Carrizozo, NM (April 5, 2023) — The New Mexico State Police are investigating an accident that occurred Monday morning on U.S. Highway 54 leaving one person dead. The crash happened at around 9:00 AM at milepost 130, just north of Carrizozo.
According to the NMSP, 25-year-old Jay Drake Murrey of Nottingham, New Hampshire, was traveling south on the highway in his 2004 GMC Envoy. For reasons still unknown, Murrey’s vehicle crossed the centerline of the highway and crashed head-on into a 2023 Kenworth semi-truck heading northbound. Murrey was pronounced dead on the scene by medical investigators.
The driver of the semi-truck, an unidentified 50-year-old male, suffered injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital. His current condition is unknown. So far, authorities don’t believe alcohol was a factor in the crash, and seatbelts were properly used. The exact cause of the accident is still under investigation.
Source: New Mexico Department of Public Safety
Our Hearts Go Out to Those Affected by This Fatal Crash on U.S. 54
At Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C., our attorneys offer their condolences to those affected by this accident. We hope that the investigation by the New Mexico State Police is able to identify the cause of the crash. If negligence was a factor, we hope that the victims are able to find some sort of justice. It is especially difficult for families and friends of the victims if it is found that the accident was preventable.
Your Rights As a Victim or a Family Member
Whether you are a victim of an accident or are a family member of someone killed in a crash, it’s important to know that you have legal options. For those who suffer an injury through no fault of their own, it is often possible to file a personal injury claim for damages. This includes a variety of losses like:
- Medical treatment costs,
- Reduced earning capacity,
- Lost wages during recovery,
- Lower quality of life,
- Permanent disability,
- Disfigurement, and
- Pain and suffering.
In contrast, family members who lose a loved one in an accident have a chance to file a wrongful death claim. While no amount of money can replace the love and support of a family member, this type of claim seeks to help families quantify their losses as a result of losing a loved one, including things like funeral costs, loss of financial support, loss of love and guidance, and mental anguish.
Our New Mexico Personal Injury Attorneys Are Here to Help
Whether you were injured or had a family member killed in this fatal crash on U.S. 54 or in one similar, we want you to know that you’re not alone. At Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C., our car accident attorneys understand what is at stake for victims and their families. That’s why we put our knowledge and experience to work for you starting on day one. With recognitions from The National Advocates, Super Lawyers, and other industry organizations, we always fight for our clients and aren’t afraid to go to trial. To schedule a free case review, give our firm a call at 575-222-1000.
James Tawney
James Tawney is a native of the Southwest dedicated to serving his community. He was born and raised in Arizona, where he attended Northern Arizona University and graduated summa cum laude.
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