Albuquerque Car Accident Lawyer

Albuquerque Car Accident Attorney

A car accident is sudden and can have a profound impact. No matter how serious or mild the accident may be, it can result in financial strain, injury, and emotional stress. If you’ve been injured in a car crash due to another person’s negligent actions, you may be entitled to compensation, and an Albuquerque car accident lawyer can help you.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Motor vehicle accidents can occur for numerous reasons, but in many cases, they are the result of human error. In Albuquerque, some causes are more common than others. I-25, I-40, and Central Avenue are some of the most heavily trafficked roads in the city and have a high number of daily accidents. Injured victims need to understand the causes of the crash to establish liability and file legal claims. Some common causes of car accidents include:

• Distracted driving. Distracted driving involves anything that takes the driver’s eyes and/or attention off the road. This can include texting, eating, reaching in the back seat, or adjusting a GPS system. This is one of the leading causes of car crashes.
• Speeding. Speeding and driving erratically endangers everyone on the road. Speed limits are made to ensure that people have enough time to react. Driving above the speed limit means less time to react, and higher speeds mean more damage and severe injuries during a crash.
• Driving while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. Drunk and drug-impaired driving has been a problem in Albuquerque for a long time. There have been multiple campaigns to make the public more aware of the issue, but driving under the influence is still one of the leading causes of serious injury and fatal crashes in the city.
• Poor road conditions and inclement weather. Sandstorms, rain, snow, and even poorly maintained roads all cause loss-of-control accidents. These causes require drivers to maintain additional caution because they are unrelated to driver actions.

Regardless of the cause, if the negligence of another driver caused your accident, you may be entitled to compensation. An experienced Albuquerque car accident attorney can help you determine fault and pursue the full value of your claim.

Types of Car Accidents

Every car accident is different. Each type brings its own unique circumstances and conditions. Some are more serious than others, and some are more avoidable than others. Also, some have shared liability, no liability, or sole liability with one party. Some of the most common types of car accidents include:

• Rear-end collisions. These are among the most common types of collisions. Distracted driving and tailgating usually cause these accidents. Even low-speed rear-ends can cause painful whiplash and soft tissue damage. At high speeds, the results can be catastrophic.
• Head-on collisions. Head-on collisions involve two vehicles colliding into one another at opposing directions. Because of the opposing forces, the damage that occurs often results in catastrophic injuries and lifelong disabilities.
• Side-impact crashes. T-bone crashes often occur at intersections when a driver doesn’t yield or runs a red light. They can be particularly dangerous since a car’s sides provide less protection than the front or back.
• Rollovers. Larger vehicles, such as SUVs and trucks, have a higher risk of rollover accidents, especially if they turn corners quickly and sharply. In these accidents, victims risk being trapped in the car.
• Pileups. When more than two vehicles are involved in a crash, it can be difficult to determine who is at fault. This can complicate the legal process and car accident claim, but having an attorney can help in the legal battle.

In some cases, an accident happens, and the other party flees the scene. This is referred to as a hit-and-run. Unfortunately, this leaves the victim with no party to hold accountable. An attorney can help you explore your options.

Additionally, it’s not uncommon for a motorist to not have sufficient insurance. You may be able to rely on your own insurance, but if not, we can also look at other options, such as a legal claim.

