Auto accidents are often stressful, especially when they incur significant injuries and property damage. In this case, it’s usually necessary to pursue compensation to ensure you have the proper financial support you need during the recovery process. In order to do so, you must establish that another driver is liable for what occurred due to negligence.
Because car accidents are often complex, you must have the assistance of reliable injury attorneys. Here at Hinkle Law Offices, LLC, we help clients throughout Albuquerque navigate tough accident cases with our decades of legal experience. In addition to evaluating your case to determine liability, we can also help you calculate the proper amount of damages to ensure you’re financially supported.
New Mexico is a fault-based state when it comes to auto accidents. That means that the motorist who’s considered responsible for what occurred will be required to cover costs related to the accident, which includes medical bills and lost wages due to an inability to work.
Additionally, New Mexico also abides by a pure comparative negligence law. Some car crashes are not so clear-cut, which can mean that numerous motorists hold responsibility for what occurred. In this case, you can still pursue damages if you are partially liable for what happened, but the amount of damages will be reduced by whatever percentage of fault you’re considered responsible for.
First and foremost, check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If there are none, try to move your vehicle to the side of the road to ensure safety. It’s often a good idea to contact the police, as they can help control traffic around the accident scene. Local law enforcement will also create an accident report, which is beneficial to determining fault.
While you wait for the police, exchange information with any other drivers on the scene. Be polite and civil but refrain from talking too much about what occurred. Remember, even an innocent apology can be construed as an admission of guilt. Finally, contact your insurer right away to report the claim. In New Mexico, you have up to three years from the date of the incident to file an accident claim.
In addition to our firm’s knowledge of auto accident liability, we also assist local clients with other types of personal injury claims, including slips and falls. Feel free to schedule a consultation with Hinkle Law Offices, LLC by calling (505) TUF-HELP today.
