Legal Guidance Through The Aftermath Of An Auto Accident

Car, truck, motorcycle and other motor vehicle accidents happen every day throughout Albuquerque and New Mexico as a whole. According to the New Mexico Department of Transportation, approximately 31% of accidents in 2022 lead to an injury and there were 40,884 accidents reported total in 2022. Changes in traffic volume, state population, licensed drivers and registered vehicles all contribute to the number of accidents that occur each year. Unfortunately, car crashes are still a significant danger in New Mexico and these accidents have been on the rise since 2020.

That means that many people in our community will be affected by an auto accident at some point. And they may not know what to do after one occurs. The aftermath can be overwhelming, but our auto accident attorneys are here to help. At Jones Law Firm, LLC, we can guide you through the process of filing a claim and help you get the full, fair compensation you deserve to help you recover.

What Can We Do To Help?

Some people might not think they need an attorney after an auto accident. But a lawyer with skill and experience can be your best ally through a personal injury claim for a car accident. Our attorneys can answer questions you might have about the process, investigate the circumstances of your accident and advocate for you in and out of court. Working with an attorney is one of the best ways to ensure you receive the compensation you need to pay medical bills, cover lost wages and recover from pain and suffering caused by your accident.

Our team is thoroughly experienced in accident claims. We can assist with a number of auto and motor vehicle-related accident claims. Our personal injury attorneys have a successful track record in car accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck and commercial vehicle accidents and more. We can assist with minor accidents with more straightforward property damage claims, and with severe accidents with long-lasting injuries and significant medical bills. No matter your circumstances, we’re here for you.

Frequently Asked Questions On Car Accidents

Car accidents can introduce legal and financial challenges, especially if you are unfamiliar with state laws. Below are answers to some common questions about car accident claims in New Mexico.

What is New Mexico’s law on car accidents?

New Mexico follows a pure comparative fault system, meaning that you can still recover damages even if you are partially at fault for an accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of your fault.

For example, if you were found to be 40% responsible for the accident and your damages total $100,000, you would be eligible to recover only $60,000.

How much is my case worth?

There is no fixed formula for determining how much a car accident case is worth because several factors influence the final compensation amount. These factors include:

• The severity of injuries: More severe injuries often lead to higher compensation, especially if they result in long-term medical treatment, disability or reduced earning capacity.
• Medical expenses: These cover hospital bills, doctor’s visits, physical therapy, medication and any future medical costs related to the accident.
• Lost wages: If you had to miss work due to your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. If your injuries prevent you from working in the future, you may also claim loss of earning capacity.
• Property damage: The cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle is factored into your claim.
• Pain and suffering: This includes physical pain, emotional distress and reduced quality of life. Non-economic damages like these can vary widely depending on the circumstances.
• Insurance coverage: The parties’ policies will also affect your case’s value. If the at-fault driver has minimal insurance or is uninsured, it may impact how much compensation you can recover.

Because each case is unique, an attorney can assess the details of your accident and provide a more accurate estimate of what your claim may be worth.

How long do I have to bring a car accident claim in New Mexico?

New Mexico has a three-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims arising from car accidents. This means that you must file your lawsuit within three years from the accident date. If you fail to file within this timeframe, you may lose your right to pursue compensation.

If the accident resulted in the wrongful death of a loved one, the three-year period begins from the date of death, not necessarily the date of the accident. Additionally, suppose a government entity is involved, such as an accident caused by a city bus or a state-owned vehicle. In that case, you must file a notice of claim within 90 days and follow different legal procedures.

What does a personal injury attorney do in motor vehicle accident cases?

A personal injury attorney handles various aspects of the claim, including:

• Collecting police reports, speaking with witnesses and gathering medical records to build a strong case
• Identifying all potentially responsible parties, including other drivers, vehicle manufacturers or government entities, if road conditions contributed to the crash
• Negotiating with insurance companies as insurers often attempt to minimize payouts to help ensure you receive a fair settlement.
• Accurately assessing all economic and non-economic losses to maximize compensation.
• Representing you in court if a fair settlement cannot be reached.

Having legal representation can have a huge impact on the outcome of your case, especially when dealing with insurance adjusters who may try to undervalue your claim.

Let’s Get Started With Your Claim

After an accident, contacting the right attorney as soon as possible is one of the most important steps to take. Contact a knowledgeable auto accident lawyer from Jones Law Firm, LLC, today to get the help you need and the compensation you deserve. Use the online contact form or call 505-358-7228 to get in touch and set up an appointment. Our attorney will fight for you and meet with you personally. We’re here for you, and we’re ready to get to work helping you recover.