and usually require an expert to study the vehicle as soon as possible to provide an opinion regarding what caused the airbag to deploy defectively, or fail to deploy all together.

Given the high costs that an attorney must front in defective airbag cases, the severity of injury is a major factor for product liability attorneys selecting which cases to pursue. However, if you or a loved one has been injured due to a defective airbag, it is wise to contact an attorney experienced in defective airbag litigation before allowing the vehicle to be moved, inspected, or repaired by an insurance company.

A freak semi truck accident recently claimed the life of a Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Deputy. The accident occurred when one vehicle apparently negligently pulled out of a gas station causing a semi truck to take evasive action. In doing so, the semi truck collided with the Bernalillo Sheriff Deputy’s unmarked car.

According to initial reports, the fatal car accident involving the deputy was caused by a German national in town for a local conference. This wrongful death accident not only claimed the valued life of a New Mexico law enforcement member, but was triggered by a simple lapse in attention.

One unique issue is whether, in an accident such as this, New Mexico law would apply to a wrongful death suit. As with any New Mexico wrongful death case there may be recovery available to the family of the victim, however, in this situation, the litigation may take a complex path through New Mexico law, truck accident law, and even German law.

For the time being, the New Mexico law enforcement community is left grieving the loss of one of its respected brothers.

Defective cribs, and other children’s products are some of the most scary recalls. Sadly, the users of these products lack the level of caution and reason we expect from adults or even older children. One new recall of dangerous and defective cribs highlights the dangers of what can occur when these products are not designed or built well.

The consumer product safety commission recently announced that 40,000 cribs are being recalled do to sides that can drop causing serious injury and even death. Since 2000, dropped sides in cribs have caused 32 deaths and are suspected in even more. Although this is a small number considering the millions of cribs sold during this same period, anyone will agree that a single death caused by a defective crib is too many.

The recall affects Ethan Allen, Angel Line, and Victory Land brand cribs. Hopefully the use of these dangerous crib are coming to an end as the CPSC passed a measure to ban drop-side cribs this past July.

A westside Albuquerque motorcycle accident recently turned fatal. The motorcycle crash occurred in Albuquerque at Sevilla and Montano at approximately noon on Friday. When many people, including juries, hear about a motorcycle accidents, they immediately assume that the motorcycle is at fault. In this particular motorcycle accident this false assumption could not be further from the truth.

In fact, authorities are reporting that the Albuquerque motorcycle accident occurred when the motorcyclist was stopped at a red light at Sevilla and was struck from behind by a van. Remarkably, early news accounts of the fatal Albuquerque motorcycle accident on Montano felt the need to bring up the fact that the motorcyclist was not wearing a helmet. This outrageously insignificant and legally irrelevant fact highlights the strong bias that people have in motorcycle accident cases. Certainly the presence of a helmet would not have prevented this Albuquerque wrongful death accident but it shows the eagerness people have to blame the motorcycle rider.

A New Mexico motorcycle accident lawyer should be prepared to address these biases and preconceptions in order to achieve the highest possible recovery for the client.

Sadly the number of fatalities is increasing in a Roswell motorcycle accident. The accident initially resulted in two wrongful deaths, however, New Mexico media is reporting that a third accident victim recently lost his life. This particular Roswell motorcycle accident, involving three separate motorcycles has to be one of the worst New Mexico motorcycle accidents in recent history.

While early reports suggest that speed and alcohol may have played a role in the crash, this particular motorcycle accident brings up a question that our motorcycle accident lawyers hear regularly. Accident victims often want to know if anything can be done if a New Mexico wrongful death or injury is caused by a friend or family. Typically, people are hesitant to pursue legal action in these situations for fear that they will be hurting another member of the family. However, the truth is that not pursing such cases rarely results in any benefit.

