Las Cruces Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys

Drunk driving crashes can happen in many ways, but certain dangerous behaviors are especially common.

Examples include:

• Speeding
• Wrong-way driving
• Running red lights or stop signs
• Tailgating
• Aggressive driving
• Falling asleep behind the wheel
• Distracted driving while intoxicated
• Failure to yield

In Las Cruces, drunk driving accidents may occur on major roads and highways such as Interstate 10, U.S. Route 70, and busy local intersections.

How to Prove Liability Against a Drunk Driver

To recover compensation after a drunk driving accident, you must establish that the intoxicated driver acted negligently and caused your injuries.

Evidence used to prove liability may include:

• Police accident reports
• DUI or DWI arrest records
• Breathalyzer or blood test results
• Dashcam or surveillance footage
• Witness testimony
• Accident reconstruction analysis
• Field sobriety test results
• Cell phone records
• Medical records

In some cases, punitive damages may also be available. Punitive damages are intended to punish especially reckless behavior, such as driving while heavily intoxicated.

Our Las Cruces drunk driving accident lawyer can help preserve evidence and build a strong claim on your behalf.

New Mexico Dram Shop & Social Host Liability

In certain situations, parties other than the drunk driver may also share responsibility for an accident.

Dram Shop Liability

Under New Mexico dram shop laws, bars, restaurants, liquor stores, and other establishments may be liable if they knowingly serve alcohol to an intoxicated person or a minor who later causes an accident.

For example, a business may be held accountable if it:

• Continued serving a visibly intoxicated patron
• Served alcohol to someone underage
• Ignored obvious signs of impairment

Social Host Liability

Social hosts may also face liability in limited circumstances, particularly when providing alcohol to minors.

These claims can be complicated, but they may provide additional sources of compensation for victims with severe injuries.

Compensation Available After a Drunk Driving Accident

Victims injured by drunk drivers may be entitled to substantial compensation depending on the severity of their injuries and losses.

Damages may include:

• Medical expenses
• Future medical treatment
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Property damage
• Rehabilitation costs
• Disability accommodations
• Wrongful death damages

At Buckingham & Vega Law Firm, we work to recover the maximum compensation available under New Mexico law.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file a drunk driving accident lawsuit in New Mexico?

New Mexico generally gives injury victims three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, exceptions may apply, so it is important to speak with an attorney promptly.

Can I still recover compensation if the drunk driver was uninsured?

Yes. You may still have options through uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage or other legal claims depending on the circumstances.

What if a family member was killed in a drunk driving crash?

Eligible surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim to recover compensation for funeral expenses, lost financial support, and emotional suffering.

Will the drunk driver go to jail?

Possibly. Criminal penalties are determined separately through the criminal court system. Your civil injury claim is independent of any criminal charges.

How much is my drunk driving accident case worth?

Every case is different. The value of your claim depends on factors such as the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost income, long-term disabilities, and emotional suffering. 

Contact a Las Cruces Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Our results-driven attorneys have diverse legal knowledge and a vast network of resources to help victims and their loved ones pursue justice after wrongful injuries. With a proven track record of results since 1999, including record-setting verdicts, our trial lawyers aren’t afraid of complex or challenging cases. Instead, we are righteous in every case we take on, preparing each one for trial and conducting in-depth investigations to relentlessly pursue fair outcomes for each and every client we serve.

Injured by a drunk driver in New Mexico? Our articulate advocates can pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact us online to discuss your case.