Two major highways run through the heart of Albuquerque - I-40 and I-25. These roads are designed to facilitate high-speed traffic and help move a lot of traffic through the state of New Mexico. When highways reach busy cities like Albuquerque, traffic gets more unpredictable.

Highway Accidents in Albuquerque

Cars enter and exit the highway more frequently. Multiple highways converge. Road construction increases as cities work to improve infrastructure.

This all sets the stage for highway accidents in Albuquerque - especially when drivers are negligent.

What Causes Most Car Accidents on Albuquerque Highways?

Like other types of car accidents, collisions on Albuquerque highways tend to happen because drivers are negligent. Driving on a highway is different in a city than it is out in more rural parts of the state, and accidents can happen when drivers fail to take that into consideration.

Some of the most commonly cited causes of highway crashes in Albuquerque, NM, include:

Distracted Driving

New Mexico has one of the highest distracted driving rates in the country. Drivers who take their hands off of the wheel, allow their eyes to leave the road, or let their minds wander are more likely to cause accidents. When driving on a highway in Albuquerque, a driver who isn’t paying attention is less likely to have the time to react to changes in traffic necessary to avoid a collision.

Drunk Driving

Drivers who have consumed drugs or alcohol before getting behind the wheel can experience drowsiness, reduced reaction times, difficulty concentrating, and changes in their depth perception that make them more likely to cause collisions on busy Albuquerque highways.

Speeding

Speed limits decrease on major highways entering Albuquerque, and for good reason. Speed is one of the most common causes of collisions. When drivers speed on jam-packed highways within the city’s limits, they’ll have less time and space to come to a complete stop when traffic comes to a halt or slows down. Similarly, drivers who speed are more likely to lose control of their vehicles, which can pose a challenge when there are limited shoulders or safe places for vehicles to move out of the way.

What Types of Car Accidents Happen on Albuquerque Interstates?

While any accident can potentially happen on a highway in Albuquerque, rear-end collisions and sideswipes are the most common.

Rear-end collisions occur when the front end of one vehicle crashes into the rear of another vehicle. These collisions are common on highways in stop-and-go traffic, when drivers fail to yield properly when merging, and when traffic comes to a sudden halt.

Sideswipes usually occur when a driver changes lanes without checking their blind spots or is too aggressive when merging.

You Deserve Compensation After a Highway Accident in Albuquerque

When a driver causes a car accident on a highway in Albuquerque, they can be legally responsible for resulting damages. Through an insurance claim or car accident lawsuit, you have the right to seek compensation for your medical bills, disability, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and reduced quality of life.

Choosing Singleton Schreiber to advocate for you is the best way to maximize your financial recovery. Our Albuquerque car accident lawyers are award-winning litigators who’ve helped clients win billions in monetary awards from insurance companies, negligent motorists, and government agencies.

You only have a limited amount of time to file a car accident claim, so contact our Albuquerque law office to discuss your case today.