Curry County, NM (April 4, 2023) — According to the New Mexico Department of Transportation, a worker struck by a vehicle last Thursday in Curry County tragically lost their life. The accident occurred at around 11:00 AM on State Road 209 around mile marker six, which is just north of Clovis.
The victim, 58-year-old Gerald R. Woodard, was providing traffic control while the Curry County Sheriff’s Department investigated a crash between a semi-truck and a passenger vehicle. Woodard, along with other NMDOT workers, created an alternate traffic pattern using cones, flags, and state trucks with flashing red and blue lights.
The New Mexico State Police stated that for reasons still unknown, a 69-year-old man driving a 2014 Dodge Ram failed to follow the new traffic pattern set by NMDOT workers and crashed into the back of a 2020 NMDOT Ford pickup truck. Woodard was at the truck bed at the time of the collision. Despite efforts by emergency responders, he was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Dodge Ram was also injured and airlifted to a Lubbock hospital in critical condition, but his current condition is unknown.
The cause of the accident is still under investigation. So far, alcohol is not believed to be a factor in the crash, but it is believed that the driver of the Dodge Ram was not wearing a seatbelt.
Source: NMDOT
Our Condolences to the Those Affected by This Crash
At Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C., our attorneys would like to offer their condolences to the friends and family of the victim. It is tragic that an accident like this happened even when there are supposed to be systems in place to prevent it. We hope that authorities are able to conduct a thorough investigation and find out the cause of this crash for the sake of the victim’s family.
The Rights of the Family of a Worker Struck by a Vehicle
If you or a family member gets hit by a car, it’s important to know that you have legal options. If a loved one loses their life as a result of someone else’s negligence, your family may pursue a wrongful death claim. While no amount of money can ever replace someone’s love, comfort, and humanity, it is one step that families can take toward seeking justice for their tremendous loss. With a wrongful death claim, families can seek damages such as funeral and burial costs, loss of financial support, mental anguish, loss of consortium, and more.
Lost a Loved One in a Fatal Accident? We’re Here for You
If you are related to this worker struck by a vehicle in Curry County or have a family member who died on the job due to negligence in New Mexico, we want to help. At Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C., our attorneys put their decades of combined personal injury experience to work for you from day one. To schedule a free, confidential consultation, please call us at 575-222-1000.
Alejandro Acosta
Mr. Acosta is a lifelong resident of El Paso. He graduated from Cathedral High School in 2000 and graduated from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio in 2004. Mr. Acosta went on to attend Sandra Day O’ Connor College of Law (Arizona State Law School). He graduated in 2008, receiving his J.D. and his Indian Legal Certificate for his work in Indian Law and dealings with various tribal nations throughout Arizona. Alejandro has been licensed to practice law in Texas since 2008 and has been licensed in the State of New Mexico since 2011.
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