Albuquerque Accident Statistics

Cause of Fatal Motorcycle Accident Still Under Investigation

Santa Fe (October 1, 2020) – Police are still investigating who was at fault in a deadly motorcycle accident that took place on September 30 on NM Highway 14.

32-year-old Kevin Ray Forsberg of Albuquerque was killed when the Harley Davidson he was riding collided with a pickup truck driven by a 17-year-old male around 11:20 a.m. yesterday.

The pickup truck driver was making a left turn onto the highway when Forsberg struck the front passenger side of the truck. He later died of his injuries while the 17-year-old was unharmed.

It is currently unknown whether speed or impairment were a factor in this tragic accident. Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys extends their heartfelt sympathies to Mr. Forsberg’s family and friends during this difficult time. Source: NM DPS 

Mother of Three Killed By Reckless Driver in Albuquerque

Albuquerque (September 17, 2020) – A 33-year-old woman was killed over the weekend when a reckless driver ran a red light and struck her vehicle as she was turning left onto Unser Boulevard from Tower Road. 

The victim, Erika Chavez, was on her way to pick up breakfast for her family, and was killed instantly. Her three-year-old daughter in the backseat suffered bruises but was otherwise unharmed. Chavez leaves behind two other children and her husband.

The driver, who has not yet been identified, was traveling at speeds of 120 miles per hour when he ran the red light. Investigation into this deadly car accident is still ongoing. Source: KRQE

Street Racing Possibly to Blame for Deadly Crash

Albuquerque (August 27, 2020) – Police continue to investigate the cause of an Albuquerque car accident that killed two people last week, but family members of one of the victims say that it’s clear the crash was caused by illegal street racing.

31-year-old Shatinay Tuck was killed on August 17 when the car she was riding in as a passenger was struck by another vehicle that crossed the median while traveling at speeds of over 100 miles per hour. A third vehicle was involved in the crash, ejecting and killing the driver. 

The 16-year-old who crossed the centerline and caused the fatal accident was not injured, but responding officers reportedly told Tuck’s family that he had been racing a motorcycle prior to the crash. Source: KRQE

Drinking and Driving Has Caused 49 Fatalities in 2020

Statewide (August 6, 2020) – Of the nearly 200 traffic accident fatalities in New Mexico this year, just under 25% involved a driver who was under the influence of alcohol.

Data obtained from the University of New Mexico (UNM) confirmed that at least 49 alcohol-related traffic deaths occurred between January and June 2020. 

Although drunk driving deaths are down compared to this time last year, that number still represents an average of around two drunk driving fatalities per week every week during the first half of the year. 

Injured by a drunk driver? You could be entitled to compensation for your injuries, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Contact an Albuquerque personal injury lawyer today. Source: UNM

Red Light Runner Causes Serious Accident

Rio Rancho (July 2, 2020) – Two teenage girls are lucky to be alive following a horrific car crash on Tramway Boulevard last month.

Sixteen-year-old Amaya Payne and Georgia Salata both suffered serious injuries when they were T-boned by a hit-and-run driver who ran a red light on June 18.

Salata, who had just received the car the day before as a birthday present, suffered four neck fractures, four upper body fractures, and dozens of stitches and staples.

Her passenger Amaya Payne suffered a broken left foot and three fractures in her right femur, requiring surgery and a blood transfusion.

Both teens are now recovering at home.The two young men in the vehicle that hit the girls have not yet been apprehended. Source: Rio Rancho Observer

Speeding to Blame for Multiple Recent Fatalities

New Mexico (June 18, 2020) – Two separate fatal car accidents in the past few weeks have been caused by excessive speeding, according to New Mexico law enforcement.

Back on June 1, a 12-year-old girl died and her 16-year-old sister was injured when a 19-year-old man who was driving over 100 miles per hour slammed into them at a Rio Rancho intersection.

An arrest warrant has been issued for the driver of that vehicle, Estevan Miguel Chavez.

In another car accident in Albuquerque last Saturday, a possible street racing incident led to the death of one passenger and the hospitalization of another.

