Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Albuquerque, NM
Thanks to the open roads and beautiful views, the state of New Mexico is a popular destination for motorcycle enthusiasts. However, the high speeds of roadways such as Interstate 40 or Paseo del Norte can lead to devastating accidents for these riders. If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation, and an Albuquerque motorcycle accident lawyer is here to help.
At Garrett Law, we have been fighting for the rights of injured motorcyclists and their families for years. We have taken on countless similar cases and have a proven history of success in obtaining the compensation and justice our clients deserve. As Albuquerque locals, we understand the unique structure of the local legal landscape and can use this knowledge to help secure the monetary compensation you need in order to rest and recover from your injuries.
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An Accident Can Change Your Life
A motorcycle can be fun, and a great way to see our beautiful state of New Mexico. However, if you are in an accident on your motorcycle, the injuries can be severe – common ones include spinal cord injury, head injury and brain injury. Hospital bills may begin piling up, and you may lose income while you recover. The impact this can have on your life and that on your loved ones is serious, especially if you are the primary breadwinner.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Albuquerque
There are several common causes for motorcycle accidents in Albuquerque. Whether you have been injured on Montgomery Boulevard or Paseo del Norte, it is important to understand what caused your accident so that your attorney might be able to determine and prove liability, as these two things will likely have a direct correlation. The most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Albuquerque include the following:
- Failing to yield. Probably one of the most common reasons why motorcycle accidents occur is that another driver has failed to yield the right-of-way to the motorcycle rider. This can happen when another driver makes a left-hand turn, pulls out in front of driveways or parking lots, or changes lanes of traffic without checking blind spots for motorcyclists.
- Speeding. In 2023, speeding was a factor in 29% of all vehicle accident fatalities. When a driver is operating their vehicle at high speeds, they will probably not be able to stop in time or react in time if a motorcyclist appears in front of them. Increased speeds can also impact the force of an accident should a collision take place.
- Driving under the influence. When a driver operates their vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol, this can cause devastating accidents. Drivers impaired by these substances tend to be less aware of their surroundings, and their reaction time will be slowed, making impacts more forceful.
- Distracted driving. Thanks to the proliferation of cellphones and other handheld electronic devices, distracted driving is quickly becoming more and more of an issue. When a driver is distracted — whether on their cell phone or due to eating or drinking while driving — they may not be paying attention to the roadway around them and might not see a motorcyclist until it is too late.
What Can Make Riding a Motorcycle So Dangerous in New Mexico?
In 2022, the state of New Mexico saw a total of 1,021 motorcycle crashes. These accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, but there are certain factors involved on New Mexico roadways that can make this area more dangerous for riders. Additionally, many of these factors are not risks associated with operating a large truck or car. These factors can include the following:
- Reduced stability. While many other vehicles on New Mexico roadways have the stability granted by four wheels, motorcycles only have two wheels. When traveling at high speeds, this can cause your motorcycle to be more prone to wobbling, which could lead to an increased risk of accidents.
- Poor visibility. Because a motorcycle is much smaller than other vehicles on the roadway, it can make it more difficult for other drivers to notice you when out on the roads. This visibility can be further reduced at night.
- Bad road conditions. New Mexico is no stranger to bad roads. In fact, 27.6% of all rural roads and 40.9% of all urban roads are in need of repairs. New Mexico actually has some of the worst roads in the nation. Thanks to these poor conditions, riding a motorcycle can come with increased risks. While a bump may be insignificant to a larger vehicle, it can mean the difference between life and death for motorcyclists.
- Absence of barriers. Those riding a motorcycle are more prone to injuries and death due to the lack of protection that is typically afforded to those driving other kinds of vehicles. The metal infrastructure of a vehicle, along with airbags and seatbelts, is not there to help protect bikers, and while they may wear helmets or other protective gear, it might not be enough in the event of an accident.
Working To Get You What You Deserve
Some people have a bias against motorcycle drivers, and think that they do not deserve money after an accident because of the perceived danger of riding a motorcycle in the first place. The law disagrees with them – and so do we. At Garrett Law, we believe that you do deserve compensation if you are injured in a motorcycle accident, especially if it was caused by dangerous roads or a hit-and-run. It should be enough to cover things like:
- Hospital bills. This can be an issue throughout your case, as your bills may begin to be due before your case is settled.
- Property damage. Many motorcycles can be quite expensive and customized for you. Therefore, a wreck can be extremely costly.
- Lost income while recovering. This is often a very stressful part of an accident. You may want to push yourself to get back to work to avoid losing income – but that is not the case. You should have the freedom to recover fully.
- Lost future income. If your accident causes injuries that prevent you from working in the future, you deserve to have that income made up by the responsible party.
You do not need to fight through recovery on your own, with things like bills and work causing you unneeded stress. We are here to work for you on your personal injury case and allow you to focus on recovering.
FAQs
Q: Where Do Motorcycle Accidents Happen in Albuquerque?
A: Motorcycle accidents can happen along any roadway in Albuquerque, but there are certain areas where these accidents are more common. High-risk areas for motorcycle accidents in the area include Central Avenue, lane changes near Nob Hill, Interstate 40, along the stretch between 98th Street and Eubank Boulevard, San Mateo Boulevard, and US Route 285.
Q: Why Should I Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
A: There are several reasons why you should hire a motorcycle accident lawyer in New Mexico. First, it can be extremely difficult to determine and prove liability on your own without the help of an experienced attorney. Your attorney can review the details of your case and help uncover which party or parties may be held liable for the damages you have been made to suffer. They can also negotiate your settlement or fight for your rights in court.
Q: How Long Does a Motorcycle Accident Settlement Take?
A: It can be difficult to offer an exact number as to how long it can take to settle a motorcycle accident case. This is due to the fact that there are several variables that may be involved in your case, which can impact the claim’s overall timeline. These variables can include the complexity of your case, the cooperation of the parties involved, and the availability of evidence.
Q: What Are the Most Common Injuries in a Motorcycle Accident?
A: There are several different kinds of injuries an individual might face in a motorcycle accident. The most common injuries can include back injuries, broken bones, knee injuries, injuries to the face, internal organ damage, lacerations, cuts, and bruises, injuries to the neck, spinal cord damage, shoulder injuries, road rash, soft tissue injuries, concussions, paralysis, traumatic brain injuries, and wrongful death.
Protect Your Rights: Call An Attorney Today
We are committed to working tirelessly on your behalf, using every advantage we can gather. However, you have to call us first. It is never too late to get the professional help you deserve. To arrange a meeting with a lawyer, call our Albuquerque office at 505-499-5955. You have nothing to lose: we will not charge you a penny unless we win and get compensation for you.
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