A man was arrested in connection with a crash on Albuquerque’s southbound I-25 that left a 10-year-old girl dead. According to the Albuquerque Journal, Xavier Nelson, 22, has been charged with reckless driving resulting in death.

Reports indicate that unmarked prescription sedatives were found in Nelson’s vehicle, but police do not believe he was intoxicated at the time of the crash. Multiple witnesses reported seeing two cars racing at speeds between 85 to 110 mph, and it is suspected that they were street racing.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, speeding contributed to 28 percent of motor-vehicle accident deaths in 2014. If you were injured or lost a family member due to a driver who was speeding, then you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost income and other damages.

If the incident happened in New Mexico, contact The Law Office of Brian K. Branch. A car accident attorney in Albuquerque will evaluate your case to determine if you have grounds for a claim.

With a combined 32 years in legal practice, our lawyers have the knowledge, courtroom experience and resources to represent your interests. Call 505-207-4401 to schedule a free initial consultation.

5 Ways to Avoid Speeding-Related Accidents

Speeding reduces the amount of time you have to react to unexpected hazards on the road. It also elongates your stopping distance, which increases your risk of getting in a rear-end accident.

There are many reasons why motorists choose to travel too fast for the conditions. Sometimes drivers speed to get back on schedule; other times, drivers are complacent or distracted, or they speed to avoid a tailgating motorist.

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of getting in a speeding-related crash. Five of the most effective are:

  1. Reduce your speed if you notice obstacles in the road, poor weather or congested traffic;
  2. Study the speed limits on your route – especially if you are taking a long-distance road trip;
  3. Leave early so you have plenty of time to reach your destination without speeding;
  4. Do not let passengers pressure you into speeding; and
  5. Look for road signs that indicate a temporary change in the speed limit – particularly when driving near schools and construction zones.

If you were injured by a driver who was speeding, contact an Albuquerque personal-injury lawyer from The Law Office of Brian K. Branch. A car accident attorney in New Mexico will assess the police report and doctors’ records, interview witnesses and compassionately represent your interests.

Our lawyers will help you avoid mistakes during the claims process such as overlooking certain damages, accepting a low settlement, making recorded statements to insurance adjusters, unknowingly admitting fault, or signing a general release. We are not afraid to take your case to trial if we cannot secure a fair settlement. Call 505-207-4401 today to schedule a free initial consultation.