New Mexico is one of only a few places in the world where, in the span of a brief road trip, you can see both snow-capped mountains and sandy deserts. The good news is that, when the temperature reaches the triple digits in some parts of the state in the summer, there are cooler places where you can retreat. The bad news is that, not only does New Mexico frequently get snowstorms in the winter, but soon after the snow melts, the dust storm season of spring begins. Of course, this winter, plenty of states that are ostensibly in the Sun Belt are now contending with bigger piles of snow than they have seen in many years. Extreme weather is hazardous for drivers, no matter where you are, but in the mountainous terrain of New Mexico, it is even more dangerous. In the past year, hazardous weather conditions have caused disastrous traffic collisions. If you got injured in a car accident on icy roads in New Mexico or because of other adverse weather conditions, contact a Santa Fe car accident lawyer.
Vehicle Rolls Over on U.S. Highway 70
In January 2026, when a huge storm blanketed most of the southern United States with snow, roads were icy in New Mexico. A car rolled over on U.S. Highway 70 in Chaves County, near Roswell, because of icy road conditions. First responders transported the driver to the hospital for treatment of injuries, which were not life-threatening. News sources did not release the driver’s name.
Dust Storms Cause Poor Visibility and Deadly Accidents in New Mexico
In February and March of 2025, dust storms known as “Al-Haboob” blew across southern New Mexico. These storms can be as hazardous for driving as rain and snow. Even though the dust does not make the roads slippery, it impairs visibility as much as falling rain and snow do. Last February, Joseph Malley suffered fatal injuries after losing control of his truck while driving to work on I-10 in a remote part of southern New Mexico, after the dust blocked his view of the road. In March, dozens of vehicles crashed in a multi-vehicle pileup on I-10 when visibility became poor because of the dust storms.
What to Do If You Get Injured in a Car Accident Caused by Bad Weather
You can’t file an insurance claim against Mother Nature, but you can get compensation for your injuries if hazardous road conditions were a major contributing factor to the accident. The insurance companies of the drivers involved are still the ones to pay the claim, but apportioning fault can be more complicated. When in doubt, ask a lawyer to communicate with the insurance companies on your behalf so that they can’t use verbal sleight of hand to get you to assume responsibility for the accident.
Contact Slate Stern About Car Accidents Lawsuits
Slate Stern is a personal injury lawyer who represents plaintiffs injured in car accidents in New Mexico. Contact Slate Stern in Santa Fe, New Mexico, or call (505)814-1517 to discuss your case.
Sources
https://www.organmountainnews.com/a-deadly-drive-wife-of-i-10-dust-storm-crash-victim-speaks-out
https://www.koat.com/article/new-mexico-winter-storm-roswell-crash/70120065
Photo by Artin Bakhan on Unsplash