Why Every New Mexico Driver Should Have a Car Accident Attorney's Number

 
Before you hire a New Mexico car accident attorney, you need to make sure that you actually need one. Some claims can be handled easily by those involved in the accident, and others require the knowledge and resources of a skilled lawyer.

New Mexico Car Accident Statistics

In 2021, New Mexico saw more than 40,700 motor vehicle accidents. These accidents resulted in 483 deaths while leaving roughly 18,000 others with some degree of injury. The vehicular death rate hit its highest point in the past decade and was considerably greater than the national average.

 
In that same year, Albuquerque alone experienced almost 14,000 motor vehicle accidents, the most out of any city in New Mexico. 118 people were killed in car accidents that year, and 6,427 people were injured. Drivers who are under the influence are a clearly huge problem in Albuquerque, as there were nearly 600 car accidents involving drunk drivers.

When You Most Likely Don’t Need an Attorney

Fortunately, the majority of car accidents in New Mexico are not catastrophic. If you were involved in a comparatively minor accident, such as a fender bender, and you were unharmed, there really is no need to secure legal representation.

 
If you sustained no injuries, did not have to miss any work, and the other driver was determined to be liable, you should be able to file a claim with the negligent driver’s insurance carrier and be compensated for your car’s damage. Of course, a car accident attorney can handle this for you, but you will have to part with a percentage of your settlement when it may not be necessary.

When You Probably Do Need an Attorney

When your accident-related damages are high, you should, at the very least, consult with an attorney about your case. Most reputable personal injury attorneys offer free initial consultations, so you are not risking anything by meeting with someone to discuss the specifics of your potential case.
If any of the following apply to you, you should strongly consider reaching out to a New Mexico car accident lawyer:
- You were badly injured: If you or your passenger sustained serious injuries, such as paralysis, a traumatic brain injury, burn injuries, disfigurement, or broken bones, working with an experienced lawyer is far more likely to get you the financial compensation you need to fully recover as quickly as possible.
- There is a dispute over liability: New Mexico follows comparative fault laws when it comes to car accidents. This means that the amount of compensation you receive will be decreased if you are found to have contributed to the accident in any way. If you do not share in liability for the crash, a skilled lawyer can collect and present evidence that proves this.
- The insurance company offers you a lowball settlement: If your claim for financial compensation is countered with a smaller offer that does not cover your damages or is denied altogether, you will probably need a lawyer to negotiate with the insurer on your behalf. Failing that, they can file a lawsuit for you.
- Your accident involved a commercial vehicle: If a truck driver caused your accident, you will need to work with a New Mexico truck accident lawyer who has years of experience in handling these types of cases. Cases involving commercial vehicles tend to be very complex as they involve multiple liable parties and have millions of dollars on the line.
- Someone was killed: If your passenger was killed, the stakes are much too high for you to settle the case by yourself. A skilled lawyer can review the facts of your accident and advise you on the best way to proceed with a wrongful death lawsuit.

 
Keep in mind that no reputable attorney will try to strongarm you into hiring them. If there is nothing they can help you with that you cannot do for yourself, they should make that clear.

What Will a New Mexico Car Accident Attorney Do For Me?

If you decide to hire a New Mexico car accident attorney, you can expect them to:
- Make sure you understand your rights and explain all of your options for financial recovery
- Fully investigate your accident and collect evidence that proves liability
- Keep track of and accurately calculate your damages
- Work with leading industry professionals, such as accident reconstruction experts, to prove your claim
- Take care of all negotiations and communications with the insurance company
- If necessary, represent you in court

If you get injured or a loved one is killed in a car accident in New Mexico, calling an attorney as soon as possible will be in your family’s best interests.