Albuquerque airman stands trial for fatal crash

Angelica Baca was killed in Southeast Albuquerque when she was struck by a speeding driver who lost control of his car.

The man behind the wheel was Airman First Class Calvin Cooper, who now faces charges of involuntary manslaughter, negligent homicide, and reckless driving. He was the only airmen charged of the four involved in the crash.

The trial is set to be held at Kirtland Airforce Base, where Cooper was stationed. If convicted, he could be court martialed and even face prison time.

The Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office was initially handling the case before it ceded jurisdiction to Kirtland.

A serious car crash can change your life

The consequences of a serious car accident extend far beyond bodily injuries. Victims may also encounter job loss, medical debt, financial hardship, and mental trauma.

Getting back to normal is easier said than done; the burden on the victim and their family can be crushing.

Thankfully, those injured because of another party’s negligence have rights under the law. They’re able to seek redress for the hardships they’ve suffered by filing a lawsuit against those responsible.

A successful personal injury lawsuit could result in a significant financial award, equaling much needed relief for the victim and their family.

The first step is contacting an experienced car accident attorney. They understand the intricacies of the law and know what evidence is required to prove the case.

Victims shouldn’t hesitate, New Mexico imposes a three-year statute of limitations on all personal injury cases. Waiting too long to file could mean permanently forfeiting the right to legal recourse.