Albuquerque Pedestrian Accident Attorney

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents can result from a variety of factors, many of which involve negligent driver behavior or hazardous road conditions:

• Distracted Driving: Drivers who divert their attention from the road—for example, by texting, using a phone, or participating in other distractions—significantly increase the risk of striking pedestrians.
• Impaired Driving: Alcohol and drug use impair drivers' attentiveness, slow their reactions, and make accidents more likely.
• Speeding: Excessive speed on busy streets endangers pedestrians and makes it difficult for drivers to stop quickly.
• Failure to Yield: Drivers who disregard pedestrian right of way at crosswalks can cause dangerous collisions.
• Poor Road Infrastructure: Insufficient lighting or a lack of pedestrian signals increases the risk of accidents.

An often overlooked cause is the lack of awareness around pedestrian zones. Signage or markings may be outdated or non-existent, leading to drivers inadvertently entering areas meant to protect pedestrians. This highlights the importance of city planning and government action to improve signage and physical barriers, reducing the opportunity for collisions.

Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents

Head and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

• Even at low speeds, the force of impact could cause concussions, skull fractures, or severe brain damage.
• Symptoms can range from headaches and dizziness to long-term cognitive impairment.

Spinal Cord Injuries

• Damage to the spine could result in partial or full paralysis.
• These injuries often demand extensive medical treatment and lifelong rehabilitation.

Fractures and Broken Bones

• Arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis are especially vulnerable.
• Some fractures may require surgery, pins, or plates to heal properly.

Internal Injuries

• Internal bleeding, organ damage, and punctured lungs are common but may not be immediately apparent.
• These injuries are medical emergencies and require prompt attention.

Soft Tissue Damage

• Includes torn ligaments, muscle strains, and severe bruising.
• While not always life-threatening, these injuries can cause lasting pain and mobility issues.

Facial Injuries and Dental Damage

• Impacts to the face could lead to broken jaws, missing teeth, or eye injuries.
• May require reconstructive surgery or cosmetic procedures.

Psychological Trauma

• Post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression are common after severe accidents.
• Mental health support can be essential to recovery.

Albuquerque Laws & Regulations for Pedestrian Safety

Albuquerque, along with the rest of New Mexico, has enacted specific laws covering pedestrian rights and responsibilities to safeguard residents. Understanding these regulations is crucial in building a strong case with your pedestrian accident attorney in Albuquerque following an accident:

• Right of Way: Under New Mexico law, vehicles must yield to pedestrians crossing within any marked crosswalk.
• Signal Compliance: Pedestrians are required to obey traffic control devices unless otherwise directed by law enforcement officers.
• No Jaywalking: Pedestrians should not cross streets outside of designated crosswalks or in defiance of traffic signals.
• Sidewalk Use: When available, sidewalks should always be used to minimize exposure to vehicular traffic.

Albuquerque has initiated several safety programs to mitigate pedestrian accidents, including increased patrols in high-risk zones and community education initiatives focused on safe pedestrian behavior. These efforts, while promising, require ongoing community involvement and feedback to be truly effective. As part of our mission, we advocate for policies that enhance pedestrian visibility and enforce traffic laws more rigorously.

Why Choose Simon Perdue Law?

Choosing Simon Perdue Law means opting for a relentless team advocating for your rights. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Aggressive Representation: We are unafraid to take on insurance companies and large corporations, ensuring your voice is heard.
• Trial-Ready Approach: We prepare every case with the readiness to go to trial, maximizing the potential compensation for our clients.
• In-Depth Local Knowledge: Our familiarity with Albuquerque and New Mexico regulations enhances our ability to strategize effectively.
• Bilingual Capabilities: Hablamos Español, allowing us to communicate effectively with a diverse clientele.

Beyond legal representation, we provide our clients with resources and referrals to local support services, including medical providers and rehabilitation specialists, tailored to pedestrian accident victims. This holistic approach underscores our client-first philosophy, aiming to support recovery beyond the courtroom.

Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident

Experiencing a pedestrian accident can be overwhelming. Knowing the appropriate steps to take can protect your rights and strengthen your case:

• Immediate Medical Attention: Seek medical help immediately, even if injuries seem minor. Delayed symptoms are common in accident cases.
• Report the Accident: Always report the incident to the police to ensure an official record is created.
• Document Every Detail: Note all relevant information, including the driver's contact details, witnesses' names, and any photographic evidence of the scene.
• Avoid Statements: Refrain from discussing fault or making detailed statements before consulting with a lawyer.
• Contact a Lawyer: Contact a pedestrian accident attorney in Albuquerque, like Simon Perdue Law.

Your actions immediately following an accident can be critical to your recovery and right to compensation. We are here to help you navigate these steps and provide support throughout the legal process.

Ensuring you follow these crucial steps not only aids in your recovery but also strengthens your legal standing. By preserving evidence and maintaining accurate records, you improve the likelihood of a favorable outcome in your pursuit of justice. Simon Perdue Law is committed to making this process seamless, with experienced attorneys ready to advocate on your behalf.

Albuquerque’s Most Dangerous Intersections for Pedestrians

Recognizing risk-prone intersections can help prevent future injuries and inform your legal strategy after an accident. In Albuquerque, intersections like Central Avenue at San Mateo Boulevard, Coors Boulevard at Bridge Boulevard, and Lomas Boulevard near Carlisle have consistently ranked among the most hazardous for pedestrians. Factors such as wide vehicular lanes, short crossing signals, heavy evening traffic, and limited lighting contribute to the heightened risk at these crossings. If your accident occurred at or near these corridors, feeding this local context into your claim with a pedestrian accident attorney in Albuquerque can have a meaningful impact on your case outcome.

Our team brings a nuanced understanding of Albuquerque’s evolving traffic safety landscape, including local advocacy efforts and city government reports. This context allows us to build comprehensive claims that take into account both the physical and regulatory challenges unique to the area. By choosing Simon Perdue Law as your pedestrian accident lawyer in Albuquerque, you gain advocates with deep insight into how local street conditions and city planning initiatives affect real-world personal injury cases—ensuring your claim receives the utmost attention.