If you’ve been involved in a car accident in South Valley, New Mexico, you’re likely dealing with a lot of stress and uncertainty. The aftermath of a crash in South Valley, New Mexico, can be overwhelming, from medical bills to car repairs. That’s where Curiel & Runion Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers comes in. As experienced South Valley car accident lawyers, we’re here to help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
If you were injured in a car accident, don’t hesitate to get the legal guidance and support you need during this challenging time. Contact our law office or call (602) 595-5559 to schedule a free consultation with a South Valley car accident attorney and learn more about your legal options.
How Curiel & Runion Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After an Accident in South Valley, NM
At Curiel & Runion Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers, we’ve served the South Valley, NM, community for over 20 years. Our team of dedicated South Valley personal injury attorneys has earned numerous accolades, including being named among the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers Association. We’ve recovered millions of dollars for our clients, helping them rebuild their lives after devastating accidents.
As your South Valley car accident attorneys, we can:
- Investigate your accident thoroughly to determine liability
- Gather and preserve crucial evidence to support your claim
- Consult with accident reconstruction experts if needed
- Calculate the actual value of your damages, including future costs
- Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf
- Represent you in court if a fair settlement can’t be reached
Don’t face this challenging time alone. Contact our South Valley, NM office today for a free consultation with a compassionate South Valley personal injury lawyer.
What Is My Car Accident Case Worth?
The value of your car accident case depends on several factors:
- The severity of your injuries
- Long-term impact on your life and ability to work
- Medical expenses, both current and future
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Liability and fault distribution
Every case is unique, and an experienced attorney can help you understand the potential value of your claim.
What Kind of Damages Are Available to Accident Victims?
In New Mexico, car accident victims may be eligible for economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages may include the following:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
- Rehabilitation costs
Non-economic damages may include the following:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded to punish particularly reckless or malicious behavior.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
We work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay any upfront costs or hourly fees. We only get paid if we win your case, typically taking a percentage of the final settlement or verdict. This arrangement allows anyone to access quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation.
Can I Recover Compensation if I’m Being Blamed for a Car Accident in New Mexico?
New Mexico follows a pure comparative negligence rule. This means you can still recover compensation even if you’re partially at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of your fault.
For example, if you’re awarded $100,000 but found to be 20% at fault, you’d receive $80,000. Unlike some states, New Mexico allows you to recover compensation even if you’re found to be more than 50% at fault. However, your recovery would be significantly reduced.
We’ll Fight to Recover Compensation for All of Your Car Accident Damages
Car accidents can result in a wide range of immediate and long-term damages.
Some common damages include:
- Medical bills (including future medical care)
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
- Rehabilitation costs
- Loss of enjoyment of life
We understand the full impact a car accident can have on your life. We’ll work tirelessly to ensure you receive fair compensation for all your damages, not just the obvious ones.
What Causes Most Car Accidents in South Valley, NM?
Understanding the common causes of car accidents in South Valley, NM is crucial for both prevention and legal purposes. While each accident is unique, certain factors contribute more frequently to crashes in our area. Let’s explore these causes in detail.
Distracted Driving
In our increasingly connected world, distracted driving has become a leading cause of accidents.
This includes:
- Texting or using a smartphone while driving
- Eating or drinking
- Adjusting the radio or GPS
- Talking to passengers
- Grooming
Many drivers engage in dangerous behaviors while operating a vehicle. Unfortunately, this leads to severe injuries, fatalities, and vehicle damage.
Speeding
Exceeding the speed limit or driving too fast for conditions is a major factor in many South Valley car accidents.
Speeding can cause the following issues:
- Reduces the driver’s ability to steer safely around curves or objects in the road
- Extends the distance necessary to stop a vehicle
- Increases the degree of crash severity, leading to more severe injuries
The New Mexico Department of Transportation reported that speeding was a common driver violation.
Drunk Driving
Despite strict laws and public awareness campaigns, driving under the influence of alcohol remains a significant problem. Alcohol impairs judgment, slows reaction times, and affects vision and coordination. In New Mexico, it’s illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, but even lower levels of alcohol can impair driving ability and lead to serious collisions.
Weather Conditions
While South Valley enjoys generally good weather, occasional adverse conditions can lead to accidents.
The following weather conditions can contribute to collisions occurring:
- Dust storms reduce visibility
- Flash floods make roads slippery
- Intense heat causing tire blowouts
Understanding these common causes is important for several reasons:
- Prevention: Knowing the risks can help drivers avoid dangerous behaviors and situations.
- Legal Implications: The cause of an accident can significantly impact liability in a personal injury claim.
- Insurance: Some causes, like drunk driving, can affect insurance coverage and rates.
Remember, if you’ve been in an accident, it’s important to document as much as possible at the scene (if you’re able to do so safely). This includes taking photos, getting witness contact information, and reporting the accident to the police. This information can be invaluable in determining the cause of the accident and establishing liability.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Car Accident in New Mexico?
In New Mexico, the statute of limitations for car accident lawsuits is generally two years from the accident date. This means you have two years from the date of your crash to file a lawsuit against the responsible party.
However, there are some exceptions to this rule:
- If the victim is a minor, the two-year clock doesn’t start until they turn 18.
- If you’re filing a claim against a government entity, you may have a much shorter deadline.
It’s crucial to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after your accident to ensure you get all the critical deadlines. It would be better to avoid losing your right to seek compensation altogether.
Don’t let the statute of limitations run out on your claim. Contact our South Valley, NM office today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us use our experience and resources to fight for the full and fair compensation you need to move forward after a car accident.
Contact Our South Valley Car Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. The experienced team at Curiel & Runion Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers is here to guide you through every step of the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
As dedicated South Valley car accident lawyers, we understand your unique challenges. We have a proven track record of success, recovering millions of dollars for our clients and earning recognition from prestigious legal organizations.
When you choose our dedicated legal team, you’re not just getting legal representation – you’re gaining a committed advocate who will stand by your side throughout your recovery journey. We’ll handle all aspects of your case, from investigating the accident and gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies and representing you in court if necessary.
Remember, our personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis – you don’t pay unless we win your case in court or through a settlement agreement. There’s no risk in reaching out and learning about your legal options. Call us now and take the first step towards securing your future after a South Valley, NM, car accident.