The identities of those involved have not yet been released, although witnesses say they saw both cars traveling at a high rate of speed shortly before the crash. Sources: Rio Rancho Observer | U.S. News

New ART Safety Measures to Decrease Bus Accidents

Albuquerque (May 28, 2020) – New safety measures are being enacted in Albuquerque to reduce the number of ART bus crashes. The Albuquerque Rapid Transit bus line, which made its debut last November, has been out of commission since March in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The city’s new safety initiative involves painting ART’s designated bus-only lanes red. People commonly jaywalk in the bus lane without realizing that ART buses travel in both directions, leading to an increase in Albuquerque pedestrian accidents.

In addition, the city is also installing concrete barriers called pinned curbs along ART bus lanes to prevent motorists from making illegal U-turns into bus-only lanes. City transportation officials hope these additions will help commuters adjust to the new system reopening in June and prevent any further bus accidents. Source: Albuquerque Journal

Alcohol Caused Nearly 40% of Fatal Crashes Last Year

Statewide (May 14, 2020) – There were 164 alcohol-involved traffic fatalities in New Mexico last year, representing 38.9% of all fatal crashes in 2019. Thousands more were injured in drunk driving accidents throughout the state.

In contrast, there have been 26 alcohol-related traffic fatalities so far in 2020—a decrease of almost 45% from this time last year.

Though some of this decrease could be related to COVID-19 closures, data prior to the statewide shutdown indicates there have been fewer alcohol-related New Mexico auto accidents as far back as January when compared to the same time frame in 2019 and 2018.

As stay-at-home orders relax and restaurants slowly begin to reopen, Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys encourages Albuquerque drivers to stay safe and always drive sober. Source: UNM

Pedestrian, Bicyclist Killed in Recent Hit-and-Runs

Albuquerque (April 23, 2020) – Two drivers are behind bars after two separate but deadly hit-and-run accidents in Albuquerque earlier this month. 

On April 10, 32-year-old Heather Wood struck and killed a 28-year-old bicyclist around 4:00 a.m. Debris from her damaged vehicle was traced back to the woman’s home after an anonymous tip. Wood admitted to drinking earlier in the evening, but claimed she got out of her vehicle and didn’t see the victim.

Five days later, 41-year-old Ramona Ortiz struck and killed a pedestrian while racing her boyfriend, who was driving in another vehicle. She sped away from the scene before being apprehended. Ortiz reportedly had a history of speeding and reckless driving. Source: Las Cruces Today | Albuquerque Journal

Road Construction to Increase During Pandemic

Albuquerque (April 3, 2020) – City officials have announced that construction workers will be taking advantage of lighter traffic during the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic in order to get a head start on numerous road work and construction projects throughout Albuquerque.

About $70 million worth of projects will be advanced, including road repairs, a new overpass, improved street lighting, ADA upgraded crosswalks, and pinned medians along the new ART bus routes.

In addition to road construction, many public construction projects will also be underway earlier than expected, including a new library and community center.

Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys encourages New Mexico drivers to be aware of increased construction in Albuquerque during this time and to follow all traffic safety laws. Source: KRQE

New Mexico Ranks High for Fatal Hit and Run Crashes

Statewide (March 6, 2020) – A new study by the American Automobile Association (AAA) confirmed that New Mexico—along with Florida and Louisiana—ranks highest in the number of fatal hit-and-run accidents per capita.

Researchers found that almost 65% of these deadly accidents involved a bicyclist or pedestrian. In Albuquerque alone, there have been more than 1,800 reported hit and run accidents in the past two years.

AAA New Mexico representative Daniel Armbruster attributed the high numbers to driver panic, fear of prosecution, impairment, or simply feeling as though the accident was not their fault. Source: KRQE

What’s Causing So Many ART Bus Accidents?

Albuquerque (February 12, 2020) – It’s been less than three months since Albuquerque debuted the long-awaited Albuquerque Rapid Transit (ART) buses, and already there have been at least 13 reported accidents involving the new buses. 

The most recent accidents left one pedestrian dead and another injured after they were hit by one of the buses in separate incidents on the same day.

Motorists haven’t fared much better. A police cruiser was sideswiped back in December and multiple motorists have accidentally turned into the path of one of the buses.

Police believe the new bus-only lanes have been confusing to drivers and pedestrians alike, and have played a role in many of the crashes.

