Speeding Car Driver Charged with School Bus Accident

School bus on road

A school bus rollover crash in Albuquerque seriously injured three students and could have been completely prevented. Now, one of two drivers who police believe were racing one another has been charged. 

The incident ironically occurred only hours after police had announced a new traffic enforcement program, they are piloting, which would target drivers who are racing on city streets. Forty-nine-year-old Mario Perez has been charged with two counts of great bodily harm by vehicle. 

The second driver, seen in a blue Ford Mustang, left the scene of the accident. Police are asking the public for help identifying the individual who left Perez and the school bus, which was carrying 23 middle school students at the time. 

Students Required Surgery

When Perez’s car collided with the bus, it caused the bus to roll over onto the driver’s side. The accident caused two students to suffer leg injuries and a third to suffer pelvic injuries. Two of the injured required surgical intervention. Perez suffered a leg injury and was booked in jail after being released from the hospital. 

If you were injured in an accident in New Mexico, the good news is that there is a good chance you can be compensated for your injuries and the damages suffered. However, an important factor affecting this is whether or not you were also negligent in contributing to the accident. 

Pure Comparative Negligence 

New Mexico is considered a pure comparative negligence state, which means that whatever you are entitled to will be reduced by the percentage of fault you had in causing the accident and subsequent injuries. But here’s the good news: unlike many other states, so long as you weren’t completely at fault, you may still be entitled to some compensation. In other words, even if you were at more fault than the other party, you can still recover so long as the other party was even the smallest bit liable. 

For example, let’s say that you suffered $100,000 in damages. If you played no part in causing the accident, you would be entitled to the full $100,000. But if you were 90 percent liable, you would receive $10,000 (0.10 of $100,000 = $10,000).

A Duty to Investigate

The insurance company of the party that caused the accident has a duty to investigate the accident and will likely look for ways in which you contributed to the accident, so as to decrease the value of your claim. However, if the insurance adjuster finds that you are at fault to any degree and you disagree, a qualified personal injury attorney can help. 

MPJ Law Firm Can Help Those in NM Who Have Suffered an Injury Due to Someone Else’s Negligence

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to someone else’s negligence, it can greatly impact your life. It can be difficult enough to deal with your injuries, but it can be even harder when you are left to pick up the pieces financially. You should never have to pay the price for someone else’s mistakes. 

At MPJ Law Firm, we will always act in your best interest and will work to investigate your claim, collect evidence, and do what is necessary to prove you weren’t responsible for the accident. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation, contact us today!

Posted in: Automobile Accidents