Albuquerque Accident Statistics

Pilot Drug Use Caused 2021 Fatal Hot Air Balloon Crash

Albuquerque (August 24, 2023) – The National Transportation Safety Board’s final report on the 2021 fatal hot air balloon crash found drug use as the main cause behind the accident. According to the report, the pilot had levels of cocaine and marijuana in his system that suggested recent use. The report revealed the pilot also failed to maintain adequate clearance during landing. The balloon collided with power lines and crashed into an intersection, killing all five passengers on board. This incident marked the deadliest balloon crash in New Mexico’s history. 

If you’ve experienced the wrongful death of a loved one due to an impaired transport operator then call the Albuquerque personal injury attorneys at Lerner and Rowe. Source: AP

Cerro Pelado Fire Cause Revealed

Statewide (July 31, 2023) – The 2022 Cerro Pelado Fire was caused due to debris from a controlled burn, according to a report from the U.S Forest Service. This wildfire was the largest ever seen in the contiguous United States. These controlled burns also caused the Calf Canyon/Hermit’s Peak Fire in April 2022, which caused the destruction of 903 homes and other structures.

If you’ve suffered a wildfire burn injury because of negligence, contact a New Mexico personal injury lawyer from Lerner and Rowe for a free case review. Source: Reuters

Alcohol-Related Accidents Increase in New Mexico

Statewide (May 31, 2023) – According to a report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA), alcohol-related fatalities increased from 2020 to 2021. Out of the reported 398 fatalities in 2020, 129 were alcohol-related. In 2021, the state reported 481 fatalities with 154 caused by alcohol. From 2020 to 2021, the number of deaths caused by alcohol impaired drivers increased 19%. 

If you or a loved one have been injured in an alcohol-related accident, contact the Albuquerque personal injury lawyers at Lerner and Rowe. Source: NHTSA

New Mexico’s Most Dangerous Intersections

Statewide (March 10, 2023) – According to data from the New Mexico Department of Transportation, Santa Fe is home to 6 out of the top 10 most dangerous intersections in the state for car crashes. Between 2019-2021, there were 5,532 crashes at intersections or within 150 feet of a street crossing in Santa Fe, which law enforcement mostly attributed to distracted drivers and heavy traffic.  

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, call the New Mexico personal injury lawyers at Lerner and Rowe. Source: Santa Fe New Mexican

New Mexico Alcohol Related Fatal Car Accidents Decrease From 2021

Statewide (December 30, 2022) – New Mexico has seen a dramatic decrease in fatal accidents caused by drunk drivers from 2021 to 2022. According to data from the New Mexico Annual Traffic Report, alcohol-related car accidents have decreased 66% from 2021 to 2022. The data shows accidents from 2021 to November 2022. In 2021, there were a total of 163 fatal accidents caused by drunk drivers and 98 in 2022. 

If you’ve been injured in an accident, call the New Mexico personal injury lawyers at Lerner and Rowe. Source: NMDOT  

Distracted Driving Top Factor in All New Mexico Car Accidents

Statewide (November 30, 2022) – Data from the New Mexico Annual Traffic Report found that driver inattention, or distracted driving, was the top cause for all car accidents in the state.  19.2%, or 16,621 of all car accidents in New Mexico were caused by driver inattention. Distracted driving was the cause of 11.9% of fatal accidents and 20.1% of injury accidents. 

 If you’ve been injured in an accident, call the New Mexico personal injury lawyers at Lerner and Rowe. Source: NMDOT

Top Causes of New Mexico Pedestrian Accidents

Top Causes of New Mexico Pedestrian Accidents 

Statewide (October 31, 2022) – New Mexico has one of the highest rates of pedestrian deaths and pedestrian accidents which is why the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) implemented their Pedestrian Safety Action Plan. The plan aims to reduce pedestrian deaths in the state by addressing the top causes of the accidents. Data found that the top causes of pedestrian accidents in New Mexico are pedestrian error, DUI, and distracted driving. 

If you’ve been injured in an accident, call the New Mexico personal injury lawyers at Lerner and Rowe. Source: NMDOT

Causes of New Mexico Alcohol Related Deaths

Statewide (September 30, 2022) – The New Mexico Substance Use Epidemiology Profile released by the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) reported 7.4 per 100,000 deaths were caused by drunk driving accidents. Along with drunk driving accidents, falls, accidental alcohol poisoning, and homicide ranked among the top causes of New Mexico alcohol-related deaths. The report consisted of state data from 2016 to 2020. New Mexico has continuously had one of the highest rates of alcohol-related fatalities in the nation over the previous 30 years.

