On Friday, September 20th, just before 5 pm, a multi-vehicle collision occurred near the Big-I (a freeway interchange) on Interstate 40 in Albuquerque, ultimately leading to the death of one woman, identified as 26-year-old Chamar Gallegos.
According to New Mexico State Police (NMSP) officials, Gallegos was driving her Honda Civic east approaching the interchange to head north on Interstate 25 where traffic was backed up. Reports say the Civic did not slow down and rear-ended a GMC SUV, causing a chain-reaction crash with three other vehicles waiting in traffic.
NMSP said that Gallegos was not wearing her seatbelt and died due to the injuries she suffered in the crash. No other injuries were reported in the crash.
Officials will continue to investigate the collision for more information.
The Impact of Rear-End Collisions in New Mexico
Rear-end collisions in New Mexico are the most common type of collision to occur. Data collected by the New Mexico Department of Transportation for 2022 shows that over 33 percent of crashes that occurred in the state that year were rear-end collisions. Rear-end collisions also accounted for over 18 percent of fatal crashes, and 33 percent of injury crashes.
Rear-end collisions can occur due to a variety of factors, including:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Poor weather or road conditions
- Tailgating or following too closely
- Mechanical issues
- Drowsy driving
- And more
“Fatal rear-end collisions, especially those like the one involving Chamar Gallegos where drivers do not see stopped vehicles ahead or fail to react in time, can have a devastating impact,” says Brian Colón, New Mexico managing partner and lawyer of Singleton Schreiber, “not only on the victims involved but also their families. The impacts may include physical injury, financial strain, and emotional trauma. These types of accidents are a stark reminder of the need for heightened awareness and caution, especially on busy interchanges and freeways.”
Legal Avenues Available to Rear-End Collision Victims and Their Families
Victims of rear-end collisions and their families may be entitled to pursue compensation for the damages they suffer in the accident. In cases where the victim(s) are injured, they may elect to pursue a personal injury claim. A personal injury claim may allow them to obtain compensation for damages they suffered due to the accident, such as:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages due to extended time off of work for recovery
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional suffering
- And more
In cases where the victim unfortunately dies in the accident, their family may choose to pursue a wrongful death claim. A wrongful death claim may allow the family to obtain compensation for damages including:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of companionship
- Future financial support
- And more
Potentially liable parties for wrongful death claims may include:
- The driver who caused the collision
- The car manufacturer if the collision occurred due to a malfunction (such as brakes giving out)
- The mechanic or repair shop, if improper maintenance or repairs contributed to the accident
- Government entities, if poor road design, maintenance, or hazardous conditions played a role in the collision
If you have been injured in a rear-end collision in Albuquerque or unfortunately lost a loved one in a rear-end collision, you may be eligible to file a claim. Contact the team at Singleton Schreiber today to learn more about your options. Call them at (505) 605-2076 or email at info@singletonschreiber.com to schedule your free consultation today.
