Roswell sits on US-285 and US-380, two of the highest-traffic highways in southeastern New Mexico. The combination of heavy Permian Basin truck traffic, rural high-speed segments, and tourist drivers passing through produces a steady caseload of serious car crashes — many involving commercial vehicles and out-of-state drivers.
The Longhorn Law Firm handles car accident claims throughout Roswell and Chaves County. See our full overview of car accident cases →
Roswell crashes by the numbers.
Major Roadways
US-285 (the heavy oil-and-gas truck corridor running north-south), US-380, US-70, and NM-2.
Local Courts
the Fifth Judicial District Court (400 N. Virginia Ave.) and the U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico.
Trauma Care
Eastern New Mexico Medical Center (the nearest Level I trauma center is UNM Hospital in Albuquerque, ~200 miles).
Why It Matters Here
Roswell sits on US-285, which has become one of the most dangerous highways in New Mexico due to oil-and-gas industry truck traffic running between the Permian Basin and points north. Fatigue, frac-sand hauls, and heavy oilfield equipment produce frequent serious crashes.
New Mexico applies pure comparative fault — you can recover even at 99% fault, with damages reduced by your share. The state also has a three-year statute of limitations (vs. Texas's two), allows uninsured motorist (UM) "stacking" in many situations, and applies no general damages cap on standard injury claims. See our TX vs NM guide →
Common Roswell car accident injuries.
- Whiplash and cervical injuries — often dismissed by insurers but capable of becoming chronic
- Herniated discs and back injuries — frequently requiring injections or surgery
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI), including delayed-symptom concussions
- Fractures — wrists, ribs, ankles, pelvis
- Internal injuries from seat belt and airbag impact
- Post-traumatic stress and anxiety — real and compensable
The evidence that builds your case.
- The crash report filed by Roswell PD, state troopers, or the responding agency
- 911 audio and dispatch records
- Photographs of vehicles, scene, lane positions, and injuries
- Surveillance footage from nearby businesses — frequently overwritten within 7-30 days
- Cell phone records if distracted driving is suspected
- Event data recorder ("black box") showing pre-impact speed and braking
- Witness statements taken while memories are fresh
- Your contemporaneous medical records
Insurance companies routinely call victims within hours, sounding friendly, asking for a "quick recorded statement," and floating a fast lowball offer before the victim has seen a doctor. Don't give a recorded statement. Don't accept an offer. Read our full guide on insurance company tactics before you say anything.
What your case could be worth.
It depends on the injuries, the liability, the available insurance, and the lost income. Damages can include past and future medical expenses, lost wages and earning capacity, property damage, pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, and — in drunk-driving or grossly negligent cases — punitive damages. We never quote a specific figure before reviewing a case, but we'll give an honest range during your free consultation.
NM deadlines.
Three years from the date of injury for most personal injury claims (NMSA §37-1-8). Cases against government entities require notice within 90 days under the New Mexico Tort Claims Act — a deadline many victims miss. Get a free case review →
What we do differently.
Founder Shawn Barnett has personally been hit head-on by a drunk driver and, separately, struck on the side of his truck by an 18-wheeler. He understands recovery — surgery, rehab, the mental toll — in a way most attorneys cannot. We're licensed in Texas and New Mexico, we work in English and Spanish, and we don't charge anything unless we win.