A recent crash on Interstate 10 has taken the life of a local man. The recent crash was a head-on collision, which is one of the deadliest types of collisions. Learn more about the recent crash and what often causes these types of collisions, below.
The crash occurred just south of Las Cruces on Interstate 10. An 85-year-old man driving a 2000 Oldsmobile sedan was driving near mile post 150, close to the Mesquite exit, at approximately 10:30pm on Sunday, October 29, 2017. The car was traveling in the eastbound lanes, but was headed west, when it collided with a 2016 Chevrolet coupe. Law enforcement responded to find that the driver of the Oldsmobile had died at the scene of the crash. The driver of the Chevrolet was not injured in the collision.
Head-on crashes are some of the most dangerous forms of motor vehicle accident. In fact, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has found that head-on crashes are the form of traffic accident that is most likely to result in fatal injuries. While only about 2% of all accidents are considered head-on crashes, roughly 7% of all fatal crashes in urban areas and 13% of fatal crashes in rural areas are classified as head-on collisions. These crashes are typically deadlier than other types of accidents, due to the fact that the force of both colliding vehicles combines when the cars strike one another head-on, resulting in a greater impact than other types of crashes.
Head-on crashes often result from a wrong-way driver becoming confused when entering a highway or turning onto a street. These accidents are more likely to occur at night, when visibility is low for drivers. A common cause of head-on collision is driver impairment from drugs or alcohol. This intoxication by many drivers who are involved in a head-on crash also tends to make these collisions deadlier, since drunk drivers are less likely to brake or otherwise try to avoid a crash before it occurs. Additionally, elderly drivers with impaired vision or who are prone to confusion are more likely to be involved in head-on collisions. Victims of head-on crashes may be entitled to money damages through a personal injury suit for their medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering.
If you or someone you love has been hurt in a head-on collision in New Mexico, find out if you have a right to money damages for your injuries by contacting the knowledgeable and skilled Las Cruces personal injury lawyers at the Law Office of Samuel I. Kane for a consultation, at 575-449-3644.