In 2021, over 40,000 motor vehicle accidents in New Mexico resulted in 12,404 injuries and 483 deaths. The causes for New Mexico car accidents range from driving while under the influence of alcohol to distracted driving. Sleep deprivation, overloaded semi-trucks, and texting while driving can also cause accidents. If a negligent driver has injured you in a New Mexico car accident, you may be entitled to compensation.
Under New Mexico law, the at-fault driver who caused your car accident is financially liable for the consequences, including your injuries or property damage. The experienced lawyers at Hunt Law will help you determine whether you have grounds to seek financial compensation. We’ve recovered millions of dollars of compensation on behalf of our clients. Contact us today to learn more about how we can advocate for you.
Injuries Commonly Caused By a Car Accident
In New Mexico, a motor vehicle accident occurs every 13 minutes, and a person becomes injured in a New Mexico car accident once every 29 minutes. Car accident injuries range in severity from bruises and lacerations to severe, life-altering injuries. It only takes a few seconds for a negligent driver to cause a car accident that results in catastrophic injuries.
For example, victims who experience spinal cord injuries may require ongoing medical care for the rest of their lives and be unable to engage in the activities they once loved. At Hunt Law, we have a network of experts who can help us determine the full extent of your injuries and the total costs you’ll incur going forward, so you obtain the full amount you deserve. Some of the most common injuries suffered by motor vehicle accident victims include the following:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis (quadriplegia/tetraplegia and paraplegia)
- Back injuries
- Burns
- Internal injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Disfiguring scars and facial injuries
- Amputation and limb loss
- Whiplash and neck injuries
- Foot and ankle injuries
- Knee injuries
- Shoulder injuries
- Hand and wrist injuries
- Bruises, lacerations, and “road rash”
- Soft tissue injuries
- Crush injuries
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Determining Liability In Santa Fe Car Accident
The majority of car accidents are preventable, and most of them are due to human error. As a car accident victim, you’ll need to prove that the defendant caused your car accident. New Mexico uses a more traditional “fault-based” system for car accident lawsuits. Determining liability in a motor vehicle accident can be a challenging process. As a plaintiff in a personal injury lawsuit, you will need to prove the following legal elements:
- The at-fault driver owed you a legal duty of care
- The at-fault driver breached his or her legal duty of care
- The breach caused the car accident
- The car accident directly caused your injuries
Proving that the at-fault driver’s negligence caused your injuries requires a thorough investigation. After your initial meeting with one of the car accident lawyers at Hunt Law, we will investigate your case. We will interview witnesses, gather video footage, obtain your police report, and consult with an accident reconstruction specialist when necessary. Our legal team knows how to gather evidence that proves the at-fault driver’s liability effectively.
Negotiating With the Insurance Company
Insurance companies frequently contact car accident victims immediately after the accident, asking them to provide a recorded statement. Becoming catastrophically injured after a car accident can be devastating. A victim may unintentionally admit fault in a state of shock while providing a recorded statement. Or, a car accident victim may downplay his or her injuries because the adrenaline from the accident hasn’t leveled off, and they don’t feel the full extent of their pain.
If you’ve been involved in a Santa Fe car accident, we recommend consulting with one of our experienced lawyers before you provide a statement to the car insurance company. Additionally, avoid signing any paperwork or settlement agreement until you’ve discussed it with an attorney. When victims suffer catastrophic injuries, insurance companies try to settle the claim quickly, capitalizing on the victim’s devastation. However, they typically offer a settlement amount that is far below what the victim deserves.
The attorneys at Hunt Law have extensive experience in negotiating aggressively with car insurance companies. We will deal with all of the communication with the insurance company to focus on your recovery. When an insurance company acts in bad faith or fails to provide a fair settlement offer for our clients, our trial-ready lawyers are prepared to take their case to court.
Injured By a Drunk Driver In Santa Fe
If a drunk driver has injured you, it’s crucial that you understand your rights and how to obtain the financial compensation you deserve. Under New Mexico law, drunk drivers who cause car accidents must pay for all the damages resulting from their reckless behavior. They must pay for the victim’s medical bills, lost wages, emotional distress, and other types of compensatory damages. In some cases, judges will impose additional punitive damages on the drunk driver.
New Mexico Car Accident Statute of Limitation
A statute of limitations is a time limit for filing personal injury lawsuits. In New Mexico, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is three years from the date of the injury. If your loved one has been injured in a car accident, you only have three years to file your personal injury lawsuit, or your claim could be barred permanently.
Suppose you were injured by a city, county, or New Mexico state employee and you plan on filing a claim against a government entity. In that case, you must notify the entity of your injuries within 90 days. If your loved one passes away in a car accident, you have six months to notify the government entity of your wrongful death claim. If you have questions about how long you have to file your claim, we recommend contacting our law firm as soon as possible. The more time your attorney has to investigate your case and gather evidence, the better.
Consult a Santa Fe Car Accident Lawyer
Have you or your loved one been injured in a New Mexico car accident? If so, Hunt Law is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about how we can advocate for you to obtain the maximum amount of compensation available.
Hunt Law represents car accident victims in Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Raton, Roswell, Santa Fe, Los Alamos, Las Vegas, and throughout the state of New Mexico.