WE WILL FIGHT FOR YOUR RECOVERY

A Brief Summary of the Following Article

Car accidents in Albuquerque can lead to severe injuries, medical bills, lost income, and lasting pain, even in seemingly minor collisions.
Common causes of car accidents in Albuquerque include distracted driving, drunk driving, speeding, reckless driving, aggressive driving, and fatigue.
After a car accident, steps include checking for injuries, calling 911, exchanging insurance information, documenting the accident, and contacting an experienced car accident lawyer.
An attorney from Dominguez Law can help victims seek compensation by proving negligence, even in cases of shared fault, and navigating New Mexico’s statutes of limitations for personal injury claims.
Call Dominguez Law today at 505-596-4481 or contact us online for a consultation.

Albuquerque Car Accident Lawyer

A severe car accident can result in victims facing significant injuries, substantial medical bills, lost income, permanent disabilities, and chronic pain. Even seemingly minor fender-benders can lead to total losses and injuries that take months or even years to fully recover from.

Seeking compensation for the damages incurred in a car accident can be a vital step in your recovery. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Albuquerque or the surrounding area, reach out to Dominguez Law to discuss your situation. At Dominguez Law, we understand that any motor vehicle accident, regardless of its severity, can profoundly impact your life.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Albuquerque

Although there have been incredible technological developments in vehicle safety over the past decade, accidents are still frequent. Here are just a few of the most common causes of car accidents in Albuquerque:

Distracted driving: Distracted driving endangers the driver, their passengers, pedestrians, and others on the road. Distracted drivers are the leading cause of car accidents in the U.S. today.
Drunk driving: Every day, about 28 people in the United States die in drunk-driving crashes, which is about one person every 52 minutes.
Speeding: We all know the frustrations of juggling a busy schedule, but speed limits are put in place to protect all road users. Speeding kills, and driving faster than the posted speed limit is a potential way to cause a car accident.
Running red lights and stop signs: Drivers who run red lights risk causing wrongful death because they often cause significant collisions at high speeds. Likewise, many rollover accidents and side-impact car accidents result from drivers who run stop signs.
Reckless driving: This is a moving violation in which drivers display a disregard for the rules of the road. When someone’s reckless driving causes an accident, the victims may be entitled to file a civil claim for compensation.
Aggressive driving: Aggressive driving—unsafe driving behavior performed deliberately and with ill intention or disregard for safety—is extremely common among U.S. drivers.
Fatigue: Operating a motor vehicle while fatigued or sleepy is commonly referred to as “drowsy driving.” This often happens when a driver has not slept enough, but it can also happen due to untreated sleep disorders, medications, drinking alcohol, and shift work.

About 2.3 million people are faced with car accident-related injuries each year, yet only a few understand their rights and get a car accident lawyer to fight for justice and go after the monetary damages they need to get their lives back on track. If you have been injured due to another driver’s negligence in the Albuquerque area, you may be entitled to compensation.

Steps To Take After a Car Accident in Albuquerque, NM

Just after your car accident, it is crucial you remain calm and execute a few key steps that may help protect your rights. While the post-accident procedure is relatively straightforward, it is not always easy to remember and implement the proper steps when you are feeling stressed and in physical discomfort. Here are a few tips that will help you get the compensation you deserve:

Check Yourself and Others for Injuries

You might feel shaky and disoriented after a car crash, which is completely normal. It is vital that you put your personal safety above all else. Call 911 or ask someone else to do so if you think anyone is hurt, either in your car or any other vehicle involved in the accident. If you are injured, try not to move until help can get to you.

Pull Over and Call 911

If it is safe to do so, remove your vehicle from the line of traffic, turn on your hazard lights, and call the police as soon as possible. Mention your location and any injuries that were sustained in the accident. Note that no matter the severity of the accident—even if it is just a minor fender bender—calling the police is essential so they can create a legal accident report. Without a legal accident report or police report, a greedy insurance company can use it against you to deny or minimize what they pay for your lawful and just claim.

Exchange Car Insurance Information

Once the police are on their way, try to exchange contact information with the other driver. Your insurance and the other driver’s insurance will need each other’s contact information to ultimately decide who pays for the damages.

Do Not Admit Fault

When discussing the proceedings with anyone, it is important that you do not slip up and admit fault or liability, especially if you are not at fault. Any statements you make can be used against you later in the claim or legal proceedings. Remember, it is a jury’s job to determine who is at fault, not yours.

Get Witness Contact Information

Just after calling the police and ensuring that everyone was okay, scan the area to see if any witnesses observed the events of the accident. To avoid a “my word against theirs” dispute, it is often critical to the case to have a neutral third-party account of the incident.