Common Injuries in Car Accidents

Injuries from car accidents can range from minor cuts and bruises to life-threatening injuries such as traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury. Some of these injuries can worsen over time, especially without proper medical care. Some of the most common types of injuries sustained in car accidents include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Even a mild brain injury, like a concussion, can yield serious outcomes. TBIs can cause memory loss and cognitive impairments, among other things. They also often require long-term care.
• Whiplash. Whiplash is caused by a forceful, rapid back-and-forth movement of the head. It stretches and injures muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Whiplash is common during rear-end car accidents. Pain, stiffness, and loss of range of motion are often experienced.
• Spinal cord injuries. Spinal cord injuries are dangerous because they can lead to paralysis, which is a loss of muscle function in a part or throughout the entire body.
• Internal injuries. Internal organs, including the lungs, liver, or spleen, may experience damage or internal bleeding when exposed to blunt-force trauma. These injuries may not be immediately visible, which is why it’s important to seek medical attention after any crash.
• Broken bones. A person may break their arm, leg, ribs, or other bones if hit at high impact. While some fractures may heal on their own over time, other injuries require surgery and other medical care.
• Emotional injuries. Some injuries go beyond the physical. Common emotional and psychological injuries include PTSD, depression, fear, and anxiety. Some individuals experience difficulty sleeping after the accident. While these do not require a typical hospital visit, they are just as real as physical injuries.

Even if you do not notice symptoms right away, it’s important to seek medical care, as some symptoms and effects may not show up until later. You also want to seek medical attention if you plan to file a claim, so you have an accurate representation of your medical needs. Delaying assistance may give the impression that your needs are not as serious as you claim them to be.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Albuquerque

Immediately following a crash, you may feel confused and overwhelmed. However, the steps you take in the moments and days following the accident can have a drastic effect on your recovery and your ability to recover damages.

First, you want to make sure you seek medical attention right away. Contact emergency medical services if you, anyone in your car, or anyone in the other vehicle has any immediate and serious injuries. Do not move anyone unless it is vital to do so for their safety, such as being thrown into the middle of the road.

Call 911 to report the accident. They can file a police report, and this official notice will be very helpful if you want to file a claim. If possible, move to a safe side of the road. This ensures your safety and the safety of others in avoiding further accidents. If you can, you also want to turn your hazard lights on, especially if the accident happens at night.

Next Steps

Gather all the evidence you can at the scene. This includes taking photos and videos of your injuries, damage to the car, and any contributing factors, such as road signage and inclement weather conditions. Exchange information with the other driver, including insurance information, name, and driver’s license number. If there are any witnesses willing to make a statement, gather their contact information.

Be sure to get evaluated by a doctor, especially if you did not receive emergency medical attention at the scene. File an official police report. A formal report from the Albuquerque Police Department or Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office typically provides key evidence in your case. Notify your insurance company and hire a car accident lawyer.

Relevant Car Accident Statistics

When you are recovering from a car accident, or if you are considering taking legal action, it is helpful to have a sense of how common these types of crashes are and how severe they may be. These statistics on car accident frequency can provide you with a better understanding of the problem, as well as when to seek legal advocacy. The Department of Transportation gathered these statistics in 2022 in New Mexico:

• 31% of crashes resulted in an injury.
• In 18% of crashes, driver inattention was a contributing factor.
• 40,884 crashes were reported on public roads that year in the state.
• 466 people were killed.
• 18,228 people were injured.

These numbers are more than just statistics. They are the victims who were injured or killed as a result of the negligence of others. The occurrence of serious injuries and fatalities demonstrates why crash victims should get medical care quickly while also looking for legal representation immediately. These numbers further illustrate the need for an Albuquerque car accident lawyer who can work to protect the rights of victims and make negligent parties pay.

New Mexico Car Accident Laws

If you’ve been injured in a crash in Albuquerque, knowing your legal rights begins with understanding the laws that apply to car accidents in New Mexico. The state’s car accident laws can impact not only how much compensation you can recover, but whether you can file a claim at all.

The statute of limitations in New Mexico for filing a personal injury claim is three years from the date of the accident. The three-year deadline is strict, and if you wait longer than that to file a claim, the court dismisses your case, even if you have a good chance of winning. Filing a claim against a government agency requires submission of a Notice of Tort Claim within 90 days according to the New Mexico Tort Claims Act.

Comparative Fault

New Mexico is a pure comparative fault state. The fact that you share responsibility for an accident does not exclude you from getting compensation for your injuries. However, your total award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. Even if you bear 30% responsibility for a crash that resulted in $100,000 in damages, you are entitled to recover $70,000 in compensation.

