Driving on New Mexico roads can be a daily adventure. Knowing and understanding New Mexico right-of-way laws can help get you to your destination safely and without any bumps in the road. Our experienced personal injury attorneys in Albuquerque, New Mexico work with right-of-way issues every day and can help you establish liability for your case.
by Meaghan T. Baca, Esq.
Right of Way on the Road
First, what does “right-of-way” mean? The driver’s right-of-way refers to the person who has priority to move through an intersection first. Any other driver who does not have priority to move instead has the responsibility to “yield the right-of-way” or in other words, they have a duty to wait their turn until the intersection is clear.
Now, let’s get into the specific right-of-way laws that our Albuquerque personal injury lawyers navigate daily.
When Are You Required to Yield at an Intersection?
When Do You Need to Yield at an Intersection?
Section 66-7-328 NMSA 1978
This particular New Mexico statute lays the general foundation for yielding the right-of-way. Think of it as a universal guideline: give way to pedestrians, emergency vehicles, and those cars that are already in the intersection. If two vehicles enter the intersection at about the same time, the driver on the left shall yield to the driver on the right.
When Can You Turn Left at an Intersection?
Section 66-7-329 NMSA 1978
When you are making a left turn, you have a duty to yield to oncoming traffic unless you have a green arrow signal specifically granting you permission to continue with your left-hand turn. Time and time again, our personal injury lawyers in Albuquerque see too many car crashes due to someone’s failure to yield the right-of-way on a left turn. The key here is to be patient and to ensure the intersection is completely clear of oncoming traffic prior to moving your vehicle forward.
Can You Enter an Intersection if There is a Yield Sign?
Section 66-7-330 NMSA 1978
This New Mexico right-of-way statute is straightforward. Essentially, drivers have a duty to stop or yield according to any stop signs or yield signs at the intersection. However, when there are no signs indicating how or when to cross, every driver approaching the intersection must stop or yield the right-of-way to any person who is already in the intersection or close to entering the intersection. If you are unsure whether you should move forward, it is better to err on the side of caution and allow the vehicle on your right to move through the intersection first which is inline with Section 66-7-328 NMSA 1978 as discussed earlier in this article.
Are You Allowed to Turn Onto a Highway From Your Driveway?
Section 66-7-331 NMSA 1978
The final right-of-way law discussed in this article is common sense. When you are exiting a driveway or other private road to enter or cross a highway, you have a duty to yield to all oncoming traffic upon the highway. You want to be patient and make sure the roadway is completely clear and safe to enter before you move forward.
Do Pedestrians Have to Follow Traffic Laws?
Pedestrians must also abide by the same traffic control regulations as drivers. However, drivers have a higher duty of care to pedestrians for several reasons.
First, a driver is operating a fast and heavy piece of equipment that can cause severe damage or death to pedestrians. Second, the driver is seated in a higher position than a pedestrian and should be alert to his surroundings. Third, a driver can maneuver his vehicle out of harm more quickly than a pedestrian can move their body out of harm’s way. With that said, pedestrians who fail to abide by traffic regulations tend to have fault apportionment between them and the driver. This is known as contributory negligence. Being found contributorily negligent can negatively impact the compensation you receive in a personal injury case. As such, it is always best to consult with a skilled personal injury attorney in Albuquerque before you talk to an insurance adjuster.
We Can Empower Ourselves With Knowledge
Remember that understanding how the claim process works can empower you to make informed decisions. If you’ve been injured in a car accident due to distracted driving, call one of our attorneys to evaluate your case quickly.
An Experienced Attorney Can Help
Navigating New Mexico’s roads becomes much more manageable when you have a grasp of right-of-way laws and a dedicated personal injury attorney on your side. Think of these statutes as your roadmap to courteous and safe driving. Whether you’re turning left, merging onto a highway, or approaching an uncontrolled intersection, a bit of awareness and adherence to these rules make the roads safer for you and others.
If you ever find yourself in a situation where these rules come into play due to a car crash in Sandoval County, seeking advice from one of our personal injury attorneys in Sandoval County can provide the guidance you need. Remember, being aware of these traffic laws is not just about following the rules – it’s about creating a culture of safety and consideration on our roads. Safe travels!
Our Attorneys Work Closely with Clients
At Cassidy Baca, P.C., our experienced personal injury lawyers in Albuquerque, New Mexico represent clients who have been hurt in the following kinds of accidents:
- Accidents caused by drunk drivers, DWI accidents
- Accidents caused by drivers who text and drive
- Bicyclists hit by cars
- Car accident injuries
- Dog bits and animal attacks
- Motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Semi-Truck accidents
- Truck accidents
- Wrongful death
What to do After a Car Accident in Albuquerque
Your actions right now may play an important part in determining the results of your auto accident case. Take the following steps to help ensure your case is preserved.
Seek Medical Attention
Check yourself for injuries and get to safety as soon as possible.
Contact the Police
Call 9-11 right away to report your accident. Request an ambulance if you are in pain, or immediately follow-up with your doctor or an urgent care visit.
Gather Evidence and Contact Information
Take pictures, exchange information with the other driver, and cooperate with any police investigation.
Document Your Injuries
Scheduling a visit with a medical doctor right away is important.
Take a Break
Don’t post on social media, and don’t speak with an adjuster without your attorney present.
Contact a Car Accident Attorney
The experienced accident attorneys at Cassidy Baca, P.C. are ready to help you understand all of your legal options after an injury.
Speak with an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer Right Away
Contact Our Qualified Personal Injury Attorneys in Albuquerque, New Mexico at Cassidy Baca, P.C. Today for a Consultation at No Charge
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Speak with an Experienced Severe Injury Lawyer in Albuquerque Right Away.
If you have been severely injured in an auto accident, car crash, or truck collision in Sandoval County, contact our Albuquerque Injury attorneys for a free case evaluation today.