Albuquerque Underinsured/Uninsured Accident Lawyers
Being struck by another vehicle on the road and getting into an auto collision in Albuquerque is a frightening experience. Many drivers are unaware of the processes that follow an auto accident, how liability is proven, or how accident coverage works. Understandably, encountering a negligent driver that has little to no coverage in an accident can cause worry and make you question your next options.
If you have recently experienced a car accident and varying damages, it is essential to understand your rights. Our Albuquerque underinsured and uninsured accident lawyers at Dominguez Law are knowledgeable of the laws that protect injured individuals and the personal injury claim process that helps many people recover after suffering injuries in an accident.
Understanding New Mexico’s Requirements for Underinsured and Uninsured Coverage
Every New Mexico driver must register their vehicle and obtain auto insurance coverage. The state has a minimum requirement for bodily injury and property damage liability. Additionally, insurance companies offer their policyholders the minimum uninsured motorist coverage and liability insurance. Many drivers are uninsured or have policies covering less than the resulting damages in a serious accident.
By law, the standard required auto insurance policies should be comprised of the following:
- $25,000 per person for bodily injury or fatal cases
- $50,000 per accident for bodily injury or fatal cases
- $10,000 per accident for property damage
The minimum uninsured or underinsured motorists policies include the following:
- At least $25,000 per person for bodily injury
- $10,000 in uninsured motorist coverage for property damage
In the case the liable parties are uninsured or underinsured at the time of an accident, your coverage can cover the damages and expenses related to the accident. However, an uninsured accident attorney can help you make a personal injury claim or guide an eligible lawsuit against liable parties that caused damages beyond the available coverage, even if they are uninsured.
Who May Be Proven Liable in a New Mexico Car Accident?
Some accidents may result in minor fender benders while others cause fatalities. In New Mexico, preventable accidents result in varying injuries, damages, and losses at the hand of negligent drivers. Since New Mexico is an at-fault state, determining liability and proving fault is essential for a claim and lawsuit. Common causes and factors attributing to New Mexico car accidents include:
- Drunk or impaired driving
- Distracted driving
- Disobeying traffic laws
- Rear-end collisions
- Head-on collisions
- Inclement weather conditions
- Speeding or street racing
- Dangerous road conditions
- Car manufacturer error
- Neglecting car maintenance
Possible liable parties in a car accident case:
- Government entity
- One or multiple drivers
- Car manufacturer
- Parts manufacturer
- A driver’s employer
Depending on the circumstances surrounding your accident, one or multiple parties may be held responsible for the damages and your injuries. Compensation is awarded based on the percentage of fault a driver has. If you have been injured and endured damages due to another’s negligence behind the wheel, filing a claim and pursuing a lawsuit when warranted may help you recover the compensation you are owed.
Types of Damages You May Be Eligible to Recover in a Personal Injury Case
Depending on the severity of a crash, the nature of your injuries, and the length of recovery you may require, several damages may be compensated in your case. It is essential to understand your rights in recovering compensation and which damages an attorney may help you recover by working to prove another’s negligence and exploring your options within the liable party’s coverage. Common compensatory damages in a New Mexico personal injury case can include:
- Non-Economic Damages: Any losses that are generally not easily quantified. You may be eligible to receive compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of consortium, and other non-monetary damages.
- Economic Damages: Any tangible damages and losses incurred, such as loss of wages, loss of employment, current and future medical expenses, therapy bills, car repair expenses, and other calculable losses.
- Punitive Damages: Only awarded in a few cases, punitive damages are imposed by a judge onto the negligent parties as an additional monetary punishment granted to the injured party.
Regardless of the type of accident and injuries you have sustained, there are likely different damages to recover in your case. If you have been injured or have lost a family member due to another driver’s negligence, a professional uninsured accident attorney may be able to help you file a claim or pursue a lawsuit.
How Can a Personal Injury Attorney Help?
Many drivers do not elect underinsured or uninsured coverage because it is optional. Whether you have this coverage available or not during an accident with a driver that does not have coverage, seeking help from an experienced Albuquerque accident lawyer may help your case.
The benefits of hiring a car accident lawyer in New Mexico can include your lawyer:
- Evaluating all possible coverages available to pursue
- Helping you recover the total compensation you deserve
- Negotiating with insurance companies
- Representing you in a personal injury lawsuit if necessary
- Gathering and finding valuable evidence for your case
- Ensuring you do not make mistakes when filing a claim
At Dominguez Law, we understand the challenges that car accidents cause for many injured people and families of those involved in catastrophic events. If you are injured because of an uninsured or underinsured driver’s fault, our legal team may provide the resources and legal support necessary for your claim or lawsuit to succeed. We strive to keep our car accident clients informed and aware of their rights in any case.
Our Accident Lawyer at Dominguez Law May Help Recover the Compensation You Deserve
Many car accident victims are injured and have to recover from varying damages that leave them financially burdened. Regardless of the cause behind another person’s negligence, you have a right to pursue compensation for the challenges you are experiencing. Many drivers are unaware of the personal injury claim process and how an attorney can benefit from a claim for a car accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver.
At Dominguez Law, our compassionate and aggressive car accident lawyers, including Paul M. Dominguez, have years of experience providing professional legal support and representation for injured individuals within the Albuquerque community. To speak with our trustworthy and Spanish-speaking team, complete our online contact form or give us a call at (505) 850-5854.