While our New Mexico accident lawyers are the first to admit that no case is worth breaking apart healthy family bonds, we also remind our accident and injury clients that not all cases require a formal lawsuit to resolve. Typically, if the family member or friend has insurance, a case can be settled without the need to even file a lawsuit. Another way of looking at is is, if the insurance premiums have all been paid, the insurance company essentially has a pile of money somewhere to cover the accident victim's injury or death. The choice is whether to give that money back to the insurance company or use it to compensate the New Mexico accident victims and their families.

All cases that the New Mexico accident attorneys at the Fine Law Firm handle are controlled by the client. That means that if a client says they want to settle a case without litigation, then they are in control.

A weekend accident in Grants, New Mexico cost one man his life and seriously injured another. The four vehicle Grants car accident occurred when a truck occupied by two men attempted to make and left hand turn in a crowded and congested area of Grants. Specifically, the accident occurred in Grants on Santa Fe Ave between Corley Ford and Indian Trails Trading Post. The area sees heavy traffic on weekends when people come out for the Grants flea market.

More than most New Mexico accidents, location is playing a big role in this fatal crash. Officials have pointed out that Grants officials had placed "No Parking" signs in the area to relieve some of the congestion but they were ignored. Local business seem to be suggesting that the signs were never enforced and people continued to park in the crowded area making things worse.

New Mexico personal injury lawyers are aware that accidents such as these bring up an important aspect of New Mexico law. Considering that New Mexico is a comparative fault state, there could be possible claims against the negligent drivers involved in the accident as well as those that broke the law parking in illegal areas, the business that may have allowed them to do so, and perhaps the law enforcement officials for not enforcing the no-parking zones despite knowing that a dangerous condition existed. Secondly, under New Mexico law, if there is a claim against law enforcement officials, it is know as a New Mexico Tort Claim and requires action within ninety days.

New Mexico semi truck accidents can cause devastating injuries. On such semi truck accident recently occurred in New Mexico on I-40 at the line between Guadalupe County and Torrance County near Clines Corners.

The semi truck accident occurred when a tandem semi truck operated by Fed-Ex hit a family moving from California to Texas. Most devastating, the semi crash resulted in the death of two people, a woman and her eight month old grandson.

The semi truck accident brings to light a common question that people ask a New Mexico truck accident lawyer, “Is there any more that can be recovered from a semi truck driver than a driver of a passenger vehicle.” The answer, many times, is “yes”.

First, New Mexico insurance law requires that any commercial vehicle, including semi trucks, must carry a higher minimum level of insurance. While a passenger vehicle must be insured for $25,000, a commercial vehicle, such as a FedEx semitruck, must have $1 million in insurance. In addition, there are a couple questions that come to mind regarding this particular accident. Considering it occurred at 11:30 PM, it raises the question of whether driver fatigue contributed to the semi accident. New Mexico semi truck regulations place strict guidelines on how many hours a semi truck can be driven and how many hours the operator must sleep. Often times these truck regulations are ignored and drivers operate under heavy medication or narcotics to stay awake at the wheel, albeit at an altered state.

Another fact that this tragic semi truck accident brings to light is that it is neccessary for the accident victims to take immediate action to preserve the case. Crucial pieces of information such as recording devices and logs must be preserved so that the evidence can be carefully analyzed. Failure to act quickly to preserve these items may result in their destruction.

In the event that any New Mexico semi-truck regulations were ignored, or the driver caused the accident beyond mere negligence, there could be exposure to substantial punitive damages for which it is likely FedEx has viable assets. Although no amount is enough to reverse such an accident, it is nonetheless important to make sure rights are protected.

A New Mexico drunk driver has been arrested in connection with the wrongful death accident of an Espanola man. According to reports, the drunk driver was traveling 60 mph down a residential street with a posted speed limit of 25 mph. Also in the car with the New Mexico drunk driver were two female passengers.

After the Espanola accident the drunk driver admitted to drinking vodka and more specifically, to buying it from a liquor store. If this is not enough, the drunk driver was only 18 years old, well under the required 21 years old to purchase alcohol in New Mexico.

