New Mexico is a fault-based insurance state, which usually means that the driver to be determined at fault for a crash is responsible for paying for a victim’s damages. However, if the driver who causes an accident flees from the scene, the compensation recovery process may not be so clear-cut.
Suppose the at-fault driver in a hit-and-run crash is unidentifiable. In that case, damage recovery may have to come from either the victim’s own insurance, the government, or even their vehicle’s manufacturer. The process for recovering losses obtained in a hit-and-run can be complicated, so always make sure to hire competent legal representation to protect your interests and maximize your recovery.
What to Do After Getting into a Hit-and-Run Crash in New Mexico
If you get into a hit-and-run accident in New Mexico, follow our list of the five most important steps to take after an at-fault driver flees the scene. These steps will help ensure your safety after a crash and protect your rights to compensation for your damages.
Call 911
The first step after being involved in any motor vehicle accident should always be to dial 911. Your health and wellbeing should always come first, so make sure you get the medical assistance you need by calling emergency services right away. Leaving the scene of an accident for any reason other than to get help is also a felony crime in New Mexico, so a police report will need to be filed.
Collect as Much Evidence as Possible
You will want to provide law enforcement and your personal injury attorney with as much information as you can gather. Photos of the scene, your vehicle, and your injuries, as well as notes about the events that led to the accident and any identifying information you may remember, can all be helpful in building your case and hunting down the at-fault party.
Report the Accident with Your Insurance Company
After dialing 911, your next phone call should be to your car insurance carrier. Let your insurance company know as soon as possible about the hit-and-run accident so that they can begin processing your claim right away.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you did not necessitate emergency medical attention after the crash, you will still need to be checked out by a medical professional to ensure that you do not have any latent injuries that could cause you excessive pain later on.
Call a New Mexico Personal Injury Attorney with Hit-and-Run Litigation Experience
Your insurance policy may not fully cover all of the expenses you incurred in a hit-and-run accident. Past and future medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle repair expenses can add up quickly. Do not hesitate to contact a personal injury attorney for help recovering compensation for your damages.
At Dominguez Law, we fight for victims of hit-and-run motor vehicle accidents in Albuquerque and all over New Mexico. Call Attorney Paul M. Dominguez and his personal injury team today to set up a free consultation for your hit-and-run accident at (505) 317-9837 or send us a completed contact form for more information on how you can recover compensation for your injuries.