Document The Accident

Use your phone to take photos of the accident scene, the vehicles involved, skid marks, road signs, and any sustained injuries. It is always better to take too many pictures than not enough. Likewise, while it is still fresh in your mind, jot down the details of the accident as you most accurately recall them.

Contact Your Insurance Company

At this point, you will want to get your insurance company involved. They will provide you with information on how to move your claim forward. However, do not sign anything or give a recorded statement to the insurance company before speaking to a Albuquerque car accident lawyer. Remember, the insurance company can use your statements to minimize or deny your claim, even if it is your insurance company.

Call An Experienced Car Accident Lawyer

Perhaps most importantly, it is crucial that you get in touch with an experienced Albuquerque car accident lawyer after the events of the crash as soon as you can. While you focus on recovering from the accident and seeking medical treatment for any injuries you suffered, a car accident attorney may be able to help you recover the compensation you need to move forward. Importantly, a Albuquerque car accident attorney will protect your rights and confirm that the insurance company does not succeed with any efforts to minimize or deny your lawful and just claim.

Do Not Beat Yourself Up

No matter what happens after the crash, remember it is challenging to follow every proper step after a car accident. After all, you are likely flustered, anxious, and in physical pain. So, if you forgot to take photos or you feel as if you said something incorrect to the other driver, it is not the end of the world. In all probability, the other driver did not do everything right either. It is ultimately the job of an experienced car accident lawyer to work the case and make sure the truth of the accident is not distorted by the insurance company.

How To Hold Negligent Drivers Accountable for Damages After an Albuquerque Car Accident

Every New Mexico driver has an obligation to act in a reasonable manner to avoid injury and harm to others. There are many ways that a person can breach their duty to act reasonably, including driving recklessly, failing to obey traffic laws, or succumbing to distractions like cellphone use. If a breach occurs, your Albuquerque car accident lawyer can show that the defendant’s careless behavior directly caused your harm and that you sustained damages that must be fairly and fully compensated according to New Mexico law.

An issue that frequently arises in car accident cases is “comparative fault.” Collisions typically occur between two or more vehicles, and it is not unusual for drivers to blame each other. Under these circumstances, a percentage of responsibility will be assigned to each party involved. The compensation award may then be decreased depending on whether and how much you are found at fault. However, you still may be able to obtain damages even if you were not entirely blameless.

New Mexico has rigid timelines for bringing a personal injury claim associated with an auto accident. The state’s civil statute of limitations is three years for a personal injury case. If you wait too long to file a lawsuit, you may lose the right to recover any damages for your car wreck injuries.

What Should I Do If the Driver Who Hit Me Does Not Have Insurance?

If you are involved in a car accident and the at-fault driver does not have insurance, it can be a challenging situation. Here are steps you should take to protect yourself:

Contact Your Insurance Company: Inform your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. If you have uninsured motorist coverage, it can help cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
Explore Uninsured Motorist Coverage: Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is designed to protect you when the at-fault driver lacks insurance. Check your policy to understand the extent of your coverage.
Seek Legal Advice: An experienced car accident lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of dealing with an uninsured driver. They can assist you in filing a claim under your UM coverage and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.

By taking these steps, you can protect your rights and seek the compensation you deserve, even if the at-fault driver is uninsured.

How Do I Know If I Have an Albuquerque Auto Accident Case?

Determining if you have a valid car accident case involves several factors:

Evidence of Negligence: You must prove that the other driver was negligent and their actions directly caused the accident. This can include speeding, distracted driving, or running a red light.
Extent of Injuries: The severity of your injuries plays a significant role in your case. Medical records documenting your injuries and treatment are essential.
Impact on Your Life: The accident’s impact on your daily life, including lost wages, medical expenses, and emotional distress, will be considered.

If these criteria are met, you likely have a valid car accident case and should consult with a lawyer to explore your options.

The Value of Your Albuquerque Car Accident Claim

The value of a car accident claim depends on various factors, including:

Medical Expenses: All costs related to your medical treatment, including hospital bills, medication, and rehabilitation, are considered.
Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can claim compensation for lost income, both present and future.
Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages like pain, suffering, and emotional distress are also factored into the claim’s value.
Property Damage: The cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle is included.

By evaluating these factors, your lawyer can help determine the fair value of your claim and pursue the maximum compensation possible.

Serious Car Accident Injuries, Serious Compensation

Severe injuries from car accidents require significant compensation due to their long-term impact. Common severe injuries include:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): These can lead to permanent cognitive and physical impairments.
Spinal Cord Injuries: Resulting in partial or complete paralysis, these injuries require lifelong medical care.
Broken Bones: Multiple fractures can lead to chronic pain and disability.

Seeking full compensation for these injuries is crucial to cover ongoing medical treatments, rehabilitation, and loss of quality of life.