In situations such as this, the estate of the deceased Espanola man may be able to pursue a claim not just against the drunk driver’s insurance, but also a dram shop case against the liquor store that sold alcohol to an underage customer. While authorities are still investigating the accident, they have not yet released the name of the liquor store.

New Mexico cases against liquor establishments, also called New Mexico dram shop cases, are intended to keep those who sell alcohol responsible. It is important for these New Mexico establishments not to place their goal of making money about keeping the community safe. When these liquor stores act responsibly, they run the risk of becoming liable for damages caused as a result of their own negligence.

New Mexico Drunk Driving is in the news again, but this time its not all bad. On the same hand, its not all good either. NPR recently reported on New Mexico’s affliction with drunk driving, and more specifically that it moved from leading the nation in drunk driving deaths in the 90’s, to its current ranking of 17th. The article noted that New Mexico’s fall from the 10 worst states for drunk driving deaths allowed for an extra $1.5 million dollars in federal money.

So far so good. New Mexico lowers its drunk driving rate, and gets a wad of cash in the process. However, the story on New Mexico drunk driving goes on to ask the burning question of “Why” the drop in drunk driving.

At first, the reduced drunk driving deaths in New Mexico is attributed to the ignition interlock system for which New Mexico was the first state to require the installation of after a DWI conviction. However, another Albuquerque DWI expert was interviewed as part of the study and recommends New Mexico not start patting itself on the back.

She claims that the decrease in New Mexico DWI rates is also, at least partially, attributed to a change in how the statistics are reported. It used to be that the DWI rate was based on DWI deaths per capita. This is how it was tabulated when New Mexico led the nation. The method later changed to calculated DWI deaths per miles per year traveled by each resident. Considering New Mexico is a spread out state, and many New Mexico drivers travel hundreds of miles a week, the statistics went down.

This would suggest that even though the national rating has changed, the problem is still as big as ever. Of course, as long as New Mexico moves lower and lower on the list, there is still reason to applaud. Although our New Mexico personal injury attorneys represent many drunk driving victims, this is one type of case that New Mexico has always seemed to have plenty of.

Three members of the Raton Police Department were recently indicted on charges of involuntary manslaughter. The charges arose from a November 2007 incident in which the three officers were attempting to subdue a suspect. The officers began the ordeal by firing Tasers at the suspect then, placed him face down a police car with his legs shackled and a police officer sitting on his back. The unorthodox restraint technique, in addition to the drugs and the suspect's system resulted in an impaired breathing and ultimately, his death.

New Mexico police misconduct cases, such as the one actionable by the deceased subject's estate, are often times difficult to prove. Generally, contrary to popular belief, the success of a New Mexico police misconduct case is based not on the conduct of the police officers, but rather whether it was justifiable based on the conduct of the suspect. For example, there is no prohibition on using lethal force by police officers however, it is crucial that such force, when used be justifiable and proportionate to the harm that the suspect may pose. Similarly, any such conduct by police officers, whether it be Tasering, or physical restraint, must be necessary and in relation to the misconduct by the suspect.

For this reason, the success of a New Mexico medical malpractice case often depends on being able to prove that the officer's conduct was not justified. Ideally, this can be accomplished through testimony and evidence other than from the plaintiff or his or her friends or family. Often times, this evidence is best when it comes from an independent, unbiased witness, or, better yet, a dashboard camera or other indisputable physical evidence.

A South Valley man is celebrating the streetlights that may be pouring into his bedroom, keeping him up at night. Although it sounds like an odd reason to be happy, it is important to look at why the streetlights were installed. In a story reported by Michael Paluska at KRQE, the addition of 25 streetlights installed along Isleta Blvd. in Albuquerque, is the ending to a dark story involving an Albuquerque man who was forced to witness the death of his son.

The South Valley father saw his son crossing the street, and although he told him to be careful, it was too late. Although the driver of the truck that killed the New Mexico man faces vehicular homicide charges, as well as others, the dark, under lit, nature of the road seems to have been a contributing factor in the death.

