Traffic laws for Albuquerque pedestrians exist to protect our neighbors and our community. Generally, people on foot have the right of way when crossing a street at a crosswalk or intersection. Still, accidents happen, especially when drivers or pedestrians are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
As locals, we at NMAF know that New Mexico as a whole, and downtown Albuquerque especially, have many pedestrian accidents and a high number of yearly fatalities. If you or a family member were a pedestrian injured in an accident, we can help. Our pedestrian accident attorneys care about our community, and we will work tirelessly on your behalf to hopefully make the streets a safer place in our beloved city.
Traffic laws state that Albuquerque pedestrians must cross streets safely at crosswalks and intersections. When a pedestrian crosses the street anywhere else, it is called jaywalking. A police officer can cite a pedestrian (give them a ticket and a fine) if they are caught doing so.
Jaywalking is dangerous, common in downtown areas with heavy traffic, and is often a contributing factor in pedestrian-car accidents.
New Mexico is a comparative fault state. Jaywalking pedestrians may be considered partially at fault for an accident. Still, they may be able to collect significant funds from the auto owner’s insurance company, especially if the driver was speeding, driving recklessly, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
One way Albuquerque is trying to protect pedestrians is through the Hybrid Approach Warning system, which is called HAWK. These flashing lights warn drivers of oncoming pedestrian and cyclist traffic.
School zones have lower speed limits. Near elementary schools, the speed limits are 15 mph, and near high schools, drivers may only go up to 25 mph.
Pedestrians near schools must still cross the street in a crosswalk and wait for their turn at a traffic light. However, drivers should take extra care because child pedestrians in Albuquerque may not understand these laws.
Punitive damages are a punishment for careless drivers. A driver behaving badly in a school zone by speeding, driving outrageously, street racing, or driving without regard to the safety of others can cause serious injury to children in the community.
A judge may award punitive damages to an accident victim in a school zone. These funds are beyond the compensatory damages and are meant to punish the defendant and deter this behavior in the community.
At Duran & McDonald, we are proud to be local lawyers who fight for the local community. Like you, we are often astonished by the number of pedestrian accidents and fatalities in our city. We have an excellent understanding of traffic laws for Albuquerque pedestrians, and we will work hard to ensure you and your family get the compensation you deserve after any accident.
Contact us today for a free consultation. We look forward to meeting you and your family.
