Were you injured in a car crash in Albuquerque, NM or a car crash in Santa Fe, NM? If so, you shouldn’t have to pay out of pocket for your medical bills, repairs to your vehicle, and other expenses if someone else caused the crash. Let Richard Gonzales, an experienced Albuquerque car accident lawyer, help you hold the at-fault party accountable and seek the full and fair compensation you deserve.

Getting help after an injury accident is as simple as picking up the phone or filling out a contact form online. Once you do, Richard will be there to discuss the specifics of your crash, answer your questions, and help you understand your rights and options. You could be owed significant money after a car accident, so don’t wait until it is too late to seek justice. Call the Law Office of Rivera & Gonzales, or contact us online for a 100% free and confidential case evaluation now.

Because the Albuquerque, NM and Santa Fe, NM are a fast-growing metropolitan area with heavy traffic, collisions frequently occur here.

Traffic tends to be more congested in the larger cities. If motorists fail to exercise caution and drive responsibly, they could cause a severe or fatal injury accident.

Some of the most common causes of car accidents in Albuquerque, NM include the following:

• Distracted Driving – Distracted driving is a leading cause of auto accidents nationwide, particularly now that seemingly everyone has a smartphone. Drivers who are scrolling through social media, texting, talking to passengers, grooming, eating, drinking, rubbernecking, or daydreaming could cause a severe or fatal injury crash.
  
  
• Speeding – Speed limits exist to optimize the flow of traffic and ensure that motorists get to their destinations safely. Exceeding the speed limit or driving too fast for conditions could make it challenging to adjust to changing road conditions, make evasive maneuvers, or stop in time to avoid a crash.
  
  
• Reckless Driving – Drivers engaging in reckless behaviors like sudden lane changes, weaving between traffic, or tailgating put themselves, their passengers, and everyone else on the road in danger. Some motorists may drive recklessly due to road rage, pressure to get to their destination, or inexperience.
  
  
• Driver Fatigue – A tired or drowsy driver will often have trouble concentrating on the road or might experience slower reaction times, making them more likely to cause an accident than a well-rested motorist.
  
  
• Failure to Obey Traffic Signs or Lights – Running a red light, failure to come to a complete stop at a stop sign, failing to yield, or disregarding other traffic signs could result in a serious injury accident.
  
  
• Following Too Closely (Tailgating) – Drivers should always remember to maintain a safe distance between their vehicle and the one in front of them. A tailgating driver might not have time to stop if the vehicle in front brakes suddenly.
  
  
• Illegal or Improper Turns – Drivers who make illegal turns or turn into traffic increase their risk of causing an accident.
  
  
• Failure to Adjust Speed for Inclement Weather – Rain, snow, and ice can reduce visibility and traction. Drivers must slow down and take other precautions to avoid a collision when driving in these conditions.
  
  
• Failure to Maintain Vehicle – Proper vehicle maintenance is crucial to the safety of the driver, passengers, and others on the road. Failure to maintain a car’s tires, brakes, and other crucial parts and systems could lead to a devastating accident.
  
  
• Defective Highways – Poorly designed or maintained roads can cause crashes in Albuquerque. When they happen, a government entity responsible for inspecting and maintaining the road could be held accountable if people were injured.
  
  
• Defective Vehicle Parts – Faulty tires, brakes, steering, or other defectively designed or manufactured vehicle parts could easily cause a serious or catastrophic crash. The manufacturer and other entities could be liable for compensating those injured in crashes caused by defective parts.

Injuries from a car accident range from minor scrapes and bruises to more serious or even life-threatening ones. Some of the most commonly reported car accident-related injuries are:

In addition to the physical injuries suffered in a crash, those involved might suffer from severe emotional and mental anguish. This could include emotional anguish, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or other non-physical trauma.

You only have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit after an injury crash in Albuquerque, NM. If you fail to file your lawsuit before the time limit established by the statute of limitations expires, the court will be barred from hearing your case. That’s why hiring an attorney to represent you as soon as possible after the crash is crucial. Your lawyer will need time to collect evidence, build a case, negotiate a settlement or file a lawsuit before time runs out.

Victims injured in an accident caused by another driver may recover financial compensation for economic and non-economic losses related to the crash. Depending on the nature and severity of your injuries, you could be eligible for compensation for:

If you lost a loved one in a tragic car accident in Albuquerque, NM, you could potentially seek compensation through a wrongful death claim. The at-fault party might owe you and other surviving loved ones money for funeral and burial expenses, final medical bills, loss of financial support and companionship, and more.

The time it takes to settle a car accident claim will vary depending on your injuries, losses, the impact the crash will have on your life, the details of the crash, and how willing the other side is to negotiate a settlement. Generally speaking, a car accident case could take anywhere from a few months to a year or more. Some cases might settle quickly, while others might require more time. If the other side refuses to settle, it might be necessary to file a lawsuit and take the case to court to recover compensation. When this happens, the case could take longer due to scheduling with the court and other procedures.

Hiring a car accident lawyer with the right skills and resources to protect your rights after a crash is crucial. You can count on your lawyer to:

• Investigate the accident and collect evidence – A skilled lawyer will investigate the crash and collect crucial evidence to build a strong case on your behalf.
• Negotiate with the insurer for a settlement – Your lawyer will look to secure a fair settlement from the at-fault party’s insurer. This means getting the compensation you need to rebuild your life after the crash.
• File a lawsuit if necessary – If the other driver’s insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement that considers your injuries as well as current and future losses, your lawyer might need to file a lawsuit and seek compensation in court.
• Keep you posted throughout the process – The right lawyer for you will regularly communicate with you about the status of your case and will be available to answer any questions you might have.

Contact Albuquerque, NM Car Accident Attorneys Rivera & Gonzales Today

As experienced personal injury attorneys, Rivera & Gonzales are known as The People’s Attorneys for their passion — and compassion — in assisting victims of New Mexico car accidents. They understands the physical, emotional, and financial toll that car accidents can take on victims and their families, and he strives to provide the aggressive representation they deserve.

If you suffered an injury in an auto accident caused by another driver, contact the Law Office of Rivera & Gonzales by phone or online today for a free, no-obligation legal consultation.