This scenario brings to light a common issue in New Mexico injury law which is whether the government can be held accountable for poorly maintained streets. Essentially, the distinction that makes all the difference is whether the street or highway contributed to an injury because of its poor design or poor maintenance. Without getting into extensive detail that would no doubt boor half of Albuquerque, citizens are unable to sue the government for negligent design of roadways however, are permitted to do so for negligent maintenance of roadways. However, before beginning the analysis of whether the defect is maintenance or design, one must ask whether a played a material role in the injury. Because New Mexico is a comparative fault state, in this case, the jury would also consider the percentage fault that the negligent driver had.

For the second time this month a Taos accident has resulted in a fatality. Earlier this month, the New Mexico Injury Lawyer Blog featured the tragic story of a Taos motorcycle accident. Sadly, another fatal Taos car accident recently occurred that has taken the life of a two year old toddler. Words cannot express the depth of loss that such an accident causes and certainly no legal outcome, whether civil or criminal will ever be just.

The accident occurred when a Taos hit-and-run driver struck the child and fled the scene. Following the car accident, the child was taken to Holy Cross Hospital where revival efforts were unsuccessful. The vehicle involved was a dark colored, beat up, late 1990's model pickup. Anyone with information can contact the Taos Police Department.

The accident again brings to the forefront the New Mexico personal injury law governing both hit and run and pedestrian accidents. A little known area of New Mexico uninsured motorist coverage would allow for recovery if any of the victim's family members who live in the same household have uninsured motorist coverage. This is true even the the vehicle that is insured has nothing to do with the accident. Again, while no recovery could come anywhere near adequate, this situation highlights the importance of contacted an experienced New Mexico injury and accident lawyer to explore all possible options.

In August of 2003 an employee of BNSF railroad was driving near grants New Mexico when his vehicle veered into oncoming traffic killing the driver of another vehicle. Not surprisingly, the drunk driver did not have car insurance nor any substantial assets.

The New Mexico car accident attorneys that pursued the case attempted to argue that the railroad company should be responsible for their employee's conduct. The two methods of connecting an employer to an employee's negligent conduct our vicarious liability or negligent retention/hiring.

With respect to vicarious liability, the court found that because the employee was not on the clock, and instead was on his own time, his employer was not responsible for his actions. Regarding the negligent hiring, the plaintiffs argued that because the employee had a substantial drinking problem and previous DWIs, the employer should have known that such an accident was likely to occur. Again, the court concluded that because it was not the negligent hiring or retention that was the cause of the accident, the employer could not be held responsible.

As evidenced by this New Mexico car accident case, connecting an employer to its employee's negligent conduct can oftentimes be a difficult task. Sadly, in this New Mexico drunk driving accident case, there are no winners or happy endings.

For the second time in one week, Clovis is again in the New Mexico personal injury lawyer blog as a result of a two-car accident on New Mexico 209. the accident occurred on Wednesday when a northbound vehicle crossed into the southbound lane resulting in a head-on collision.

Sadly, three individuals were killed in the collision while another was airlifted to Texas. It is possible that this single collision could result in three separate New Mexico wrongful death claims. Such scenarios are not uncommon for New Mexico wrongful death lawyers to encounter, and often times result in drastically insufficient coverage to come anywhere near what would otherwise be recoverable. Such a New Mexico wrongful death accident highlights the importance of searching for any and all available coverage.

Although in New Mexico wrongful death cases, there can never be "enough" insurance coverage, but we have seen numerous wrongful death settlements and verdicts be used to provide an education for the families involved, or resolve some of the financial worries that may develop as a result of such situations.

In New Mexico wrongful death cases, there are typically two focuses to any case. First, what can be recovered in a New Mexico wrongful death claim. And second, how is a New Mexico wrongful death lawyer required to distribute any proceeds that may be recovered.

