Around 5:30 pm on Wednesday, November 13, a fatal collision occurred in the area of King Road and Sheba Drive Northwest. The two cars involved collided and erupted into flames, according to officers who arrived on the scene.
Fire crews and police worked together to help the people in both vehicles. Two individuals were pronounced dead at the scene and several others were taken to hospitals in the area, all those taken to local hospitals were in critical condition.
Police are continuing to investigate the cause of the crash, and are not releasing any names at this time.
The Rio Rancho Police Department said on Thursday “we extend our deepest condolences to the families, and to all those affected by this tragic event.”
Causes and Consequences of Fatal Car Crashes in Rio Rancho, NM
Rio Rancho is located just outside of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Car accidents in both the state of New Mexico, and the city of Albuquerque are a major concern. New Mexico as a whole has a high rate of traffic fatalities compared to national averages, and Albuquerque accounts for a substantial proportion of the total number of car accidents that occur in the state.
Rio Rancho is a growing suburban community and has significantly lower traffic density compared to larger cities, however factors like population growth, increased road use, and other specific roadway conditions can contribute to causing fatal car crashes in the area.
Some other factors that may contribute to causing car accidents in Rio Rancho may include:
- Distracted driving: using mobile phones, eating, talking to passengers, or engaging in other distractions while driving
- Drunk driving: impaired drivers have slower reaction times and reduced judgment, making them more likely to cause severe or fatal crashes
- Speeding: driving above the speed limit reduces a driver’s ability to react to sudden hazards and increases the severity of collisions
- Poor road conditions: uneven surfaces, potholes, lack of clear road markings or signage can cause drivers to lose control, especially if they are traveling at higher speeds
- Adverse weather conditions: rain, snow, fog, and icy road conditions can make roads slippery and reduce visibility, increasing the risk of crashes occurring
“This heartbreaking crash is a painful reminder of how quickly lives can be lost and forever changed in a car accident,” says Brian Colón, managing partner and lawyer at Singleton Schreiber New Mexico. “Our thoughts are with the families of those who tragically lost their lives and those who are hospitalized and fighting for survival. As investigations continue, it’s crucial victims and families understand their legal options.”
What Legal Options Do Crash Victims and Their Families Have?
After being involved in a car crash, victims may face serious injury, time off of work, and loss of property. In fatal crashes, their families may be left to pick up the pieces and try to figure out how to survive without their loved one. Car crash victims and their families may be able to file a personal injury claim, if they survived the collison, or a wrongful death claim, if their loved one died in the collision.
A personal injury claim may allow the victim to recover damages including:
- Lost wages
- Medical bills
- Ongoing medical care
- Pain and suffering
- And more
A wrongful death claim may allow the family of the victim to recover damages such as:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical bills from life saving treatment their loved one may have received prior to dying
- Loss of financial support
- And more
If you have been injured in a car crash or tragically lost a loved one in one, contact the personal injury lawyers at Singleton Schreiber to learn more about your options. Call us at (505) 605-2076 or email us at info@singletonschreiber.com to get started today.
