Southern New Mexico has some of the best year-round riding in the country — the climb on US-70 over San Augustin Pass to Alamogordo, US-180 west through Deming to Silver City, NM-152 over Emory Pass, the routes around the Organ Mountains. It also has some of the most dangerous urban riding conditions on El Paseo, Lohman, and the I-10 / I-25 interchange. If you were hurt riding in or near Las Cruces, you need a lawyer who understands both the technical reality of motorcycle dynamics and the bias your case will face.
I’m Alex Flores, Senior Counsel at Singleton Schreiber. Former Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney in Albuquerque, 17 federal jury trials, current Judge Advocate with the New Mexico Air National Guard.
Call (505) 587-3473 — Free Case Review Request Consultation
Where Las Cruces Motorcycle Crashes Happen
- US-70 over San Augustin Pass. The route between Las Cruces and Alamogordo / Holloman AFB / White Sands. Beautiful but technical, with frequent speed-related crashes and dust storms.
- US-180 northwest to Silver City. A premier riding road with mountain switchbacks, gravel sweep, and limited cell coverage.
- NM-152 (Emory Pass). One of the most demanding paved riding routes in the state.
- El Paseo Road and Lohman Avenue. Urban Las Cruces motorcycle crashes overwhelmingly involve the “I didn’t see them” defense.
- I-10 / I-25 interchange. Lane-change crashes involving riders are common in heavy commercial-truck traffic.
The “I Didn’t See Them” Defense
Almost every Las Cruces motorcycle injury case I take involves the same defense: the at-fault driver claims they did not see the rider. It is rarely a true defense. Drivers have a legal duty to maintain a proper lookout, including for motorcycles. Scene reconstruction, sight-line analysis, and witness testimony all defeat the defense.
NM Law Overview
Three-year statute of limitations. Pure comparative fault. NM stacking on UM/UIM. Helmets are legally required only for riders under 18 in NM; the absence of a helmet does not bar adult recovery.
Why Alex Flores
NM native, federal-court trial lawyer. See my About page, New Mexico Motorcycle Accident Lawyer, and Las Cruces Personal Injury Lawyer hub.
FAQs: Las Cruces Motorcycle Crashes
What if I crashed on US-70 over San Augustin Pass?
If a driver caused the crash, that driver is liable. If road conditions or maintenance issues contributed, NMDOT, the U.S. Forest Service, or other agencies may be parties — and government claims trigger the 90-day notice requirement under the NM Tort Claims Act (or the 2-year FTCA administrative deadline for federal property).
What if the driver says they didn’t see me?
The most common defense, and rarely a true one. Drivers are required to maintain a proper lookout for motorcycles.
Can I recover if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?
Yes. NM only requires helmets for riders under 18.
What if the at-fault driver was from El Paso or Mexico?
Personal jurisdiction over the driver applies because the crash happened in NM. Cross-border insurance coverage requires careful analysis — get a lawyer involved early.
How much does a Las Cruces motorcycle accident lawyer cost?
Contingency fee — no fee unless I recover. Case costs are advanced by the firm and reimbursed from the recovery.
Free Case Review
Call (505) 587-3473 or use the contact page.