If you’re injured in an accident and want to understand your legal rights, the guidance of an experienced North Valley personal injury attorney is essential. Whether it’s physical pain or financial stress derived from medical bills and lost wages, you don’t have to face all these challenges on your own.
Our team can handle every aspect of pursuing justice for what happened to you in North Valley, New Mexico. If you’re dealing with an injury in North Valley, NM, contact Curiel & Runion Personal Injury Lawyers at (505) 785-7770 to schedule a free consultation with a North Valley personal injury lawyer.
How Curiel & Runion Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help if You’re in an Accident
In the immediate aftermath of an accident in North Valley, NM, figuring out what steps to take can be overwhelming and confusing. Fortunately, you’re not alone; our team of personal injury attorneys is here for you and will provide compassionate support.
Here’s how we can help:
- Listen to your account of what happened leading up to and after the accident
- Thoroughly investigate all aspects related to your case
- Communicate with possible witnesses who can further support the claims in your case
- Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf
- Consult with expert witnesses to strengthen your claim
- File a lawsuit and represent you at trial if necessary
If you’re been injured in North Valley, New Mexico, we’re here to help. Contact Curiel & Runion Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a North Valley personal injury lawyer.
How to Get to Curiel & Runion Personal Injury Lawyers From North Valley, NM
Driving Directions
Public Transport Directions
How Common Are Personal Injury Accidents in North Valley, New Mexico?
Personal injury accidents in New Mexico are far more common than anyone would prefer.
Considering the following statistics:
- Falls are the leading cause of accidental injury death among adults 65 years and older in the United States and in New Mexico.
- In 2022, there were 467 fatalities from car accidents in New Mexico.
- Alcohol was a factor in 23% of these deaths, totaling 106 fatalities.
- There were 159 instances of medical malpractice reported in New Mexico in 2022.
- Private industry employers reported 12,400 nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses in New Mexico during 2022.
These statistics highlight the prevalence of personal injury accidents in New Mexico, underlining why it’s so important to understand our legal rights following such unfortunate events.
What Is My Personal Injury Accident Case Worth?
When it comes to estimating the value of a personal injury case, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Each situation is unique and must be evaluated based on its particular circumstances. Here are a few significant factors that are looked at to determine how much your case is worth:
Severity of Injuries
The extent and intensity of your injuries will play a large role in determining what compensation you’re entitled to recover. For example, serious or catastrophic injuries that require extensive medical treatment, result in loss of income, and lead to long-term pain and suffering will make a case worth more.
Insurance policies
The amounts of available insurance can also play a crucial role in determining how much your personal injury accident case is worth. If an at-fault party’s policy covers all your losses, you’re more likely to receive full compensation.
Strength of Evidence
Solid, convincing evidence showing exactly how the accident happened, who is at fault, and the extent of your injuries can significantly increase the value of a personal injury case. Clear supporting documentation, like photographs from an accident scene and medical bills, can positively affect the value of your claim.
Liability
A personal injury case’s value may depend on who was at fault. If you, as the injured party, are partially at fault, this can lessen how much compensation you are entitled to.
Determining the value of a personal injury accident case is complex and involves careful examination of your circumstances.
What Kind of Damages Are Available to Accident Victims?
Following an accident, your financial future may feel uncertain as medical bills continue to mount. Knowing what types of damages are available to you can be a source of relief during this stressful time.
Economic Damages
Economic damages include quantifiable losses directly resulting from the incident, such as medical bills, lost wages due to inability to work or job loss, and property damage.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages refer to losses that are more subjective in nature and not as easily assigned a monetary amount. Examples include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Punitive Damages
Unlike economic and non-economic damages which are awarded to compensate the victim, punitive damages aim to punish particularly egregious behavior of at-fault parties. They are also intended to serve as a deterrent for future behavior.
Understanding the different types of damages in a personal injury case is critical to ensuring you receive all the compensation you are entitled to.
Can I Recover Compensation if I’m Being Blamed for an Accident in New Mexico?
New Mexico operates under pure comparative negligence when it comes to personal injury and accident claims. This means that you can still recover compensation if you’re partially at fault for an accident. The total amount of damages you are awarded will be reduced by the percentage representing your part in causing or contributing to the accident. For example, if it is determined that your damages are $100,000 but you were 20% responsible, you would receive 80%, or $80,000.
We’ll Fight to Recover Compensation for All of Your Injuries
There are countless ways individuals can be injured in personal injury accidents, including the following:
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Whiplash and other neck injuries
- Back and spinal cord injuries, including herniated disks or nerve damage
- Burns
- Cuts, scrapes, bruises
- Psychological trauma like emotional distress or post-traumatic stress disorder
Being aware of these common injuries allows us to take necessary precautions and emphasize safety.
What Causes Most Personal Injury Accidents in North Valley, New Mexico?
Accidents happen every day and, sadly, many result in personal injuries. While nobody expects to be hurt in an accident, knowing the most common types can lead to more caution, hopefully helping you avoid these incidents:
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Car accidents are among the most prevalent causes of personal injury claims; they’re frequently a result of distracted driving, speeding, or driving under the influence.
Slip and Falls
Property owners have a responsibility to ensure their premises are free of hazards that could cause visitor harm. Slips and falls often occur when this duty is neglected from things like icy sidewalks or wet floors left unattended.
Workplace Accidents
Occupations, particularly those in labor-intensive industries such as construction and manufacturing, can sometimes lead to personal injury accidents. This often occurs due to occupational hazards like heavy machinery malfunctions or falling from heights.
Dog Bites
Dog bite injuries could range from minor cuts to far more serious attacks, leading to surgeries, permanent scarring, and psychological trauma.
Knowing the most common types of personal injury accidents can help you exercise extra caution in potentially hazardous situations.
How Do I Prove Negligence After a Personal Injury Accident in New Mexico?
Proving negligence after a personal injury accident in New Mexico involves demonstrating four key elements:
Duty of Care
Establish that the defendant had an obligation to act in a way that protects others from unnecessary risk. For example, all drivers have a duty to drive safely to prevent harm to other road users.
Breach of Duty
Next, it must be shown that this duty has been breached. For instance, proving someone was speeding or intoxicated while driving shows they did not meet their duty of care.
Causation
You will need to show causation to place liability on the defendant – that the accident directly resulted from their actions or failure to act.
Damages
Finally, you must prove that you experienced harm or losses as a result of the incident. This could include medical bills, lost wages, or property damage, for example.
Understanding and being able to prove these elements is crucial in securing the compensation you deserve after experiencing such an unfortunate accident.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After an Accident in New Mexico?
After experiencing an accident in New Mexico, the law typically gives you three years from the date of your injury to pursue legal action.
In some cases, exceptions exist – some circumstances can shorten this deadline while others may extend it. For this reason, it’s important to speak with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible so you don’t miss out on your chance to obtain the compensation you’re entitled to.
Contact Our North Valley Personal Injury Lawyer for a Free Consultation
Personal injury cases tend to be complex and require a deep understanding of negligence laws, insurance policies, and other legal nuances. Don’t try to navigate this stressful situation on your own after an accident in North Valley, NM. If you need help after an accident, contact Curiel & Runion Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a North Valley personal injury lawyer.
Find out more about our office location. We serve in all cities near Albuquerque, including:
- South Valley
- North Valley
- Santa Fe
- Rio Rancho
- Bernalillo