If you or a loved one have been injured in an alcohol-related accident, contact the Albuquerque personal injury lawyers at Lerner and Rowe. Source: NMDOH 

Top Causes of New Mexico Preventable Deaths for 2020

Statewide (February 23, 2022) – Data from The National Safety Council (NSC) shows the top causes of preventable deaths by state for 2020. In New Mexico, the top causes of preventable deaths include, in order, poisoning, car accidents, and falls. Poisoning deaths include death caused by prescription medication, alcohol, chemicals, and pesticides.

The same top causes of preventable deaths in New Mexico were the same nationally, with poisoning being the top cause in 36 states. Contact a New Mexico wrongful death attorney at Lerner and Rowe if you’ve lost a loved one due to negligence or a dangerous product. Source: NSC

Forest Service Report Releases Details of Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon Fires

Albuquerque (July, 27 2022) – A U.S. Forest Service report finds that the agency used outdated modeling and didn’t account for some factors before starting a prescribed burn in April that became New Mexico’s largest wildfire. The agency says it followed most procedures, but the plan didn’t account for drought, steep terrain, unpredictable winds, and fast fire growth. Crews lacked manpower and water, according to the report. 

If you’ve suffered a wildfire burn injury because of negligence, contact a New Mexico personal injury lawyer from Lerner and Rowe for a free case review. Source: KOB4 

Fatal Car Accidents Trending Downward

Statewide (August 31, 2023) – Data from the New Mexico Department of Transportation’s (NMDOT) preliminary fatality traffic report shows that lethal car accidents decreased by 32% from July 2022 to July 2023. More specifically, there were 53 total fatal car crashes in July 2022 and 36 in July 2023. In July 2021, there were a total of 52 fatal car accidents in New Mexico. 

If you’ve lost a loved one in a car accident then you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Contact the Albuquerque car accident attorneys at Lerner and Rowe today for a free case consultation. Source: NMDOT

25% Decrease in Boating Accidents

Statewide (June 30, 2023) – According to the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Recreational Boating Statistics Report, New Mexico experienced a 25% decrease in recreational boating accidents in 2022. By comparison, there were a total of 16 fatal boating accidents in 2021 and 12 in 2022. 

Lerner and Rowe’s Albuquerque personal injury lawyers urge boaters to put safety first when out on the water. If you have been harmed in a boating accident in New Mexico caused by the negligence of another party, contact us today. Source: USCG

New Mexico Sees Increase in Traffic Fatalities

Statewide (May 31, 2023) – According to a report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA), traffic fatalities in New Mexico increased from 2020 to 2021. The state reported 398 fatalities in 2020 and 481 in 2021, an increase of 83 fatalities, or 21%. 

If you’ve lost a loved one in a car accident caused by the negligence of another party, contact the Albuquerque car accident attorneys at Lerner and Rowe. Source: NHTSA

Albuquerque Ranked Second-Most Dangerous City for Pedestrians

Albuquerque (April 28, 2023) – According to a report by the Smart Growth America’s (SGA) National Complete Streets Coalition (NCSC), Albuquerque is the second most dangerous city in the United States for pedestrians. From 2016 to 2020, there were 4.19 pedestrian fatalities per 100,000 persons annually in the Albuquerque metro region. According to the data, 192 pedestrian fatalities were reported in the city over that time. 

If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, call the New Mexico personal injury lawyers at Lerner and Rowe. Source: SGA

New Mexico House Passes Bill to Fund Driving Safety Initiative

Statewide (March 10, 2023) – The New New Mexico Legislature and the House Transportation and Public Works Committee passed a bill that promotes safer driving. House Bill 70 will set aside $300,000 from the state’s general fund for the program to establish and execute the “Brake on Yellow, Stop on Red” traffic safety education initiative. According to the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT), there are an average of 100 car accidents per day in the state. 

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, call the New Mexico personal injury lawyers at Lerner and Rowe. Source: KRQE

New Mexico Ranked Worst State for Distracted Driver Deaths

Statewide (December 30, 2022)-Data from the New Mexico Annual Traffic Report found distracted driving the top cause of fatal accidents in the state. Now, New Mexico has been ranked the worst state for fatal accidents caused by distracted driving for the third year in a row. The data, gathered from 2019 to 2020, shows there were 276 deaths attributed to distracted driving in New Mexico. 

