One woman is dead and two other people are in the hospital after an alleged drunk driver hit their vehicle near Vado. The New Mexico State Police (NMSP) stated Ruben Rojas was driving east on Interstate 10 when he crashed into Michelle Cuaron’s truck.
Cuaron was killed and her two passengers were injured. The truck was parked on the side of the road, waiting for a tow truck.
Rojas admitted to drinking before the accident
When police officers found Rojas, they said his speech was slurred, he smelled of alcohol and his eyes were bloodshot. The officers asked him what happened, and he allegedly stated he did not remember because he thought he fell asleep. He also allegedly stated that he drank a few beers before the accident occurred. He reportedly performed poorly on field sobriety tests.
It was his second arrest for DWI
Rojas was charged with homicide by vehicle, two counts of great bodily harm by vehicle, aggravated DWI, open container and an expired driver’s license. Court records show it is his second arrest for aggravated DWI and open container.
These crimes are taken seriously in New Mexico. A person convicted of vehicular homicide while intoxicated faces up to 15 years in jail and fines up to $12,500. Those with a prior DWI within the last ten years face up to 19 years in prison. Additional charges mean additional potential penalties.
Injured motorists can sue reckless drivers
Those injured or their families can file personal injury lawsuits against reckless drivers. A personal injury suit can provide compensation to pay medical bills and other costs associated with the accident. It also gives the aggrieved party a way to pursue justice against a careless driver.
