Los Alamos Car Accident Lawyer

Los Alamos Car Accident Attorney

New Mexico is an at-fault state when it comes to driving. This means that the person who causes a vehicle collision is financially responsible for any damage they cause. Damage can be physical damage or bodily injury. If you suffered injuries due to the negligence of another driver, you could hire a Los Alamos car accident lawyer to hold the at-fault driver accountable.

Following an accident, you may be entitled to compensation from the at-fault party’s automobile insurance policy. In some cases, you may be able to take direct legal action against the negligent driver.

Do I Need to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?

If someone was responsible for an accident in Los Alamos that caused you physical, emotional, or financial harm, you have the right to financial compensation. Monetary compensation could come from the insurance policy of the at-fault party or from the driver following a personal injury lawsuit. Either way, there are benefits to having an experienced personal injury lawyer by your side.

Insurance companies are notorious for delaying settlement offers or offering settlements that do not fully cover the cost of treatments for the injured party. Having an attorney represent you throughout the settlement process comes with many advantages. Those companies are more likely to take you seriously if you have legal representation. An attorney also understands the law and what you are entitled to.

State Insurance Minimums Might Not Cover Your Damages

The minimum amount of coverage for drivers in New Mexico is $25,000 for bodily injury to one person. Your cost of treating your injuries could easily surpass this low amount. If the insurance company does not offer a favorable settlement in the end, you may have the option of taking further legal action with the help of an attorney.

The window for suing a negligent driver is three years. Missing this legal deadline could mean that you are not able to receive compensation for your injuries.

What an Attorney Can Do for You

The moments following a car accident can feel overwhelming. You may spend days or longer recovering in a hospital. Medical bills can pile up even when you have a good insurance policy. You may feel stressed about missing work, or you may wonder if you will ever be able to be as productive as you were before the life-altering accident.

When you enlist the help of a car accident attorney in Los Alamos, they become an important partner in your recovery. Your attorney can protect your rights and advocate for your interests. Personal injury lawyers understand how to gather evidence. Piecing together the events that led to your injury will be crucial for proving who was at fault for the car accident.

You can have peace of mind in knowing that your creditors, insurance companies, and other involved parties will be immediately notified that you have legal representation. You will not have the stress of having to negotiate for yourself. Now, you’ll have someone to do that for you.

A car accident attorney can aggressively negotiate a favorable settlement with the insurance company. You do not have to settle for less than you are owed. By examining photographs, police reports, and other documents tied to the case, your lawyer can build a case that shows conclusively who was at fault for the accident. If the at-fault driver’s insurance company tries to cast the blame on you, your attorney will vigorously defend you against those accusations.

Finding proper medical treatment and getting car repair estimates can be a hassle. Your attorney can provide comprehensive legal counsel that can help you navigate the complexities that follow a car accident. Once you have received a fair settlement from the insurance company, your attorney can help you determine whether taking additional legal action is an option. If needed, your attorney can take the at-fault party to court through the filing of a personal injury lawsuit.

What to Do Following a Car Accident

Your first obligation following a car accident is to tend to your safety and those around you. Assess yourself for any serious injuries before asking your passengers if they are injured. Any accident that potentially caused bodily injury should immediately be reported to the police. The most expedient way to do that is by calling 911. Tell the dispatcher where you are located, how many cars are involved in the accident, and how many people may potentially be injured.

When EMS arrives, they will likely offer an injury assessment. Even if you believe you are not injured, consider letting them perform a quick exam. Adrenaline can conceal the symptoms of injuries that may not be noticeable until later on. If you can safely do so, take pictures of the scene of the accident. Videos can also be a reliable source of evidence for later on.

If the accident is serious, you will be asked to give statements to the police. Stay factual and neutral. The police officer will use the facts of the scene of the accident to note who may have been at fault. You do not have to convince the police officer who is at fault. Simply describe what happened, and do not provide more than the basic information the officer asks for. Ask for a copy of the police report for your own records.

Schedule an appointment with your doctor soon after the accident so you can undergo a more thorough examination. If the at-fault driver’s insurance company tries to contact you, do not provide them with information. By then, you should have a personal injury lawyer representing you who will communicate with the insurance company on your behalf.

Los Alamos Car Accident Lawyer FAQs

Q: What Is the Statute of Limitations on a Car Accident in New Mexico?

A: The statute of limitations for most personal injury cases in New Mexico is three years from the time of the injury. This legal deadline must be met in order for you to be able to seek monetary compensation from the at-fault party who caused your injuries. If you have questions about filing deadlines, a personal injury attorney can review your case to see if you are still eligible to receive financial compensation through the courts.

Q: What Happens if I Am Hit by an Uninsured Motorist?

A: If you are hit by someone who does not have automobile coverage, the at-fault driver is still financially liable for the damage they caused. Typically, their insurance would cover the damage. One common option for seeking monetary compensation for your injuries would be to hire an attorney to take direct legal action against the at-fault driver. The courts can compel the driver to pay for your medical bills and other financial costs you incurred as the result of their negligence.

Q: Is New Mexico a No-Fault Accident State?

A: No. It is an at-fault state, meaning that the driver who caused the accident is responsible for any damage they caused. The at-fault driver must pay for physical damage to the vehicles involved in the accident, and the driver is responsible for the bodily injury they caused. This is typically paid by the at-fault driver’s insurance policy. New Mexico’s personal injury rules also allow victims to sue the people who caused them emotional, physical, or financial harm.

Q: Can You Go to Jail for a Car Accident in New Mexico?

A: Yes, you can go to jail for a car accident in New Mexico. It is a crime to drive under the influence. If someone causes an accident and is intoxicated at the time of the accident, they will be charged with DWI. Reckless driving is another criminal charge. When a driver engages in driving behavior that places other people in danger, that misconduct could result in a charge of reckless driving.

Q: What Is the Most Common Cause of Car Accidents?

A: Distracted driving continues to be a leading cause of car accidents in New Mexico and across the country. Distracted driving happens anytime someone takes their hands off the wheel, loses focus on driving, or takes their eyes off the road. Many times, distracted driving results from drivers looking at their phones. Sending texts and emails while driving can lead to car accidents that can leave the driver financially liable for causing the wreck.

Schedule Your Los Alamos Car Accident Consultation Today

In the blink of an eye, a car accident can leave victims seriously or even gravely injured. No amount of money can bring back a lost loved one or undo the trauma of being in an automobile collision. By taking swift legal action, you can undo the financial harm caused by the negligent driver.

The attorneys at Egolf + Ferlic + Martinez + Harwood, LLC, offer legal counsel for victims of all types of motor vehicle accidents in and around Los Alamos. Whether you need representation for yourself or on behalf of an injured loved one, we can assist you in identifying the ideal options to help you receive monetary compensation following a car accident. Contact our office today to learn more.