Gallup Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Honest Gallup Pedestrian Accident Attorney

There’s nothing wrong with expecting the drivers on the road to obey the posted speed limit and drive safely. As a pedestrian, you may have to take extra care to avoid being the victim of an accident. Unfortunately, accidents still happen all the time; usually, they may be entirely out of your control. You may want to consider yourself lucky that you survived, and taking legal action is understandable. A Gallup pedestrian accident lawyer can represent you.

Youngers Law, PA, understands the difficulties ahead of you in a pedestrian accident case. A Gallup personal injury lawyer can be a vital source of knowledgeable counsel. New Mexico’s pedestrian accident laws can be hard to navigate on your own. You should hire a Gallup pedestrian accident attorney to spearhead your case. Joleen K. Youngers has been selected by Super Lawyers for years* and can use her significant experience to advocate for all you deserve.

What Is a Pedestrian Accident?

A pedestrian accident occurs when a passerby is struck by a moving vehicle. These incidents are often fatal or result in lifelong medical problems stemming from serious injury. If you are the victim of a pedestrian accident in Gallup and wish to file a legal claim, your case may be handled by the Gallup District Court in McKinley County, which can be found on West Hill Avenue. Recently, pedestrian fatalities dropped from number one to number nine in the state’s national fatality ranking.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Being hit by a moving vehicle can be a truly catastrophic and nightmarish event. The resulting trauma can resonate throughout your entire life, affecting your job, housing, and even personal relationships. It’s reasonable to want to hold someone accountable for what happened. In 2024 alone, there were 53 pedestrian accident fatalities in New Mexico. State law requires drivers to stay at the scene, but that doesn’t always happen.

Here are some common causes of pedestrian accidents:

• Distractions. Worldwide, distracted driving is one of the main causes of vehicular accidents. There are so many potential distractions in and out of the car. It can be hard to keep your focus on the road ahead of you, but it’s imperative that you do so. Common distractions include talking on the phone, texting, daydreaming, road rage, eating and drinking, and playing with the radio. Drivers should remain vigilant when behind the wheel.
• Night driving. For some, driving at night is a difficult ordeal. Some drivers may not be as comfortable operating a vehicle at night as they are during the day. It’s often harder to see immediate obstacles due to limited visibility. It’s recommended that pedestrians wear bright reflective clothing while out and about at night, if only to make themselves more visible to oncoming traffic. There’s nothing wrong with trying to prevent an accident.
• Impaired driving. When a driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, their judgment is heavily impaired. Their reaction time is off, and they may not be able to avoid hitting a pedestrian. Impaired drivers are a threat to everyone on the road, including pedestrians and other drivers. If you are struck by an impaired driver, it’s highly unlikely that fault lies anywhere else. Your case may be quite simple to navigate with a lawyer’s help.
• Construction. A construction site on the road can throw everyone off. Locals may be so used to the road moving in a certain direction that a construction site messes with their rhythm, making it more likely that they could drive off the new road and possibly hit somebody. There may not even be a sidewalk anymore, forcing pedestrians to walk into the road.This can be a concern in areas such as Gallup, New Mexico.

FAQs

What Happens If I Am Struck by a Vehicle?

If you are struck by a moving vehicle, don’t move. You may be seriously injured or in a severe state of shock. If the driver stops, get them to call 911 so EMTs can come to the scene. Once they arrive, let them do their job and be totally honest with them about the pain you’re feeling. When you speak to the police, don’t take any responsibility for the accident. Admitting fault in any way can hurt your accident claim.

Is New Mexico a No-Fault State for Car Accidents?

No, New Mexico is very much a fault state for car accidents. This means that the individual who is found to be legally at fault for causing the accident is required to reimburse the other driver for damages caused by the crash. Generally, in a pedestrian accident, the driver is found to be at fault. However, in some situations, the pedestrian may be found to be at fault if their actions were illegal and put the driver in danger.

Do Pedestrians Have the Right of Way in New Mexico?

Yes, pedestrians have the right of way in New Mexico, but they only do so when they are:

• Crossing within a marked or unmarked crosswalk
• Obeying traffic signals

A pedestrian cannot just choose to jump into oncoming traffic and hope that the driver slows down in time. If they are struck, they may be found to be at fault for the accident because they broke traffic laws. Everyone is required to obey the rules of the road.

Should I Hire a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?

Yes, you should hire a pedestrian accident lawyer. Seeking legal accountability for a pedestrian accident can be difficult to accomplish on your own. The legal process can be hard on its own, but you may also be trying to heal from serious injuries. You may be suffering through physical therapy, taking various medications, and completely unfit to handle your own personal injury case. A good lawyer can take care of it for you.

Be Sure to Hire a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today

Having the right lawyer can be crucial when pursuing a pedestrian accident case against a negligent driver. At Youngers Law, PA, we can develop your case, seek full compensation for your damages, and protect your interests. Contact us to speak with a team member today.

*Awards have varying criteria and do not guarantee results in a specific case.