Albuquerque Drunk Driving Accident Attorney

One careless decision by someone else can leave you with pain, trauma, and an uncertain future.

The physical injuries are hard enough, but then come the medical bills, missed paychecks, and endless frustration of dealing with insurance companies that don’t have your best interests at heart.

It’s stressful and unfair to you and your family.

We are ready to fight for you at Barrera Law Group LLC. We understand what you’re up against and can offer support during this challenging time. These cases aim to compensate for your losses and bring a sense of justice and closure. You deserve some peace of mind.

Find out how our Albuquerque drunk driving accident lawyer can help with your situation.

Drunk Driving Is a Problem in Albuquerque

Sadly, drunk driving continues to be a major issue in Albuquerque. According to the New Mexico Department of Transportation, alcohol was a factor in 40% of all traffic fatalities. Despite all the awareness campaigns and efforts to reduce impaired driving, incidents with drunk drivers still happen.

Many of Albuquerque’s busiest streets and highways, like Interstate 40 and Interstate 25, are frequent locations for these types of crashes. Alcohol impairs judgment, slows reaction times, and affects a driver’s ability to focus. These can all factor into accidents.

If you have been affected by a drunk driver, legal help is available. Find out your options by consulting our Albuquerque drunk driving accident lawyer.

Why Drunk Driving Accidents Cause Serious Injuries

Drunk driving accidents are often more severe than regular crashes. This happens because impaired drivers have slower reaction times, poor judgment, and a lack of control. Unlike sober drivers who might brake or swerve to lessen an impact, drunk drivers often do not react at all. In turn, that leads to high-speed, full-force collisions.

One of the most dangerous consequences of drunk driving is head-on and wrong-way crashes.

These accidents often happen at high speeds and result in devastating injuries like:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord damage
• Internal organ trauma

T-bone crashes at intersections are also common. Many times, victims suffer catastrophic injuries due to little protection from the impact.

Drunk drivers are also more likely to speed, ignore traffic signals, and even forget to wear seat belts.

This can often make injuries worse. The consequences of these crashes can alter the course of a person’s life. They may be left with permanent disabilities, chronic pain, emotional trauma, and financial devastation.

But these accidents are completely preventable. If a drunk driver has injured you or a loved one, you can take legal action against the driver to recover your financial losses. A dedicated Albuquerque drunk driving accident lawyer can help you discover your options.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases

After a drunk driving accident, you might hear about the criminal case against the driver. But what about your own path to justice?

Many accident victims assume that because the drunk driver is facing criminal charges, that will somehow help them recover medical expenses, lost wages, or other damages.

Unfortunately, that’s not how the legal system works.

There are two separate legal processes: the criminal case against the drunk driver and your civil case as the victim. While both cases stem from the same event, they serve very different purposes.

When someone is arrested for driving under the influence (DUI), they face criminal charges brought by the state of New Mexico, not by you as the victim. The goal of a criminal case is to punish the driver for breaking the law. If convicted, they could face penalties such as:

• Fines and court fees
• License suspension
• Probation
• Jail or prison time

While a conviction might bring some sense of justice, it does not provide financial compensation to victims. Even if the driver is convicted and sent to jail, you could still be left with massive medical bills, lost wages, and long-term suffering. That’s where you can take civil action.

A civil case is about compensation. This can help you recover from the accident without drowning in debt or financial stress.

In a personal injury lawsuit, you can demand compensation for:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages if you had to miss work
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Property damage
• Permanent disability or reduced quality of life

Unlike a criminal case, which a government prosecutor handles, a civil case is handled by your personal injury lawyer. Even if the drunk driver is found not guilty in criminal court, you can still win your civil case because the burden of proof is different.

Our Albuquerque drunk driving accident lawyers can guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have.

What Happens If a Loved One Lost Their Life?

Losing someone you love to a drunk driving accident is heartbreaking and unfair. No family should have to endure a preventable tragedy. While nothing can make up for your loss, you have legal options to seek justice and financial security for your family’s future.

In New Mexico, families of drunk driving victims can file a wrongful death lawsuit against the responsible driver. This legal action holds the driver accountable and helps ease the financial burden caused by your loss.

You may be able to recover compensation for:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical bills related to your loved one’s final care
• Lost income they would have provided for your family
• Pain and suffering for the emotional devastation caused
• Loss of companionship and support

Even if the driver faces criminal charges, a wrongful death claim is separate from the criminal case. You don’t have to wait for a conviction to pursue financial justice.

An Albuquerque Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Can Help

After a drunk driving accident, you shouldn’t have to deal with insurance companies, legal paperwork, and court deadlines. Your main focus is on healing and recovery. At Barrera Law Group LLC, we handle every legal detail so you can move forward with confidence.

Here’s how we fight for you:

• Collect evidence: We dig deep to build a rock-solid case. We will collect police reports, breathalyzer results, witness statements, medical records, and photographs of the accident scene.
• Insurance company negotiations: Insurers often downplay injuries and make lowball offers. We stand up to them. We will negotiate fiercely to secure the compensation you deserve.
• Filing a lawsuit if necessary: If they don’t play fair, we don’t back down. We will take your case to court and fight for full and fair compensation.
• Going to trial if needed: Although most cases settle, if a trial is the best path to justice, we are fully prepared to present a compelling case before a judge and jury.

At the end of the day, this is about your future. You don’t have to wait and hope for justice. You can take action. We’re here to fight for you every step of the way.

Choosing the Right Albuquerque Law Firm for Your Case

When looking for a lawyer, you want someone who cares about your case and has the experience to handle it successfully. At Barrera Law Group LLC, we are:

• Experienced in handling drunk driving accident cases
• Committed to providing personalized service
• Known for getting results for clients
• Available for a free consultation to discuss your case

Choosing the right lawyer can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. Take the time to find someone who makes you feel comfortable and confident in their ability to represent you.

Let our Albuquerque drunk driving accident lawyer advocate on your behalf. If you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving accident, reach out to us. We are ready to talk about your legal options.