Rio Rancho Personal Injury Attorney

It’s amazing how just a few seconds can upend your life. If you were a few seconds later when driving through an intersection, you might have missed being hit by a car that was running a red light.

Whether it’s a car accident, a slip and fall, or another unforeseen incident, personal injuries can disrupt our lives and leave us grappling with the aftermath. If it happened because of someone’s negligence, you are entitled to seek compensation to cover any losses you suffered as a result of another person’s actions, intentional or not. In New Mexico, having a reliable Rio Rancho personal injury lawyer by your side can make all the difference in your journey to justice and compensation.

The attorneys at Barrera Law Group LLC have helped many clients navigate the challenges of filing a personal injury claim. We’re proud of the settlements we helped our clients receive.

If you’ve been injured because of another person’s negligence, you owe it to yourself and your family to find out about all your options.

What Counts as Personal Injury Law?

Personal injury law encompasses a broad spectrum of cases, ranging from motor vehicle accidents to medical malpractice. In Rio Rancho, as in the rest of New Mexico, the legal system is designed to protect the rights of individuals who have suffered harm due to the negligence or intentional actions of others.

A skilled personal injury attorney is your ally in navigating the complexities of the legal system. They can provide invaluable guidance, ensuring that you understand your rights, the legal process, and the potential outcomes of your case.

With their expertise, you can make informed decisions that lead to a fair resolution.

Common Categories of Personal Injuries

Car Accidents

The most recent data collected by the NM Department of Transportation finds the following car accident information from one single year:

New Mexico reported 42,836 traffic crashes on public roadways
The crashes involved 103,776 people
19,023 people were injured
436 were killed

Among those crashes, DUIs and DWIs, distracted driving, and failure to use seatbelts or safety equipment were the most common causes of these accidents.

Medical Malpractice

One in five adults has experienced a medical error in the US, with results ranging from minimal harm to prolonged treatment, disability, or even death. National Practitioner Data Bank statistics show that in 2024, New Mexico saw 187 adverse action reports and 201 medical malpractice payouts, while countless other situations likely never evolved into a claim.

Pedestrian Death

In 2024, there were 94 pedestrian fatalities, down from 108 in 2023, according to the New Mexico Department of Transportation. Unfortunately, even with the decrease, New Mexico has the highest rate of pedestrian traffic deaths in the United States.

Other frequent causes of personal injury are:

Do You Have a Personal Injury Claim?

A personal injury claim is about tort law. That refers to an incident where one person causes another person harm. In a personal injury case, that harm can take the form of mounting medical expenses, lost wages, and property.

In order to move forward with a personal injury claim, you have to make the connection between the act of negligence and your injury and the damages it caused. In some accidents, that negligence is easy to establish. For instance, a driver who caused an accident and was under the influence of alcohol or drugs is clearly negligent.

However, when it comes to accidents like rear-end collisions or falling on public property, there might be more challenges to the claim. The best way to discover whether you have grounds to file a personal injury claim after an injury-causing accident in Rio Rancho is to set up a free consultation at Barrera Law Group LLC.

We will hear your version of the events and analyze the evidence to determine whether your case has merit. If we are confident in your claim, we can discuss your legal options and what it will take to prevail in your pursuit of fair compensation.

What Damages Can You Recover?

If you’ve been hurt in an accident in New Mexico, you are entitled to pursue compensation for the full range of losses you’ve suffered. These losses are generally divided into two categories: economic damages and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages

Economic damage is the tangible, documented expenses. The evidence for these damages includes things like hospital bills, pay stubs, and repair receipts.

Examples of economic damages include:

Current and future medical care expenses
Lost wages and employment benefits
Reduced future earning capacity
Physical therapy
Car repair or replacement costs
Special transportation expenses for treatment

If the accident resulted in a fatality, the surviving family could recover a wrongful death claim. They are entitled to recover all of the above expenses, including funeral and burial expenses, in wrongful death cases. The more severe the injury, the greater the potential for a higher amount of economic damages.

Non-economic Damages

Non-economic damages address the physical and emotional impact of an accident. These are the losses that can’t be measured by invoices or receipts. These damages recognize how an injury disrupts your life, your overall well-being, your work, and your relationships.

Common examples of non-economic damages include:

Physical pain
Ongoing discomfort
Emotional distress
Anxiety
Mental anguish
Psychological trauma
Loss of companionship or consortium
Diminished enjoyment of life
Permanent scarring or disfigurement

Unlike economic damages, which can be added up with receipts, noneconomic damages are subjective. Their value often depends on testimony, medical evaluations, and how the accident has altered a person’s day-to-day life. Because of this, insurance companies and juries may use different methods to determine a fair amount.

The personal injury attorneys at Barrera Law Group LLC understand the importance of calculating the fair amount that you’re due.

Why You Need Legal Counsel if You’re Injured in Rio Rancho

After a personal injury, many individuals may be tempted to handle the legal process on their own.

However, the intricacies of the law and the tactics employed by insurance companies make this a challenging endeavor. Enlisting the services of a seasoned Rio Rancho personal injury lawyer can significantly enhance your chances of a favorable outcome.

First and foremost, an experienced personal injury lawyer in Rio Rancho can thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding your injury. This includes gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, consulting with experts if needed, and ensuring that all New Mexico statutes applicable to personal injury claims are met.

Building a strong case foundation is crucial for presenting a compelling argument in negotiations or court.

Moreover, the Rio Rancho injury lawyers at Barrera Law Group LLC are well-versed in negotiating with insurance companies. These companies often seek to minimize payouts, and having a legal advocate on your side ensures that you are not taken advantage of during settlement discussions.

