According to the Santa Fe New Mexican, a 71-year-old woman died in a head-on collision that involved three vehicles and injured five others earlier this month. The accident occurred on U.S. 84/285 just north of Santa Fe, when an 18-year-old motorist allegedly lost control of his Chrysler convertible.

The man was heading north when he crashed into another vehicle head-on, and the force of the impact caused the second car to collide with a third. The 71-year-old woman who died in the collision was riding in the second vehicle with her husband, who sustained injuries.

Two young adults were riding in the third vehicle, and both sustained minor injuries. The driver of the Chrysler and his passenger were ejected from the first vehicle due to the force of the impact. They had been riding with the top down, and neither was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.

Responders airlifted the Chrysler’s passenger, a juvenile, to University of New Mexico Hospital. Traffic was delayed in both directions for hours so law enforcement personnel and first responders could clear the wreckage. During that time, state police also had to handle a minor accident that occurred as the result of the congestion.

Police believe speed played a role in the collision, but they do not suspect impairment was a factor. The investigation is ongoing, but no one who was involved is facing any charges yet.

If you lost a loved one in a collision with a reckless driver, an Albuquerque wrongful death lawyer from The Law Office of Brian K. Branch, PC will assess the circumstances of the crash to determine if you are entitled to compensation. If you have grounds for a claim, our team can help you secure a settlement that includes all the damages you incurred, potentially including funeral costs, lost wages, lost benefits, and loss of consortium. Call 505-207-4401 to schedule a free case evaluation.

Whom Can You Sue Following a Multi-Vehicle Collision?

Multi-vehicle collisions are fairly common, and as a result, several strategies already exist for determining liability in such scenarios. In a rear-end collision that leads to a chain reaction of subsequent crashes, for example, the motorist in the rear is almost always responsible; however, there are exceptions to this rule.

In many multi-vehicle collisions, several different parties are at least partially liable for the damages that arise. For example, more than one driver may have contributed to the crash in some way. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, other potentially liable parties might include the automobile manufacturer or the local government entity that is responsible for maintaining the roads and traffic signals.

If you lost a loved one in a multi-vehicle collision, it is important to name all potentially liable parties in your claim so you have the best possible chance of securing a settlement that covers 100 percent of your damages. If you name just one party and that party is facing lawsuits from other motorists involved in the accident, there is a good chance his or her policy limit will not cover all the damages that everyone incurred.

Contact The Law Office of Brian K. Branch, PC to determine who might be liable for the accident that resulted in your loved one’s death. Call 505-207-4401 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a wrongful death attorney in Albuquerque. You can learn more about wrongful death claims in New Mexico by visiting usattorneys.com/wrongful-death-lawyers/new-mexico.