Table of Contents - Jump Ahead:
Tuesday afternoon a fatal rollover crash occurred in Albuquerque on the 2nd street off-ramp of Paseo del Norte.
According to officials, there were five vehicles involved in the crash, and at least one person died.
The circumstances that led to the crash are not known, and authorities will continue to investigate the cause.
Circumstances That Could Lead To A Multi-Vehicle Rollover Accident
Multi-vehicle rollover accidents can be caused by several different factors. Often, the cause is a combination of speed, poor driving behavior, and environmental conditions. A few possible circumstances may include:
- Speed – vehicles traveling at high speeds, especially on curved off-ramps, are more likely to lose control, leading to a rollover. If one vehicle loses control, it’s possible it will collide with other vehicles in the area and create a chain reaction.
- Abrupt maneuvers – if a driver makes an abrupt maneuver, such as suddenly braking or swerving to avoid an object or another vehicle, it can cause the vehicle to roll over. In situations where there are many other drivers around, they may not have time to react and move, causing multiple additional collisions to occur.
- Distracted driving – indulging in distractions while behind the wheel can increase the likelihood of drivers being involved in an accident. Engaging in distractions such as texting, eating, or looking away from the road ahead can make drivers miss an important turn or misjudge a distance, causing a collision.
- Heavy traffic – congested conditions can easily escalate a single collision to a multi-vehicle one. During heavy traffic, drivers may have little space or time to maneuver, especially if the accident occurs on an off-ramp.
- Mechanical failures – mechanical issues, brake failure, tire blowouts, and more can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicle causing a collision or a rollover to occur.
“Rollover accidents and multi-vehicle accidents are both extremely dangerous on their own, but when both occur, the aftermath is likely to be devastating,” says Brian Colón, New Mexico managing partner and lawyer of Singleton Schreiber, “victims often suffer severe injuries, and in some cases, like this one, even death.
“The financial toll on victims and their families can be overwhelming in the weeks and months that follow. These types of cases require thorough investigation to determine what happened and who is responsible.”
In the aftermath of a fatal multi-vehicle accident, those involved may wish to pursue legal action to obtain compensation for the damages they sustained in the accident. Depending on the specifics of the incident, those involved may be able to file the following types of claims.
Personal Injury Claims
Those who are injured in a collision may be able to file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver(s). This type of claim may provide compensation for:
- Medical expenses acquired due to injuries from the accident
- Lost wages due to time off of work recovering from injuries in the accident
- Pain and suffering due to any physical pain, emotional distress, or lasting trauma caused by the accident
- Property damage for the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and other damaged belongings
- And more
Wrongful Death Claims
If the family of the deceased wishes, they may file a wrongful death claim against the responsible party or parties. This type of claim may provide compensation for:
- Funeral expenses to cover end-of-life arrangements
- Loss of companionship for the emotional impact family members may feel after losing their loved one
- Loss of support for the financial assistance the deceased would have otherwise provided to their family
- Medical expenses for any life-saving treatment the deceased received before dying
If you have been injured in a multi-vehicle accident, or tragically lost a loved one, contact the team at Singleton Schreiber today to schedule a free consultation. Call (505) 605-2076 or email info@singletonschreiber.com to get started.
