When You Are Hurt In A Motor Vehicle Accident

Last updated on January 31, 2025

Albuquerque is a great place to live, work and visit. According to the New Mexico Department of Transportation, car accidents are unfortunately common.​The people are particularly kind and generous, which can make many people hesitant to contact an attorney after a car accident. Waiting can harm your case and put you in a difficult financial situation later. Get medical treatment, then call a lawyer.

Legal Guidance from Experienced Albuquerque Auto Accident Lawyers

Garrett Law is a local firm you can turn to for knowledgeable legal guidance from experienced car accident attorneys. We help you understand your rights and handle your insurance claim effectively. We can help you recover the money you need to pay your medical bills, repair or replace your vehicle, and compensate you for the pain and suffering you experienced. Our staff is always sensitive to your needs and concerns, and we focus on giving you peace of mind throughout the process.

Attorney Aaron Garrett handles all types of motor vehicle accident claims, including:

• Car crashes from rear-end collisions to head-on collisions
• Wrecks involving trucks or commercial vehicles
• Motorcycling accidents
• Pedestrian injuries
• Bicycle accidents

Common Injuries Suffered In A Car Accident

No matter how minor a car accident may seem, victims can suffer serious injuries, such as:

• Bone fractures: You could suffer broken bones on any part of your body, including arms, legs, ribs and facial bones depending on the severity of an impact.
• Traumatic brain injuries: You could suffer head injuries that result in brain bleeding, brain swelling, concussion, memory loss and fatal medical conditions.
• Traumatic spine injuries: You could suffer injuries to your spine that can lead to fractures, slipped discs, severe pain and loss of bladder control.
• Paralysis: An accident could lead to injuries that cause you to lose control and feeling in your arms, legs, torso or face.

If you are suffering from an injury and require medical help, your medical bills may be compensated with a successful auto accident case.

Common Causes Of Car Accidents

Thousands of auto accidents happen every day. Here are some common causes of auto accidents:

• Drunk driving: Alcohol can impair a driver’s motor control, reaction time and judgment.
• Distracted driving: A driver who uses their phone, talks to passengers or changes the radio, for example, are all distracted from the road.
• Negligent driving: Speeding, improper turns, tailgating or lane splitting are all unsafe driving practices.
• Drowsy driving: A tired driver may be unable to concentrate on the road and can be as dangerous as a drunk driver.
• Weather conditions: Heavy rain, snow, ice or fog are all weather conditions that can make driving harder.

It is crucial to examine the cause of an auto accident to identify all the liable parties and hold them accountable.

Types Of Damages Car Accident Victims Can Recover

With a successful auto accident case, you may be able to recover the following damages:

• Medical expenses: Damages may be awarded to pay for surgery bills, medical equipment, medicine, physical therapy and future medical costs.
• Property damage: Damages may be awarded to cover the costs of vehicle repairs, rentals and other property repairs.
• Lost wages: Damages may be awarded to cover the loss of income as a result of injuries.
• Funeral costs: Damages may be awarded to survivors for the victim’s burial and cremation costs.
• Mental anguish: Damages may be awarded for loss of enjoyment from life, pain, suffering, stress and depression caused by an accident.

Recovering the maximum compensation after a car accident can help you move forward more easily.

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents

An auto accident can be confusing and difficult. Our attorneys at Garrett Law want to help you in any way we can. If you have any questions, you can ask us – and we will always do our best to give straightforward answers, like these:

What should I do immediately after an accident?

Your first priority after a car accident should be to seek safety. Once you have found a safe place, you should call the police. You should also consider seeking medical help after your accident – even if you do not feel hurt. You can talk to one of our attorneys after a car accident to learn about your legal rights and how to recover damages.

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

Your statute of limitations in New Mexico is three years from the date of the accident. Waiting too long could make it harder, if not impossible, to pursue the liable parties for damages.

How does fault impact my car accident claim in New Mexico?

New Mexico is a pure comparative negligence state. That means each party can be assigned a share of the financial responsibility for an accident based on their own negligence. It is very important not to allow an insurance company to shift fault your way, since that will reduce the compensation you can receive.

What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance or has insufficient coverage?

By law, New Mexico drivers should have car insurance. If the other driver does not have insurance or has insufficient coverage, your insurance may pay for repairs and expenses if you have uninsured motorist coverage. Our attorneys can negotiate with insurance companies, so you receive maximum compensation.

Contact Our Albuquerque Car Accident Attorneys for a Free Consultation

We know that you may be anxious about litigation or confused about the process, and we welcome your questions. We will arrange a free consultation so that you can speak with our experienced auto accidents lawyers at no cost to you. We never charge a penny unless we win your case.

Call our office at 505-633-8837 or send us an email to schedule your free initial consultation.

Nosotros hablamos español.

Albuquerque Automobile Accident Claims

Typical auto accident settlements are small because New Mexico law are only requires drivers to carry $25,000 in coverage. However, in some situations you can sue for damages well beyond $25,000. Listed below are some examples where the settlements were larger because of the circumstances surrounding the accident.