11 Injured in Tularosa Car Accident
A three-vehicle collision at U.S. 70 and Old Mescalero Road sent multiple people for medical care on Friday afternoon.
Eleven people were injured in a three-vehicle car crash at U.S. 70 and Old Mescalero Road in Tularosa on Nov. 6, according to the New Mexico State Police.
The Afternoon Crash at U.S. 70 in Tularosa
Officers were dispatched just after 4 p.m. to the intersection. Three vehicles were involved: a black Chevrolet car, a white van with 10 people inside and a silver SUV with three people inside. When officers arrived, medics were already treating several patients, and fire crews were freeing three people trapped inside the van.
State Police identified the driver of the Chevrolet as Oren J. Shanta, 24, who was taken to a hospital. At least six van passengers and two Chevrolet passengers also went to a hospital. Two more van passengers were flown to an El Paso hospital. No deaths have been reported, and the conditions of those hurt are unknown.
What the State Police Investigation Has Found
State Police said witnesses told officers the Chevrolet was going north at high speed on Old Mescalero Road and did not halt for the stop sign where that road meets U.S. 70. Officers said they smelled alcohol on Shanta while talking with him at the scene and saw other signs they believed showed he was impaired. Shanta was arrested after further investigation. State Police said he was charged with reckless driving and with great bodily harm by vehicle (DWI).
An arrest is not a conviction. The case moves through the courts, and the full process can take many months.
Candice Bond· Bond LegalFrom an earlier interview. General commentary, not about this crash, and not legal advice. The contributor may not be licensed in your state.Sources
- dps.nm.gov, “NMSP arrests driver on DWI-related charges following three-vehicle crash that left 11 injured”
- ktsm.com, “Man arrested in DWI crash that injured 11 in Tulsarose”
- krqe.com, “Man arrested in DWI crash that injured 11 in Tularosa”
- alamogordonews.com, “Tularosa man charged in alleged DWI crash that injured 11”
- kob.com, “New Mexico man charged with DWI after 3-car crash injures 11”
Affected by an accident like this?
Here is what people in New Mexico usually need, in the order it comes up.
Emergency care. Emergency rooms must check and stabilize you, even if you can't pay. The bill comes later.
Your vehicle. Tow yards usually charge for every day a towed vehicle sits there.
Crash report. The crash report is usually ready a few weeks after the crash, and you can still get it later.
Hospital bills. Most hospitals have a program that cuts bills for people with low income, and you can apply months after the first bill.
Insurance offer. You can turn down the insurer's first offer and ask for more.
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