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New Mexico Car Accident Lawyers

Car accidents are a major problem in New Mexico, with the state reporting one of the highest rates of traffic fatalities in the country. These accidents can have catastrophic, life-long impacts. If you’re involved in one, you will need help navigating the often complex legal issues governing them.

According to a 2020 report from the University of New Mexico, there were a total of 398 fatalities from 36,555 motor vehicle crashes in New Mexico. This was up from the previous year’s total of 442 fatalities. Even though the COVID-19 pandemic meant fewer drivers were on the road, there were still 10,910 injured in auto accidents, meaning that nearly 1 in 3 people involved in a vehicle collision in New Mexico suffered an injury.

Sadly, the majority of these fatalities were a result of a driver or passenger not wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash. In fact, of the 398 New Mexico auto accident fatalities in 2020, only 151 of them involved a person who was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. That means that nearly two-thirds of the fatalities may have been prevented by a seatbelt.

Unfortunately, alcohol or drugs played a role in more than 25% of crashes resulting in fatalities. In accidents causing injury, the most prevalent factor was driver inattention. The report showed that nearly 20% of all crashes in New Mexico were caused by distracted drivers, with hit-and-run accidents rising to 17.6%.

What Types of Accidents Are Most Common in New Mexico?

The most common auto accidents in New Mexico are rear-end collisions, head-on collisions, and rollover accidents.

Rear-end collisions are one of the most common types of accidents in New Mexico, and they typically occur when one driver is following another too closely. These accidents are caused by distracted driving or drivers who are not paying attention to the traffic around them.

Head-on collisions are another common type of accident in New Mexico. These accidents usually occur when one driver is driving in the wrong direction or is not paying attention to the lane markings.

Finally, rollover accidents are also common in New Mexico. These accidents can be caused by a variety of factors, such as a driver trying to take a turn too quickly or driving too fast for the road conditions.

What Kinds of Injuries and Damages Can Result?

Auto accidents can result in a variety of severe injuries, often leading to long-term health implications and expensive medical bills. Some of the more serious injuries suffered in auto accidents include:

  • Severe laceration
  • Broken bones
  • Crush injuries
  • Significant burns
  • Head and spine injuries
  • Paralysis

A medical professional can assess your injuries and provide the appropriate treatment. A New Mexico car accident lawyer can then use those records to obtain compensation for your pain and suffering from the at-fault party.

If you are unsure how to handle your claim, call a New Mexico car accident lawyer who can assess your claim and provide expert advice on how to best approach your situation.

Steps You Should Take if You Have Been Involved in a Car Accident

If you’ve been involved in a car accident in New Mexico, it may be time to call a New Mexico car accident attorney. There are several factors that can help you determine when it’s time to call an attorney, such as the severity of your injuries, the amount of property damage, and the type of insurance coverage you have.

However, immediately following a car accident, it is important to take the right steps to ensure your safety and protect your rights. Here are the steps you should take if you have been involved in a car accident:

  • Pull Over and Check for Injuries. If you are able, pull your vehicle over to the side of the road and check for any injuries. If anyone has been injured, call 911 and wait for medical and law enforcement assistance.
  • Seek Medical Attention. If you have been injured in the accident, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even if you don’t think you are injured, it is important to get checked out by a doctor to ensure you aren’t suffering from any unseen injuries.
  • Exchange Information with Other Drivers. If you and the other driver(s) are able, exchange information, such as name, address, phone number, license plate number, driver’s license number, and insurance information.
  • Contact the Police. You should always contact the police after a car accident, no matter how minor the incident is. The police will take a report and document the details of the accident.
  • Take Photos. If it is safe to do so, take photos of the accident scene, including the damage done to your vehicle and the other driver’s vehicle.
  • Contact Your Insurance Company. Once you have exchanged information with the other driver and obtained a police report, contact your insurance company. You should also keep a record of all conversations you have with your insurance company.

If you have been involved in a car accident, following these steps will help protect your safety and your rights.

How Can Nix Patterson Law Help?

A car accident attorney New Mexico residents trust can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that your rights are protected. If you were injured in an accident, our attorneys will fight to get you the highest compensation for your pain and suffering.

The main goal of a New Mexico car accident attorney is to help you seek justice in your case. Here’s how our legal team works toward this goal:

  • Communicate with the other driver’s insurance provider
  • Gather and analyze necessary evidence that could prove negligence and liability
  • Organize your medical records
  • Work with medical professionals to get in-depth information that proves accurate damages
  • Calculate your damages
  • Establish a strategy to seek a fair settlement on your behalf
  • Negotiate with insurance companies, lawyers, or any other third party on your behalf
  • Take your car accident case to trial if no settlement is reached
  • Keep you up to date throughout the process and address any questions or concerns you may have

Nix Patterson has highly trained and experienced car accident attorneys standing by now, ready to assist with your New Mexico car accident claim. Contact us today for a complimentary case evaluation.

CONTACT US

Nix Patterson only works on a contingency fee basis. Our clients pay us nothing unless we win. Schedule a free consultation today. Call 512.328.5333 or complete the form below. 

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