The answer to both of these New Mexico wrongful death questions are complex, and I will reserve the first topic, of what damages are recoverable in a New Mexico wrongful death case for another post. Regarding the second topic, it is an unfortunate reality of wrongful death cases that sometimes family members emerge and come out of the wood work saying how close they were to the deceased and asking if they can recover anything. Fortunately, the New Mexico legislature has spoken on this issue and written into the New Mexico Wrongful Death Act the following language:

[New Mexico wrongful death proceeds shall be] distributed as follows:
A. if there is a surviving spouse and no child, then to the spouse;
B. if there is a surviving spouse and a child or grandchild, then one-half to the surviving spouse and the remaining one-half to the children and grandchildren, the grandchildren taking by right of representation;
C. if there is no husband or wife, but a child or grandchild, then to such child and grandchild by right of representation;
D. if the deceased is a minor, childless and unmarried, then to the father and mother who shall have an equal interest in the judgment, or if either of them is dead, then to the survivor;
E. if there is no father, mother, husband, wife, child or grandchild, then to a surviving brother or sister if there are any; and
F. if there is no kindred as named in Subsections A through E of this section, then the proceeds of the judgment shall be disposed of in the manner authorized by law for the disposition of the personal property of deceased persons.

This language generally resolves most any New Mexico wrongful death claim, but, not surprisingly, there are some exceptions. Given the relatively "complex" family histories that a common these days it is wise to consult with an experience New Mexico or Albuquerque wrongful death lawyer to explore the details of any possible claim.

The second New Mexico wrongful death lawsuit has recently been filed against the Rail Runner and its governing entities. Both New Mexico wrongful death incidents occurred within a month of each other in 2007, and both miles south of Albuquerque.

While the entrance of the Rail Runner train and its scheduled extension into Santa Fe are welcomed additions for the Rio Grande corridor, the arrival of the commuter train with tracks through populated areas create a new danger for Albuquerque and New Mexico residents. Albuquerque and the surrounding area do not have much recent experience with frequent train crossings and the development of two wrongful death lawsuits shortly after the train began operation highlight this lack of experience.

Hopefully as the Rail Runner continues to offer its service it will better address needed safety issues such as train crossings. It is the hope of many of Albuquerque's personal injury attorneys, that the wrongful death lawsuits filed will serve to highlight the glaring need for a safety evaluation. Typically Rail Runner commuter train operators are required to ensure that railroad crossings are appropriately marked, that tracks and mechanical systems are properly maintained, that operators are adequately trained, and that the train is properly loaded and traveling at a regulated speed.

Unless the Rail Runner resolves its safety issues, we may be in store for additional lawsuits arising from Santa Fe and the greater Albuquerque area.

A recent fatal accident in Taos Canyon leaves a woman coping with her serious injuries while simultaneously mourning the loss of her husband. The accident occurred on November 2nd when a a vehicle crossed the center line and struck the motorcycle head on. The driver was cited for vehicular homicide after his reckless driving was found to have caused the accident.

From a New Mexico motorcycle accident lawyer's perspective, this is an all too common story. The reckless driving charge will likely allow for the pursuit of punitive damages which typically can only be recovered with substantial assets or the victim's own underinsured motorist coverage.

The recent Taos Canyon motorcycle accident highlights that motorcycle accident are often the most gruesome of accident on New Mexico's highways. I do not hesitate when I say that paying for New Mexico underinsured motorist coverage is one of the most important decisions a motorcycle rider can make.

Semi truck accidents in often result in wrongful death cases. Wrongful death and truck accident lawyers will tell you that these cases often require immediate action to preserve important pieces of evidence. These cases typically involve commercial carrier insurance policies and have limits far in excess of many basic insurance policies. It is important to select an attorney familiar with Federal Trucking Laws, and State Trucking Laws.

Failure for trucking companies to comply with multiple laws and regulations may open the possibility of punitive damages that extent beyond the available insurance limits. Wrongful death cases the result from semi truck accidents require both immediate action and thorough exploration to maximize recovery.