Injured by an ART bus? Contact Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys today. Source: KOB4

September 2020 Traffic Fatalities

Statewide (October 8, 2020) – 39 people died on New Mexico roads during September, according to the latest data from the University of New Mexico (UNM). That’s the highest number of traffic fatalities since June, when 44 people died.

September was also the third-deadliest month this year, preceded by June and January, when 40 traffic deaths were recorded.

Year to date, just under 300 New Mexicans have lost their lives due to traffic accidents including car accidents, bicycle accidents, motorcycle accidents, and pedestrian accidents.

If you have lost a loved one in a traffic accident due to a drunk, distracted, or otherwise negligent driver, you and your family could be entitled to compensation. Contact an Albuquerque wrongful death lawyer for a free consultation. Source: UNM

August 2020 Traffic Fatalities

Statewide (September 10, 2020) – There were 33 people killed in New Mexico traffic accidents in August 2020, according to preliminary data from the University of New Mexico (UNM).

Of the 24 people killed in car accidents last month, the data revealed that just 4 of them had been wearing seat belts during the crash. Year to date, almost 67% of those killed in car accidents were not wearing seat belts.

A similar pattern has emerged with motorcyclists. UNM found that of all motorcycle accident deaths so far this year, around 67% of those killed were not wearing a helmet. 

Many traffic fatalities can be prevented. The Albuquerque personal injury lawyers at Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys remind motorists to buckle up, wear a helmet, and drive safe. Source: UNM

July 2020 Traffic Fatalities

Statewide (August 20, 2020) – 36 people died in traffic accidents throughout the state in July, according to the latest data from the University of New Mexico (UNM). This represents the third-highest number of accidents in any month year to date. 40 people died back in January, and 47 were killed in June.

Of the 36 fatalities, 22 were car passengers, 3 were ATV riders, 4 were motorcyclists, 4 were pedestrians, and 3 were bicyclists. Overall deaths resulting from traffic collisions are down by about 7% compared to this time last year. 

If you have been injured in an accident because of someone else’s negligence, contact an Albuquerque car accident lawyer today for a free consultation. Source: UNM

Alcohol-Involved Fatal Crashes Decline in 2020

Statewide (July 23, 2020) – Alcohol-involved fatal car accidents appear to be on the decline in 2020 according to the most recent data from the University of New Mexico’s Monthly Fatality Report.

43 people died between January and June 2020 in alcohol-involved accidents, compared to 77 this time last year, a decrease of more than 44%.

Notably, overall car accident fatalities in 2020 are similar to the number of fatalities by this time last year, with 192 and 198 deaths respectively.

Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys is happy to report this decline in drunk driving deaths and reminds Albuquerque drivers to always drive safe and sober. Source: UNM

New Mexico Deadly Traffic Accidents Surge in June

Statewide (July 10, 2020) – Fatal traffic accidents nearly doubled between May and June, according to the most recent data compiled by the University of New Mexico (UNM). 

In May, 24 people died throughout the state in traffic accidents. In June, there were at least 45 traffic deaths, making June the deadliest month for accidents so far this year. The last time New Mexico reported such a high number of accident deaths was July 2019.

27 deaths resulted from car accidents, with an additional 14 motorcyclists and pedestrians killed. Two people died in semi-truck accidents, one in an ATV accident, and another in a bicycle accident, according to the report. Source: UNM

May 2020 Traffic Fatalities

Statewide (June 11, 2020) – 22 people died in traffic accidents across New Mexico in May, according to preliminary data retrieved from the University of New Mexico (UNM).

This represents the lowest number of monthly fatalities to date in 2020 and the fewest traffic accident deaths recorded in one month since November 2017.

Overall, 145 people have died in traffic crashes this year, including 88 in truck, van, SUV, and car accidents, 40 in pedestrian accidents, 13 in motorcycle accidents, 2 in bicycle accidents, and 1 in a semi-truck accident.

Bernalillo County, which includes the city of Albuquerque, continues to lead the state with the most fatalities, with 46 deadly accidents so far this year. Source: UNM

April 2020 Traffic Fatalities

Statewide (May 7, 2020) – 24 people died in traffic accidents across New Mexico during the month of April, according to preliminary data compiled by the University of New Mexico (UNM). This represents the lowest number of monthly fatalities to date in 2020. 

