Albuquerque Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Albuquerque Motorcycle Accident Attorney

New Mexico’s picturesque roadways offer a great backdrop for weekend rides and daily commutes by motorcyclists. However, all it takes is one moment of negligence on the part of a nearby driver to cause a collision that leaves riders with serious injuries and uncertainty about the future. With help from an Albuquerque motorcycle accident lawyer, you can take direct action that holds the negligent driver accountable for the harm they caused.

Compassionate and Competent Representation for Injured Motorcyclists in Albuquerque

At Egolf + Ferlic + Martinez, LLC, we understand how devastating a personal injury can be, especially one that involves the types of catastrophic injuries that can result from a motorcycle accident. That’s why we strive to provide our clients with individualized legal representation that aggressively pursues accountability and compensation from the at-fault party.

Our attorneys are routinely recognized by prominent peer-reviewed groups like Super Lawyers for the exceptional services they provide clients. Setting our firm apart is our focus on representing victims who have suffered harm due to negligence or misconduct by another party. When you work with our esteemed team of injury lawyers, you gain support from a trusted law firm that cares about your circumstances following a personal injury accident.

Understanding Motorcycle Accidents in Albuquerque

Motorcycle accidents often cause devastating injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and severe road rash. Due to the fact that riders have little protection, even low-speed collisions can result in life-altering harm. These injuries frequently require emergency care and ongoing medical support.

In 2023, there were 979 crashes involving motorcycles and  5 motorcycle crash fatalities across New Mexico. Bernalillo County had 374 reported motorcyclists involved in accidents in 2023, including 14 fatalities. Albuquerque accounts for 37–40% of all motorcycle crashes in the state.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Collisions

There are many causes of motorcycle collisions, and most involve some level of negligence or misconduct on the part of a car or truck driver. Some of the most common reasons motorcyclists are injured on Albuquerque’s roads are:

• Driving under the influence. DUIs are a major problem in the United States. When drivers operate their vehicles under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they can place nearby motorcyclists at risk. Intoxicated drivers do not typically have the necessary reaction time to avoid a collision.
• Driver fatigue. When drivers are not fully alert, they can cause collisions that leave motorcyclists facing serious injuries. Lack of sleep or rest can leave a driver impaired and more likely to cause a collision.
• Speeding. Excessive speed can cause serious collisions. When drivers fail to follow posted speed limits, they put themselves and others—including nearby motorcyclists—at risk.
• Road conditions. Hitting a deep pothole, uneven pavement, or loose gravel can throw a rider off balance and lead to serious injury. If the condition of the road contributed to your accident, you may have grounds to file a claim against the government agency responsible for maintaining it.
• Distracted driving. This is a leading cause of motorcycle collisions. When drivers take their eyes off the road, even for a moment, they may fail to see a motorcyclist. This can lead to dangerous, often deadly crashes that could have been entirely preventable.

Establishing Fault Following a Motorcycle Accident

Following a collision, you’ll need to establish who is at fault for causing the crash. Police reports play a critical role in helping injured parties prove that the other driver caused the collision. Importantly, any evidence that shows that the other driver violated a state traffic law can lay the foundation for a successful claim.

Insurance carrier investigations may also come to their own determinations about who is at fault for causing a crash. Common forms of evidence for proving fault can include photos, videos, and eyewitness statements. Following a complex crash, the other party may try to falsely accuse you of causing or seriously contributing to the accident, which is why having legal representation is so important.

New Mexico follows a pure comparative negligence system. This means that multiple parties may share fault. If you are found to be at fault, your compensation is reduced by that percentage. However, even if comparative fault is established, you are still entitled to your fair share of compensation.

Compensation You May Be Owed

A motorcycle collision can leave you facing many challenges; including injury, lost wages, and mental and emotional distress. You have the right to file a claim against the at-fault party with the help of  an accident attorney.

Medical bills often make up the majority of a settlement, and you may be eligible to obtain compensation for other damages as well. If your injury impacted your ability to work, your settlement can compensate you for your lost wages. Those payments can ease the financial burden you are facing as you recover and either prepare to return to work or consider your options. Serious injuries can leave motorcyclists temporarily or permanently disabled.

Traumatic injuries can also leave motorcyclists contending with mental and emotional distress. These are known as non-economic damages. While complex formulas are required to calculate the worth of pain and suffering, non-economic damages can add considerably to the size of your settlement.

If a motorcyclist loses their life in an accident caused by a negligent individual, a wrongful death claim could provide compensation for eligible beneficiaries.

Why You Should Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

The decision to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer can be a critical first step for those seeking compensation through a personal injury claim. An accident attorney brings years of experience relying on the state’s motorcycle accident laws, both traffic and civil, to hold negligent drivers accountable for the harm they caused.

An attorney can assess the extent of your damages before seeking compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial harm you suffered. Then, they can take direct legal action that can include litigation in civil court. With an attorney by your side, you’ll benefit from an ally who understands the justice system and how to help clients secure compensation they are due.

FAQs

How Much Compensation Can You Recover for a Motorcycle Accident?

The specific compensation you may recover for a motorcycle accident depends on case-specific details like the severity of your injuries, medical costs, lost income you incurred, and how the accident affected your life. Cases involving long-term harm may result in higher damages. Your legal team can evaluate the impact of your injury and pursue the full compensation you are entitled to.

Should I Get a Lawyer for a Motorcycle Accident?

Yes, you should get a lawyer. Having an attorney plays a critical role when it comes to protecting your rights and ensuring that your claim is taken seriously by the courts. A lawyer can help you gather strong evidence to support your case. Motorcycle collisions often cause serious harm, but the courts will not automatically grant you a favorable judgment if you do not come prepared.

How Long Does a Motorcycle Accident Settlement Take?

The time it takes to finalize a settlement depends on the circumstances of the crash, how complex the facts of the case are, and how cooperative the other party is. Some cases settle in a few months, while others may take longer. If your case goes to trial, you could benefit from a higher settlement, but setting a court date can extend your timeline.

Can You Hold Someone Accountable for Causing Bodily Harm After a Motorcycle Accident?

Yes. You can hold someone accountable for causing bodily injury if the person’s reckless or negligent actions caused the crash. With help from an attorney, they may be held liable for the physical and emotional harm they caused. Legal action in civil court can ensure that you do not suffer financial harm due to someone else’s actions.

What Should You Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Albuquerque?

Seek medical attention, and then contact an attorney to begin protecting your rights. Early legal action helps preserve the evidence you need for success in court and to establish liability. The right law firm can provide compassion and competence when advocating for your rights throughout the claims process.

Schedule Your Albuquerque Motorcycle Accident Consultation Today

Motorcycle accidents often result in life-altering injuries that affect every part of your life. When you have to put life on hold to focus on physical recovery, you can rely on a motorcycle accident attorney to hold the at-fault party accountable for the harm you suffered. Legal representation can make a considerable difference in the outcome of your injury claim.

With decades of courtroom experience and multiple attorneys recognized by Super Lawyers and Rising Stars, Egolf + Ferlic + Martinez, LLC brings both compassion and competence to every motorcycle accident case we handle. Let us fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact our office today to schedule your no-cost consultation so we can learn about your case and recommend an effective path forward.