If you’ve been injured in a car accident by a distracted driver, call the New Mexico personal injury lawyers at Lerner and Rowe. Source: MoneyGeek

June, July, and September Deadliest Months for New Mexico Drivers

Statewide (November 30, 2022) – According to the New Mexico Department of Transportation’s (NMDOT) Monthly Traffic Fatality Report, June, July, and September were the deadliest months for car accidents in the state from 2020 to 2022. September saw the highest number of traffic fatalities, with 54 in 2021, compared to 47 in 2022. June 2020 saw 46 traffic fatalities, 43 in 2021, and dropped down to 26 in 2022. Meanwhile, July had 51 fatalities in both 2021 and 2020. 

If you’ve lost a loved one in a car accident, contact the Albuquerque personal injury lawyers at Lerner and Rowe. Source: NMDOT

Fatal Car Accidents in New Mexico Increased 20% in 2021

Statewide (October 31, 2022) – Data from the New Mexico Department of Transportation’s (NMDOT) fatality traffic report shows that fatal car accidents increased by 20% from 2020 to 2021. There were 398 total fatal car crashes in 2020 and 481 in 2021. What information is available for 2022 shows a total of 347 fatalities from January to September. 

If you’ve lost a loved one in a car accident, contact the Albuquerque car accident attorneys at Lerner and Rowe. Source: NMDOT

2020 Fatal Truck Crashes in New Mexico

Statewide (September 30, 2022) – According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 10.4% of fatal crashes in New Mexico in 2020 involved a semi-truck. Traffic Safety Facts on Large Trucks released by the NHTSA found that 4,965 people were killed in crashes involving large trucks in 2020. In New Mexico, there were 540 vehicles involved in fatal truck accidents. A total of 51 people died in these accidents. 

If you’ve lost a loved one due to a wrongful death truck accident in New Mexico, contact Lerner and Rowe. Source: NHTSA 

New Mexico Traffic Fatalities Down Over Past Year

Statewide (February 22, 2022) – Preliminary data from the National Safety Council (NSC) for the first half of 2022 shows a decrease in New Mexico traffic fatalities compared to 2021.

Data also shows that as of June 2022, car accident deaths decreased by 39% or more in 9 states and Washington D.C. when compared to June 2021. New Mexico had 15 deaths compared to last year, a 56% decrease. If you’ve lost a loved one in a wrongful death due to a car accident, contact Lerner and Rowe. Source: NSC

Police and NMDOT Urge Drivers To Stay Cautious During I-40 Construction

Statewide (August 24, 2023) – The New Mexico State Police and New Mexico Department of Transportation urge drivers to use caution on I-40 near Clines Corners due to ongoing construction. Police have reported 18 car crashes and four fatalities since construction began in April 2023. With only one lane open, police ask drivers to slow down, stay vigilant, and drive carefully. NMDOT plans to add speed radar signs, and the State Police will increase patrols until construction ends in November.

If you or a loved one have been injured in a work zone accident, call the Albuquerque personal injury attorneys at Lerner and Rowe. Source: KRQE

ER Visits for Heat-Related Illness On the Rise

Statewide (July 28, 2023) – According to data from the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH), there have been at least 480 visits to the emergency department for heat-related illnesses in the state since April 1, 2023. Conversely, the agency reported that between 2013 and 2021, there was a notable increase in heat-related deaths, escalating from approximately 1.2 deaths per million population to 14.2 deaths per million. 

Lerner and Rowe urges everyone to exercise extra caution in the face of intense, near-record heat. If you’ve suffered from heat illness due to the negligence or recklessness of another party then contact our New Mexico injury lawyers. Source: NMDOH

Severe Weather and Storms Headed for New Mexico

Statewide (May 31, 2023) – Portions of the state are expected to experience storms, hail, damaging winds, and possible tornadoes for the remainder of the week. Look for scattered showers, heavy rain, and thunderstorms. Southwest winds will pick up in the western half of the state by Wednesday afternoon. The drier air will increase the risk of fire in the Albuquerque area. If you see any fire, make sure to report it to local emergency services. Do not attempt to put out the fire to avoid burn injuries. 