According to state law, drivers must stop, provide their information, and render reasonable aid after an accident in which someone was injured or killed. In Albuquerque, you most likely need to report an accident to the Albuquerque Police Department or Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office, depending on the jurisdiction. Calling 911 can connect you with the appropriate law enforcement agency to report the accident.

Additionally, New Mexico has minimum insurance requirements for every driver. However, many serious accidents exceed these minimum limits, which is why legal help is often needed.

Compensation You May Receive After a Car Accident

Life after a serious crash can be consumed with medical bills, lost work, and lives changed forever. Your daily routines may be altered or never seem the same again. A personal injury claim helps you seek the compensation you deserve, and an Albuquerque car accident lawyer can guide you through the process to make sure you are fairly compensated for your losses now and in the future. You may be entitled to recover medical expenses. This can include the following:

• Hospital stays
• Doctor bills
• Rehabilitation
• Prescription medication
• Long-term care
• Physical therapy
• Medical devices

You may also be entitled to the following:

• Lost income. If your injuries have caused you to miss work, you can recover lost income. You may also be able to claim compensation for loss of earning capacity if your ability to earn a living has been permanently diminished.
• Damage to your vehicle. This is a standard part of most car accident claims and includes the costs of repair or replacement, as well as damage to any personal property that was in the vehicle.
• Pain and suffering. The compensation covers your physical pain and emotional suffering, along with anxiety and trauma, while addressing any effects on your quality of life. In the most serious cases, victims can be compensated for loss of enjoyment of life, including impact on hobbies and relationships with a spouse, family, and friends.

Insurance companies often propose lowball settlements that don’t cover your full recovery costs. An attorney can assess your claim and advocate for you to get full, fair compensation, letting you focus on healing, not bills.

How Egolf + Ferlic + Martinez, LLC Can Help

We understand how difficult this time can be for you and your family, which is why we fight tirelessly for our clients. At Egolf + Ferlic + Martinez, LLC, we have a passion for helping people, and we are not afraid to go to trial and take your case before a judge and jury if need be.

We offer a rare combination of professionalism with a large firm and personal attention with a small firm. We have several decades of litigation experience. Our team conducts detailed crash investigations and respects medical experience when required, while communicating with insurance companies to fight for your rightful compensation through determined legal action.

We understand the judges, juries, and court systems in Albuquerque. We know that sometimes advocacy is exactly what people need to turn their lives around.

FAQs

Is It Worth Getting an Attorney for a Car Accident?

Yes, it is worth getting an attorney for a car accident, especially if you suffered serious injuries or significant property damage. It is not uncommon for insurance companies to offer low settlements that do not cover all your financial needs. An attorney can advocate on your behalf to receive all the compensation you deserve.

How Hard Is It to Win a Car Accident Claim?

The level of complexity to win a car accident claim depends on the specifics of your case. Proof of fault and damages can be difficult. When liability is in dispute or when your injuries are serious, an extensive investigation may be necessary to build your case. The more prepared your attorney is, the better the chance of success. An experienced lawyer can present medical records and advocate for you with insurance companies.

Is New Mexico a No-Fault Accident State?

No, New Mexico is not a no-fault accident state. That means the driver who caused the crash, or their insurance, typically pays for the damages. If you’re injured in a crash, you can file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurer, or you can file a personal injury claim. You may be entitled to compensation even if you’re partially at fault.

How Much Are Most Car Accident Settlements?

Each car accident settlement varies widely based on the specific circumstances surrounding the incident. Factors that influence settlement amounts include the extent of your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, property damage amounts, and any physical pain or emotional and psychological suffering. Typically, if you suffer minor injuries, the payout will be lower than that of those who suffer major, life-threatening injuries.

Hire a Car Accident Lawyer Today

If you were injured in a car accident in Albuquerque, an attorney at Egolf + Ferlic + Martinez, LLC can help you fight for the justice you deserve. Contact us today to get started. We can handle the legal side of your situation so you can focus on healing.