Overall, 124 people have died in traffic crashes this year, including 75 in truck, van, SUV, and car accidents, 1 in a semi-truck accident, 1 in an ATV accident, 38 in pedestrian accidents, 7 in motorcycle accidents, and 2 in bicycle accidents.

Bernalillo County, which includes the city of Albuquerque, continues to lead the state with the most fatalities, with 37 deadly accidents so far this year. Source: UNM

March 2020 Traffic Fatalities

Statewide (April 16, 2020) – 32 people were killed in traffic accidents throughout New Mexico last month, according to data compiled by the University of New Mexico. This represents a nearly 22% decrease in statewide fatalities compared to March of 2019. 

Of these 32 deaths, 13 were pedestrians—the highest number of pedestrian accident deaths in one month since January 2019. Of the remaining fatalities, 47.3% were in car accidents, 31.5% were in pickup truck accidents, and 21% were in vans or SUV accidents. 

Bernalillo County has had the highest number of traffic fatalities to date, with 25 deaths so far this year, followed by Santa Fe County with 12 deaths. Source: UNM

Traffic Fatalities Decrease in February

Statewide (March 26, 2020) – The University of New Mexico (UNM) reported a 31.7% decrease in traffic fatalities from January to February 2020. It was a rough start across the state, with 41 people killed in traffic accidents in January. Pedestrians alone made up nearly 25% of January’s reported deaths.

28 traffic fatalities occurred in New Mexico in February, according to the most up-to-date data. That number is on par with last February, and also represents the lowest number of traffic accident deaths in one month during all of 2019. 

An average of nearly 35 people died each month in traffic accidents last year. Although traffic has been reduced this month due to the COVID-19 pandemic, drivers should remain proactive in order to avoid New Mexico car accidents. Source: UNM

January 2020 Traffic Fatalities

Statewide (February 28, 2020) – According to data provided by the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT), there were 41 traffic fatalities throughout the state last month. This represents an 28.1% increase from January 2019, when 32 people were killed on New Mexico roads.

These deaths were mostly passenger vehicle occupants, but also included nine pedestrians and four bicyclists. There were no motorcycle accidents resulting in fatalities recorded for the month of January.

Although the number of January traffic fatalities has increased over the past two years, the number of alcohol-related fatalities dropped by more than 50% compared to last January 2019 and 40% compared to January 2018. Motorists can reduce the risk of New Mexico car accidents by always wearing a seatbelt, obeying the speed limit, and eliminating distractions. Source: UNM

Preliminary Report: 2019 Traffic Fatalities

Statewide (February 4, 2020) – Emerging data from the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) suggests that 2019 was the deadliest year for traffic accidents since 2007, with at least 408 crash-related deaths throughout the state.

Alcohol was reportedly a factor in at least 32.8% of all fatal accidents last year. A complete picture of last year’s fatality trends will continue to develop as the Traffic Safety Bureau analyzes and finalizes 2019 crash data provided by NMDOT. 

Have you been injured in a car accident in New Mexico? Contact an Albuquerque car crash lawyer at Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys today for a free case evaluation. Source: UNM

Traffic Fatality Update: A Worrying Trend

Statewide (November 15, 2019): This past October, there were 34 traffic fatalities, according to the New Mexico Department of Transportation Monthly Traffic Fatality Report. In 2018 and 2017, there were 44 and 42 traffic fatalities, respectively, for the month of October. 

While there were fewer fatalities in October, comparatively speaking, the overall traffic fatalities are on an upward trend. So far, there have been approximately 347 traffic fatalities since 2019 began. In 2018, there were approximately 331 traffic deaths around this time of the year, and 2017 saw 322 around this time of the year. Hopefully, safety measures such as repairing roadways will help make driving safer in New Mexico.

If you suffered a traffic injury in New Mexico, contact Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys for a free consultation regarding your personal injury case. Source: UNM Traffic Report

Companies Testing Self-Driving Semi-Trucks in NM

Albuquerque (October 22, 2020) – Multiple companies are testing self-driving commercial vehicles on New Mexico highways. 