Lerner and Rowe reminds you to drive safely and follow our safety tips for monsoon season in New Mexico. It is best to avoid driving until the threat of severe weather passes. If you are injured in an accident caused by the negligence of another party, contact our Albuquerque personal injury attorneys. Source: KRQE

More Speed Cameras Added to Albuquerque Roads

Albuquerque (March 29, 2023) – To help reduce car accidents, Albuquerque has installed numerous speed cameras in the city. Two of the newest speed cameras were installed on Wyoming and Louisiana off Montgomery Boulevard after residents expressed concerns about speeding in the area.

The city plans to roll out more speed cameras in the coming weeks, although the locations have not yet been announced. Drivers caught by the cameras are issued a $100 traffic fine.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident because of a reckless driver, call the New Mexico personal injury lawyers at Lerner and Rowe. Source: KRQE

3 Killed in Different Albuquerque Accidents

Albuquerque (February 27, 2023) – On the morning of February 13, Albuquerque Police responded to three deadly different accidents across the city. Around 1:00 a.m, a pedestrian was struck and killed on a crosswalk. The driver admitted to hitting the person when driving through the intersection on a green light. Reports stated the pedestrian appeared to have been across against the crosswalk signal. At 5:45 a.m, another pedestrian was hit and killed. Another car accident occurred around 9:15 a.m, killing one. 

Our sympathies go out to the victim and their loved ones. If you’ve experienced the wrongful death of a family member or if you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, contact the Albuquerque personal injury attorneys at Lerner and Rowe. Source: Albuquerque Journal

Snowstorm Leaves Roads in Dangerous Conditions

Statewide (December 29, 2022) – According to the New Mexico Department of Transportation, parts of New Mexico saw freezing temperatures and snow Wednesday night resulting in snow-covered roadways and hazardous driving conditions. The majority of bad weather occurred in northern New Mexico and eastern parts of the state.

The Albuquerque personal injury attorneys at Lerner and Rowe urge everyone to use caution when driving and walking on snow and ice covered surfaces. If you’ve been injured during winter weather due to negligence, contact Lerner and Rowe. Source: KRQE

Las Vegas Woman Charged in Fatal Albuquerque Crash

Albuquerque (November 30, 2022) – A Las Vegas woman has been charged in a deadly Albuquerque car accident. Jennifer Rue and her passenger fatally struck Scott Toole in October. At the time of the accident, Toole was on the road repairing his car. Rue’s companion told police they had consumed alcohol before driving. Rue was charged with leaving the scene of an accident resulting in great bodily harm or death.

Our hearts go out to the victim and their family. If you’ve lost a loved one due to wrongful death or you’ve been injured in a car accident, call the Albuquerque personal injury lawyers at Lerner and Rowe. Source: KRQE

Albuquerque Public School Bus Involved in Crash

Albuquerque (October 31, 2022) – Authorities are investigating an Albuquerque school bus accident that occurred on October 28, 2022. Bernalillo County Deputies said that the bus, which had students on board, was involved in a rear-end collision. There were no injuries reported, and the bus sustained minimal damage. According to investigators, the driver dozed off behind the wheel. He was fined for reckless driving.

If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident, call the Albuquerque personal injury attorneys at Lerner and Rowe. Source: KRQE

One Killed After Car Crashed Into Building

Albuquerque (September 5, 2022) – The Albuquerque Police Department investigated a  two-vehicle collision near Constitution Avenue and Virginia Street around 7:00 p.m. on September 5. APD claims that one vehicle collided with a building, killing the woman driving it. The condition of the other driver and vehicle were unknown. The APD’s DUI and Motors Units were on the scene. 

If you’ve been injured in a car accident due to the negligence of another driver, or you’ve lost a loved one due to wrongful death, call Lerner and Rowe. Source: KOAT

Preliminary Report Released On Fatal Bernalillo County Sheriff Helicopter Crash

Las Vegas (August 8, 2022) – The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released its preliminary findings on the helicopter crash that killed four on July 16. The report states the helicopter crew had been in Las Vegas, NM helping fight wildfires. The crash occurred around 7:20 p.m. while en route back to Albuquerque. 

Witnesses reported that they saw the helicopter fly past them before it descended to the ground without turning. The NTSB has not yet released the entire report. Pilots must contend with a variety of difficulties, including uneven terrain, increasing air traffic, and malfunctions. Lerner and Rowe can provide empathic and fierce legal services if you’ve experienced the wrongful death of a loved one in a helicopter crash. Source: KRQE