Albuquerque Auto Accident Lawyer Shares Information on Improper Lane Changes on Interstates in New Mexico
New Mexico has some very important interstates. Not just for our State, but for the entire country. This is because I-40 and I-25 are routes where commercial truck drivers can change from east and west to north and south. The interstate exchange in Albuquerque is a major junction for this reason. Coupled with the fact that I-10 is one of the busiest interstates, and also has a junction in Las Cruces with I-25, New Mexico is an important interstate state. This is why motorists using the interstates need to be particularly careful because of all of the traffic, including traffic from out-of-state drivers. One of the most dangerous maneuvers on an interstate is a lane change. Improper lane changes can result in serious auto accidents, particularly on face-moving highways.
Here at the Mark Caruso, our experienced Albuquerque auto accident lawyers know that improper lane changes on interstates in New Mexico can result in very serious personal injuries and even wrong death. I-10, I-25, and I-40 all have high speed limits which make collisions between vehicles extremely powerful and very likely to result in catastrophic damage. Call to schedule a FREE appointment with our lawyers today by dialing (505) 308-1556 to learn how we can help you obtain compensation or your injuries.
New Mexico Law on Improper Lane Changes
Anytime there is a motor vehicle accident in New Mexico, you are going to be looking at two areas of law. The first area of law is the common law, or judge-made law, which has evolved over decades of legal interpretation and consideration of public policy concerns. This is where the negligence standard has grown from, which requires all motorists to use reasonable care under the circumstances in the use and operation of their motor vehicle. If a motorist fails to use the reasonable care that a reasonable motorist would have in changing lanes, then that motorist may be found negligent if the improper lane change causes an Albuquerque auto accident.
The second area of law is statutory law, or legislatively-made law. This is law that is codified in the books which all people on New Mexico roads are expected to know and abide by, whether or not they are residents of our state. Pertaining to lane changes, New Mexico Law, NM Stat 66-7-317 (A) provides “[w]henever any roadway has been divided into two or more clearly marked lanes for traffic the following rules in addition to all others consistent herewith shall apply: (A) a vehicle shall be driven as nearly as practicable entirely within a single lane and shall not be moved from such lane until the driver has first ascertained that such movement can be made with safety[.]” Thus, if a vehicle makes an improper lane change and causes a crash, that vehicle may have violated this statute. When a person violates a statute that is meant to protect others from harm, that person may be found automatically negligent under the law. This is known as the doctrine of negligence per se, and it is a very important legal principle for victims of Albuquerque auto accidents to know.
Injured Due to an Improper Lane Change on a New Mexico Interstate? We Can Help
If you have been seriously injured in any type of New Mexico auto accident, including an improper lane change on an interstate, please call our Albuquerque auto accident lawyer to learn how we can help. We handle cases throughout New Mexico, including in Lordsburg, Albuquerque, Las Cruces, Santa Fe, Roswell, or anywhere else. Call the Mark Caruso by dialing (505) 308-1556 to learn how we can help. You can also contact us on our website through the easy to use and convenient Contact box located by clicking here.