How We Help Albuquerque Car Accident Victims

At Dominguez Law, we offer comprehensive support to car accident victims, including:

Legal Representation: We handle all legal aspects of your case, from filing claims to representing you in court.
Negotiation with Insurance Companies: Our team negotiates with insurance companies to ensure you receive a fair settlement.
Court Representation: If a settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to court to fight for your rights.

We are dedicated to helping you recover the compensation you need to move forward.

Car Accidents in Albuquerque, New Mexico

Albuquerque sees a significant number of car accidents each year. Key statistics include:

Number of Accidents: Albuquerque averages thousands of car accidents annually, resulting in numerous injuries and fatalities.
Dangerous Roads: High-risk areas include major intersections and highways with high traffic volumes.
Trends in Causes: Common causes of accidents include distracted driving, DUI, and speeding.

Understanding these statistics helps highlight the importance of driving safely and being aware of high-risk areas.

Demanding Compensation After an Albuquerque Car Accident

The process of demanding compensation involves several steps:

Gathering Evidence: Collect all necessary evidence, including medical records, accident reports, and witness statements.
Submitting the Claim: File a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company, providing all supporting documentation.
Negotiating Settlements: Engage in negotiations with the insurance company to reach a fair settlement. If necessary, your lawyer can take the case to court.

This process ensures you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages.

What Is My Car Accident Case Worth?

Valuing a car accident case involves:

Assessing Damages: Evaluate medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage.
Calculating Future Expenses: Consider future medical treatments and long-term care needs.
Non-Economic Damages: Include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life.

By considering these factors, we can determine the potential value of your case and pursue maximum compensation.

Will My Car Accident Case Go to Trial?

While many car accident cases settle out of court, some may go to trial. Factors influencing this include:

Settlement Offers: If the insurance company’s offer is insufficient, going to trial may be necessary.
Complexity of the Case: Cases with disputed liability or severe injuries may require a trial.
Client’s Decision: Ultimately, the decision to go to trial rests with the client, guided by legal advice.

Understanding the trial process helps you prepare for the possibility if a fair settlement cannot be reached.

Types of Car Accident Claims We Handle

Distracted Driving Accidents

Distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents. We handle cases involving drivers distracted by phones, navigation systems, or other activities.

DUI Accidents

Drunk driving accidents often result in severe injuries. We help victims pursue compensation from intoxicated drivers.

Head-On Crashes

Head-on collisions are typically severe. Our team works to establish fault and secure compensation for victims.

Highway Crashes

Highway accidents can be complex due to high speeds and multiple vehicles. We navigate these complexities to achieve fair settlements.

Speeding Accidents

Speeding increases the risk of accidents. We help victims of speeding-related crashes pursue justice and compensation.

Who Could Be Liable for My Injuries Resulting From a Car Accident?

Liable parties in a car accident can include:

Other Drivers: Often the primary at-fault parties due to negligent driving.
Vehicle Manufacturers: If a vehicle defect contributed to the accident, the manufacturer might be liable.
Government Entities: Poor road maintenance or design can make government bodies liable.

Understanding potential liability helps build a strong case for compensation.

What Kind of Damages Are Available to Car Accident Victims?

Car accident victims can seek various damages, including:

Medical Expenses: Covering all treatment costs.
Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to injuries.
Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages for physical and emotional distress.
Punitive Damages: In cases of gross negligence, additional damages may be awarded to punish the at-fault party.

Seeking comprehensive damages ensures fair compensation for all losses.

Can I Recover Compensation If I Am Being Blamed for a Car Accident in New Mexico?

New Mexico follows a comparative fault system, meaning you can recover compensation even if partially at fault. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

For example, if you are 20% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by 20%. This system allows you to still pursue damages even if you share some responsibility.

How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Car Accident in New Mexico?

The statute of limitations for car accident lawsuits in New Mexico is three years. This means you have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. Failing to file within this timeframe can result in losing your right to seek compensation.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Car Accident Attorney in Bernalillo County?

Hiring a car accident attorney typically involves contingency fees, meaning you pay only if you win your case. Initial consultations are often free, allowing you to discuss your case without upfront costs.

These shops can help get your vehicle back on the road quickly and efficiently.

Car Accident Infographic

We have created an infographic summarizing key car accident statistics and steps to take after an accident. This visual guide can help you understand the process and important actions to take immediately after a crash.

Discuss Your Case with Our Auto Accident Lawyers in Albuquerque, NM, Today!

At Dominguez Law, we believe in holding parties who act recklessly accountable for their actions and are dedicated to making their insurance companies pay top dollar for your claim. If you believe the at-fault party acted negligently or recklessly, contact us as soon as possible.

To schedule a free consultation with one of our compassionate and aggressive Albuquerque car accident attorneys, call Dominguez Law today at 505-596-4481 or contact us online. We also speak Spanish.