Your lawyer will work tirelessly to secure fair and just compensation that covers medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

The expert personal injury attorneys at Barrera Law Group LLC are ready to discuss your situation and potential compensation in a risk-free, no-cost consultation today.

Choosing the Right Rio Rancho Personal Injury Lawyer

Selecting the right legal representative is a pivotal decision that can greatly impact the outcome of your case. In Rio Rancho, there are several factors to consider when choosing legal representation.

Experience: Look for a lawyer with a proven track record in handling personal injury cases. Experience brings insight, and an attorney who has successfully navigated similar cases is better equipped to handle the challenges specific to your situation.
Specialization: Opt for a lawyer whose primary focus is personal injury law. Specialized knowledge in this field is essential for understanding the nuances of relevant statutes, case law, and legal precedents.
Reputation: Research online reviews, testimonials, and any disciplinary history to gauge the reputation of potential lawyers. A positive reputation is indicative of a lawyer’s commitment to client satisfaction and success.
Communication skills: Effective communication is paramount in legal proceedings. Choose a lawyer who can articulate complex legal concepts in an easily understandable way, keeping you informed and empowered throughout the process.
Accessibility: Accessibility and responsiveness are crucial. A lawyer who promptly returns calls and emails demonstrates dedication to your case and ensures that you are never left in the dark about important developments.

Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Injury Claims

If you’ve been injured because of someone’s negligence, you can seek compensation from that at-fault person. The path to that compensation can sometimes be complicated and raise a lot of questions.

The attorneys at Barrera Law Group, LLC, have the expertise to answer all your questions, starting with the following:

What’s the difference between a personal injury claim and a lawsuit?

Most personal injury cases begin with an insurance claim. In car accidents, drivers are obligated to carry liability insurance that is meant to provide compensation if they cause an accident. Businesses also carry liability insurance for their customers. Before a lawsuit is filed, you will most likely have to go through the process of filing an insurance claim.

In other words, the insurance company needs the opportunity to review and approve or deny the claim.

If the insurance company refuses to pay or makes an unreasonably low offer, we might recommend that you move to the next option of filing a personal injury lawsuit. The lawsuit takes the matter to court, where you and your attorney will have the opportunity to present your version of what happened.

A lawsuit might be the only way to get what you’re entitled to when the insurance company denies your claim or offers a low-ball settlement.

Do I need a personal injury lawyer for an insurance claim?

Technically, you are not required to hire an attorney after an accident. However, having an experienced lawyer usually leads to significantly better results. Insurance companies have teams of adjusters and lawyers who will look for any excuse to deny a settlement. By having an attorney on your side, you’ll have an advocate who understands the law and will negotiate on your behalf for the maximum benefits. That support begins with helping you file the initial insurance claim.

Can I still file a claim weeks or months after the accident?

Yes. In some accidents, there can be a delayed reaction to the injury. For instance, nerve damage might not show up for weeks after the accident. You don’t have to file a claim the day after the accident, but you also shouldn’t wait too long.

New Mexico allows victims of accidents to file a claim for up to three years after the accident. It is important to note that the longer you wait to file, the more complicated the case can become. Witnesses can forget what they saw, and evidence can get lost. That is why you want to act fast and speak with an attorney as soon as possible.

What if I have a pre-existing condition?

You can still recover compensation if an accident worsened a pre-existing condition. For instance, if you already had a bad back and a crash made it significantly worse, you may be entitled to damages for the additional harm caused. Insurance companies often push back on these cases, so strong medical evidence and an experienced attorney are critical in helping you prevail.

What is the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit in New Mexico?

In most situations, you have three years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit in New Mexico. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to pursue compensation altogether.

Because building a case takes time, it’s best to contact an attorney before the statute of limitations expires.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

New Mexico uses a “pure comparative negligence” rule. This means you can still recover damages even if you were partly responsible for the accident, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were found 30% at fault and your damages were $100,000, you could still recover $70,000.

Are there limits on how much I can recover?

Unlike some states, New Mexico does not cap damages in most personal injury cases. However, claims against government entities, such as a city bus accident or a slip-and-fall on government property, are subject to stricter rules and damage caps.

There is a limit of $600,000 for non-economic damages in medical malpractice.

Talk with Barrera Law Group LLC Today

Once you’ve selected a reputable personal attorney who represents injury victims, they can better explain the legal process, which typically begins with an initial consultation, during which you can discuss the details of your case and assess the viability of pursuing legal action.

Barrera Law Group LLC can be your legal advocate.

We’ll start with a free initial consultation where you can share what happened and any relevant information. We’ll discuss how we might work together and what you can expect from the process. If we do agree to take up your case, we will initiate an investigation, gather evidence, and build a robust case. This may involve obtaining medical records, accident reports, and any other relevant documentation. The goal is to establish a clear link between the defendant’s actions and your injuries.

With a compelling case in hand, we’ll engage in negotiations with the at-fault party’s insurance carrier.

Our goal will be to secure a fair settlement without needing a protracted court battle. However, if a satisfactory agreement cannot be reached, we will be fully prepared to take your case to court and advocate for your rights before a judge and jury. A personal injury can be a life-altering experience, but with the right legal representation, you can navigate the challenges and emerge with the justice and compensation you deserve.

In Rio Rancho, a dedicated lawyer is not just a legal advocate; they are a partner in your journey toward resolution.

Don’t face the complexities of the legal system alone. By choosing a reputable and experienced personal injury lawyer, like Barrera Law Group LLC, you’re taking a proactive step toward regaining control of your life after an injury.

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