A spokesperson for the Department of Transportation told lawmakers that “quite a few” companies are either planning to introduce self-driving semi-trucks or have already done so along I-10 from Albuquerque to the Texas state line.

The spokesperson noted that although the semis are self-driving, a fully-credentialed driver is in the vehicle ready to take over at any time. Still, some drivers are a bit wary about sharing the road with an autonomous vehicle of such great size, as semi-truck accidents have high injury and fatality rates for occupants in passenger cars.

Have you sustained injuries in a self-driving vehicle accident through no fault of your own? Contact Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys for a free consultation. Source: KOB4

Two Bicyclists Hit, One Killed in Hit and Run Accident

Albuquerque (October 15, 2020) – One woman suffered injuries and another was killed by a hit-and-run driver on Albuquerque’s West Side on Tuesday. 

29-year-old Joshua Downs was driving along Montano Road just west of Coors Boulevard when he struck two bicyclists while turning left.

Instead of stopping to render aid to the victims, Downs sped off. Police later caught up with him at his home where he admitted to drinking shortly before the bicycle accident.

Good Samaritans assisted the two injured bicyclists at the scene, but one of the women died at the hospital. The current condition of the other woman is unknown.

Downs has been charged with vehicular homicide while driving under the influence and leaving the scene of an accident. Source: KRQE

‘Bike Thru Burque Week’ Highlights Cyclist Safety During COVID-19

Albuquerque (September 24, 2020) – New Mexico cyclists are hitting the streets this week in celebration of Bike Thru Burque Week, an annual campaign that encourages people of all ages to get out and ride their bikes around our beautiful city.

Of course, this year looks a little different thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, and organizers are promoting good safety practices to prevent both coronavirus infections and Albuquerque bicycle accidents.

Riders are advised to stay at least six feet away from other cyclists and motorists, wear a face covering, and to wear other protective equipment like helmets and reflective gear.

Bicyclists should also plan their route ahead of time and choose streets that offer dedicated bike lanes. Source: Bike Thru Burque

Man Hit and Killed by Car in SE Albuquerque

Albuquerque (September 3, 2020) – An unidentified man was killed in Southeastern Albuquerque yesterday morning when he was struck by a car while crossing the street.

Officers responded to the pedestrian accident around 5:30 a.m. and the victim was pronounced dead. The driver who hit the man was not at the scene when police arrived, but returned shortly afterwards and claimed they believed they had hit a traffic cone. It remains unclear whether or not they will face criminal charges.

Close to 50 pedestrians have been killed on New Mexico roads in 2020, according to data compiled by the University of New Mexico (UNM). New Mexico is also among the top three states for hit-and-run accidents in the United States. Source: KOB 4

Semi-Truck Driver Killed in Rollover Accident

Farmington (August 13, 2020) – The driver of a semi-truck died last week in a fatal rollover crash on New Mexico Highway 371.

Navajo Police Department reported that the semi-truck was driving north in the northbound lanes of NM 371 and a Jeep that was driving south in the same northbound lanes when the two vehicles collided.

The semi-truck rolled, and the 54-year-old driver died at the scene. The two occupants of the Jeep, a 31-year-old man and a 30-year-old woman, were treated for injuries at area hospitals. 

It remains unclear why the Jeep was driving the wrong way. The Navajo Division of Public Safety Department of Criminal Investigations is currently investigating the events that led up to this tragic accident. Source: Farmington Daily Times 

Driver Fatigue Leads to Deadly Crash on I-10

Luna County (July 16, 2020) – A 12-year-old girl and a 10-year-old boy suffered fatal injuries in a single car accident near Deming, New Mexico on Monday night.

A family of eight was driving on Interstate 10 when their Chevy Suburban left the roadway and rolled just after midnight. A 37-year-old woman identified as the mother of the six children in the vehicle is believed to have been suffering from driver fatigue when the accident occurred.

The woman, her 42-year-old partner, and her 16-year-old son were all transported to a local hospital with injuries that were reportedly not life-threatening. The three other children in the vehicle were not injured.

At Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys, we empathize with this family’s loss and strongly encourage drivers to not get behind if they are tired or distracted. Source: Deming Headlight

Drunk Driver Charged With Vehicular Manslaughter

Albuquerque (June 25, 2020) – 36-year-old Enrique Rivera has been charged with DWI-related vehicular homicide following the June 13 crash that killed Edgar Falcon-Linares on Albuquerque’s West Side.

According to witnesses of the car accident, Rivera was racing with another vehicle in a Dodge Charger when he t-boned Falcon-Linares’ Pontiac. Rivera’s vehicle suffered front-end damage and the Pontiac was reportedly split in half by the collision.

Falcon-Linares was ejected from his vehicle and died at the scene. Rivera told investigators he has no memory of the crash and denies drinking and driving, but responding officers say he failed a field sobriety test and smelled of alcohol. Source: Albuquerque Journal

Four Cars Involved in Deadly Crash in Rio Rancho

Rio Rancho (June 4, 2020) – A traffic collision involving four vehicles and six people on Monday killed a young girl and seriously injured two others, according to local police.

The car accident occurred on the NM 528 highway around 3:00 p.m. Investigators are unsure at this time what caused the accident, but noted that one vehicle rolled and another struck a pole. 

The driver of the vehicle which overturned sustained serious head injuries, while one of the passengers in the vehicle that hit a pole, a juvenile girl, was killed. Another girl in that car was also seriously injured.

Three other passengers in the remaining two vehicles suffered minor injuries and their cars sustained little damage. Source: Rio Rancho Observer

Man Held Without Bail on Vehicular Homicide Charges

Sunland Park (May 22, 2020) – A 29-year-old man accused of vehicular homicide is behind bars in Doña Ana County after a violent car crash took the life of 32-year-old Danielle Perez earlier this month.

Suspect Eric Solis was attempting to evade police in Sunland Park, New Mexico on May 9 when he ran a red light and slammed into three vehicles at an intersection. Solis was traveling at speeds of up to 95 miles per hour at the time of the crash.

Danielle Perez was driving her vehicle with several of her children inside when she was struck by Solis head-on in the multi-car collision. Perez died at the scene of her injuries, while six others, including her children, were sent to area hospitals. Source: CBS 4 Local

Woman Fleeing Police Dies in Fiery Crash

Santa Fe (April 30, 2020) – A 37-year-old woman perished in a fiery car accident last week while trying to evade law enforcement, according to New Mexico State Police.

Police officers were attempting to stop Jacqueline Morfin for speeding on I-25 when she took off in her Dodge Caravan. The driver reportedly led the officers on a reckless 10-mile chase, during which she drove the wrong way in the northbound lanes of the I-25 and eventually crashed into a concrete barrier. 

The vehicle erupted in flames, and although firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze, Morfin was pronounced dead at the scene. Two officers involved in the pursuit were also injured when their police cruiser struck a cable barrier in the median and overturned. Source: SFNM

Stolen Car Runs Stop Sign, Kills Motorcyclist

Albuquerque (April 10, 2020) – A father of seven was killed on Tuesday in a motorcycle accident in northeast Albuquerque, according to authorities.

67-year-old John Peralta died after a car ran a stop sign near Claremont Avenue and Cagua Drive at a high rate of speed.

The driver of the car, which police later determined was stolen, did not stop after hitting Peralta.

The driver and passenger in the vehicle were eventually located. The alleged driver was taken into custody while the passenger remains in the hospital recovering from his injuries.

A spokesman for the District Attorney’s Office says the driver will likely be charged with vehicular homicide in addition to leaving the scene of an accident. Source: Albuquerque Journal

Department of Health Issues Public Health Emergency Order

Statewide (March 20, 2020) – The Department of Health, with the support of Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, released an amended Public Health Emergency Order yesterday in response to the developing New Mexico COVID-19 outbreak. 

The order implements new restrictions to help prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus throughout New Mexico, where 43 confirmed cases have been reported. Following the example of other states, mass gatherings have now been prohibited in addition to the closure of all businesses “not engaged in the provision of an essential service”. 

Other key measures included in the amended order are limiting hotels to 50% capacity and placing limits on the number of medications, medical equipment, baby formula, diapers, and hygiene products customers may purchase. Source: NM Department of Health