Car accidents can happen almost anywhere in Santa Fe, from high-speed collisions on I-25 to fender-bender accidents in parking lots or neighborhood streets. When car accidents do happen in Santa Fe, they can have many different causes. In most cases, however, crashes result from driver error. The New Mexico Department of Transportation tracks the causes of motor vehicle collisions in the state, and most contributing factors involve negligent driving in some capacity. Our Santa Fe personal injury attorneys want to discuss some of the most common causes of car accidents in Santa Fe based on the data from the DOT.
Impaired Driving
Impaired driving, including drunk driving and drugged driving, is the top contributing factor in car crashes in New Mexico, according to the Department of Transportation. Imapired driving can include getting behind the wheel with a BAC of 0.08% or higher, driving while using controlled substances, and even driving while using an over-the-counter medication that results in impairment.
Pedestrian Negligence
Pedestrian error is cited as the second-leading contributing factor in traffic collisions in New Mexico. While pedestrians can be seriously injured and killed in crashes involving negligent motorists, distracted walking can also be a causal factor in crashes.
Disregarding of a Traffic Signal
Many crashes happen in New Mexico because a motorist disregards a traffic signal. In most cases, this contributing factor involves running a red light, or improperly turning on a red light.
Failure to Yield
There are many ways in which a motorist can fail to yield the right-of-way to another motorist or pedestrian, including at green lights when a motorist is waiting to turn, on highway on-ramps, when a pedestrian is crossing the street in a crosswalk, and more.
Speeding
Speeding is frequently cited as one of the top causes of car accidents, both in New Mexico and across the country. Excessive speed can include driving at a speed beyond the posted limit, as well as driving at speeds that are unsafe given the weather or other conditions.
Following Too Closely
It is important to leave a safe following distance between your vehicle and the car in front of you. When motorists follow too closely, which is often known as tailgating, a sudden stop can result in a devastating rear-end collision.
Improper Lane Change or Backing
Improper lane changing or improper backing are both common contributing factors to motor vehicle collisions in New Mexico, according to the Department of Transportation.
Defective Vehicle Parts
In some cases, car accidents are not caused by negligent motorists or others involved in the collision. Instead, other parties may be responsible for injuries. Defective vehicle parts commonly result in crashes, and the designer, manufacturer, or retailer of the car or one of its components may be liable. The Department of Transportation cites defective steering, brakes, and tires as the most common parts with defects that contribute to crashes.
Road Defects
Road defects are also a contributing factor in collisions, and the owner of the property could be liable for a crash.
Contact a Santa Fe Car Accident Lawyer
If you or someone you love got hurt in a car accident in the Santa Fe area, you should seek advice from one of our New Mexico car accident attorneys about filing a claim for compensation. Contact Slate Stern Law to learn more about how we can help.