Were you involved in a car accident in New Mexico? Our legal team at Curiel & Runion Personal Injury Lawyers can ensure you get the justice and compensation you deserve. With a dedicated New Mexico car accident lawyer from our firm at your side, you enhance your chances of getting your medical bills, lost wages, and other related expenses covered.
Curiel & Runion Personal Injury Lawyers has been a beacon of hope for accident victims since 2011. Leveraging our deep-rooted expertise, we’ve secured substantial client settlements and verdicts.
Don’t face this challenging period alone. Call us at (844) 277-9821 or contact us online for a complimentary consultation today.
How Curiel & Runion Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Car Accident in New Mexico
Our personal injury law firm’s unparalleled commitment to clients like you is at the heart of our success. Over the years, we’ve accumulated a wealth of knowledge and experience in accident law, which we bring to every case.
Our distinctions include:
- Over 55 years of combined legal experience
- Numerous awards and accolades
- A track record of more than $30 million recovered for clients
- A 98% success rate in the cases we take on
But why choose us? Here is what you can expect when you select our New Mexico personal injury lawyers:
- Thorough investigation of your accident
- Comprehensive gathering of evidence
- Determination of all liable parties
- Collaboration with industry-leading experts
- Skilled negotiation with insurance companies
- Litigation readiness for any courtroom battles
If you need a devoted ally in your quest for justice in the State of New Mexico, contact Curiel & Runion Personal Injury Lawyers today.
A Closer Look: Car Accident Statistics in New Mexico
The New Mexico Department of Transportation releases an annual Traffic Crash Report. The comprehensive report examines the daily occurrence rates and contributing factors of vehicular crashes in New Mexico for 2021, the latest year from which data are available.
An Average Day in New Mexico
On an average day in New Mexico in 2021, the data shows a concerning frequency of vehicular incidents. A motor vehicle crash occurs approximately every 13 minutes.
Injuries are also common, with a person being injured in a crash every 29 minutes, matching the frequency of distracted-driving incidents. Larger vehicles like semis and trucks are involved in crashes every 3 hours.
Alcohol-related incidents are also notably frequent, with a crash involving alcohol happening every 4 hours and someone being killed or injured in such a crash every 6 hours. Motorcycles are not exempt from the trend, involved in accidents every 9 hours.
Pedestrians also risk getting hit by a vehicle every 15 hours. Moreover, a life is lost in a crash every 18 hours, and cars hit bicyclists every 36 hours. The data underscores the various risks present on New Mexico’s roads.
What Causes Car Accidents?
Driver inattention was the most significant issue, contributing to 18% of crashes. Failure to yield the right of way was another common problem, responsible for 6% of incidents. Alcohol involvement was cited in 5% of the crashes but had a disproportionately higher impact, contributing to 37% of fatalities.
No driver error was reported in 31% of crashes. Driver inattention and drug involvement were leading causes of fatal accidents, each at 13%. Alcohol involvement accounted for 12% of deadly crashes.
In terms of severity, only 1% of these crashes were fatal, but they left a significant mark. More than 30% of the crashes resulted in injuries, making it a prevalent issue. Furthermore, hit-and-run incidents made up a concerning 19% of the total crashes, adding another layer of complexity to road safety challenges in the state.
What Is My New Mexico Car Accident Case Worth?
Several key factors come into play to determine how much your car accident case in New Mexico is worth. First, the type and seriousness of your injuries can greatly affect your claim’s value. Were they minor or more severe, like broken bones?
Medical expenses are crucial, too, including current and future bills for things like therapy or long-term care. Loss of income is also considered if the accident affects your ability to work.
Finally, emotional impacts like pain and suffering matter, as does your role in the accident. If you were partly at fault, that could change the amount you receive.
What Kind of Damages Are Available to Accident Victims in New Mexico?
Damages in car accident cases are generally divided into two main categories.
The first is economic damages, which are fairly straightforward. You can easily measure and quantify these costs, such as medical bills, property damage, and lost wages. These damages are designed to reimburse you for actual expenses you’ve incurred or will incur in the future.
The second category is non-economic damages. These are much harder to put a price tag on. They also cover the psychological aspects, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and any loss of standard of living you may have suffered.
Punitive damages could be available as well, but only in select cases. To recover punitive damages, you must establish that the at-fault party acted egregiously, such as with an intent to cause you injuries.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a New Mexico Car Accident Lawyer?
Regarding legal representation for your car accident case, most personal injury lawyers, including our team, work on a contingency fee basis. This is good news for you because there are no upfront fees.
The lawyer’s payment is contingent upon winning your case. Simply put, the lawyer only gets paid if you win your case and receive compensation. This setup minimizes financial risk on your part and also gives your lawyer a strong incentive to fight for the highest reward possible.
What Compensation Is Available in New Mexico if I’m Blamed for a Car Accident?
In New Mexico, understanding the state’s standard of “pure comparative fault” and gathering strong evidence are crucial steps if you are partly blamed for a car accident.
Understanding Pure Comparative Fault in New Mexico
In New Mexico, pure comparative fault rules determine how compensation is distributed after a car accident. You can still claim some money even if you’re partly at fault. The court will figure out what percentage of each person is at fault. So, if you’re 30% responsible, you can still get 70% of the damages you’re asking for.
Gathering Evidence To Lower Your Fault Percentage
Evidence showing you were less at fault can increase the compensation you receive. This can include pictures, videos, and witness statements. You can still claim some money even if you’re more at fault than the other driver. The better your evidence, the lower your fault percentage could be, which means more money in your pocket.
Different Types of Injuries We Handle
We’ve seen it all, from minor injuries like whiplash to serious stuff like traumatic brain injuries. Whiplash might seem small, but it can lead to long-term neck pain and other problems. Traumatic brain injuries can be life-changing, affecting how you think, act, and feel.
These injuries can mean many doctor visits, expensive medications, and sometimes even therapy or surgery. So, if you’ve been hurt in a car accident, don’t go through it alone. We’re here to stand up for you, fighting to get you the compensation you deserve for all your injuries.
How Do I Prove Negligence After a Car Accident in New Mexico?
If you’ve been in a car accident in New Mexico and want compensation for your injuries or property damage, you must prove the other driver was negligent. Negligence is a legal term that means someone was careless, and that carelessness led to harm. There are four key elements you must prove to establish negligence:
- Duty: This means the other driver was responsible for driving safely to protect other people on the road.
- Breach: This means the other driver failed to live up to that responsibility, perhaps by texting while driving or running a red light.
- Causation: You must show that this failure factually and proximately led to the accident.
- Damages: Lastly, you have to prove that you suffered some kind of harm, like injuries or damage to your car, because of the accident.
Our legal experts can guide you through every stage of the process, gathering crucial evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and video footage to bolster your case.
What Is the Time Limit for Filing Car Accident Claims in New Mexico?
The “Statute of Limitations” sets time limits for filing a personal injury lawsuit in New Mexico. Missing these deadlines means you lose your chance to go to court for compensation. Here’s a quick guide to these crucial timelines:
- Government Entities: Two years to file, plus a 90-day notice right after the accident.
- Personal Injury: Three years from the accident date.
- Wrongful Death: Three years from the date your loved one died.
- Property Damage: Four years from the accident date.
Always consult an attorney to make sure you’re within these time limits. Missing the deadline can cost you your case.
Contact Our New Mexico Car Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Your quest for justice after a car accident is valid. With Curiel & Runion Personal Injury Lawyers, you’re not just another client; you’re family. Let us stand by your side and fight for the compensation you rightfully deserve.
Contact us today at (844) 277-9821 for a no-obligation consultation with a trusted New Mexico car accident attorney.