Rio Rancho Car Accident Attorney

Every trip you’ve taken in your car since you got your driver’s license has helped to build up your driving confidence. After years of driving, you take the experience for granted. You know the rules of the road and practice safe driving. Unfortunately, not everyone follows those rules or has the driving experience you’ve accumulated.

The worst-case scenario is encountering someone on the road without experience or who is driving recklessly. When another driver’s actions cause a car crash, the victims are entitled to seek compensation. Is this a situation you’re currently dealing with? Then you need to speak with a Rio Rancho car accident lawyer from Barrera Law Group LLC.

We’re a team of experienced car collision attorneys who have assisted many clients with their pursuit of justice and accountability when another driver has caused them harm.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, we want to hear what happened.

How Our Rio Rancho Car Accident Lawyer Can Support Your Claim

The following are some of the alarming statistics collected by the New Mexico Department of Transportation for their most recent crash report:

• A motor vehicle crash happens somewhere in the state every 12 minutes
• A person is injured in a car crash every 28 minutes.
• A distracted driving crash occurred every 30 minutes
• An alcohol-involved crash occurred every 4 hours
• A motorcycle was involved in a crash every 9 hours

Most sad of all, someone dies in a car accident every 20 hours. That is nearly once a day.

At Barrera Law Group LLC, we take pride in prioritizing the needs of all our clients. We understand how traumatizing getting into a car accident can be and how important it is to find a fast resolution. This is how we can support you:

Gathering Evidence

In order to prevail in a car accident claim, you must have strong evidence to support your version of the accident. The crucial pieces of evidence our investigation will collect include the following:

• Police crash reports
• Witness statements
• Surveillance footage
• Vehicle debris
• Tire skid marks
• Medical records
• DMV records

There may be some important evidence that might not be accessible to you, but we will know how to track it down.

Consulting Experts

In some cases, you’ll need a consultant who’s an expert in accident reconstruction to help present the evidence in a compelling manner for a potential juror to understand.

Determining Liability

It is important in every car accident claim to determine liability. New Mexico follows a comparative negligence policy, which means you can still receive compensation even if you’re found partially responsible for the accident. However, our goal is to establish a clear liability to help our clients achieve the maximum benefits they are entitled to.

In some claims, such as trucking accidents, there could be more named defendants beyond the truck driver.

Negotiating with Insurance Companies

Our skills as negotiators come into play with every accident claim. Once we agree on a fair settlement amount with you, we’ll begin negotiating with the insurance company. We know all the potential tactics that an insurance company will deploy, and we’ll have a strong defense ready to counter them.

Courtroom Representation

There may come a time during the claim process when we will recommend filing a civil complaint.

That will mean presenting all the evidence to a jury. It will also mean preparing our clients to share their story and get them ready to answer any potential questions from the defendant’s attorneys.

Throughout the claims process, we will continue to negotiate with the insurance company to achieve a fair and timely settlement.

What Are Some of the Common Reasons for Auto Accidents in Rio Rancho?

Many factors contribute to a car accident. It is crucial to thoroughly investigate what happened to determine who was directly at fault for the collision.

Which of the following factors are part of your accident claim?

• Speeding
• Distracted Driving
• Driving Under the Influence
• Medical Emergency
• Reckless Driving
• Construction Zone Violations
• Driver Fatigue
• Failure to Obey Traffic Signs or Lights
• Tailgating
• Illegal Turns
• Bad Weather
• Failure to Maintain Vehicle
• Defective Highways
• Defective Vehicle Parts

There can be more than one reason why the accident happened. Your Rio Rancho car accident attorney will break down all the aspects related to the car accident to create a clear narrative of the event.

What Damages Can You Recover?

When you are injured in a car accident caused by another driver’s negligence, you are entitled to seek compensation for any economic and non-economic losses. It is easy to understand what the economic damages might be.

These are all the items that are backed up by a bill, invoice, or receipt and include the following:

• Ambulance transportation from the accident
• Emergency room charges
• Exams
• Hospitalization
• Surgery
• Prescriptions
• Medical supplies
• Special transportation
• Car repair or replacement

Economic damages can also include wages you’ve lost as a result of the recovery time. If those injuries prevent you from going to work altogether or result in a diminished earning capacity, you could be entitled to make up for those losses as well.

Non-economic damages will include the pain and suffering category. This is related to the discomfort your injuries have caused you both physically and emotionally. You might be experiencing chronic pain and having trouble sleeping.

You might also be experiencing anxiety, depression, or stress as a result of the accident. All of that needs to be compensated for.

We work closely with our clients to help them calculate all their damages. Once a settlement is agreed upon and accepted, you will not be able to return later and request additional funds. That’s why it’s crucial to get the numbers right from the start.

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accident Claims

After being involved in a car accident, there will be a lot to sort out. You may be dealing with car replacement or repair, as well as recovering from an injury.

The looming issue is who will pay for all of this. Barrera Law Group LLC can help to answer any questions regarding your accident, starting with these frequently asked questions:

Should I take the insurance company’s first settlement offer?

It might be tempting to cash a lump sum payment from an insurance company, but you have to consider the “big picture.” Will that amount make you whole again? Will it cover any future medical treatment? Does it compensate for your pain and suffering? Typically, an insurance company’s first offer is almost always a lowball offer designed to save them money. The attorneys at Barrera Law Group LLC will always put our clients’ interests first to help them get what they are entitled to.

Do I need to call the police after a car accident?

Yes, you should always report a crash to the police. A police report provides crucial documentation for your personal injury claim and ensures that any injuries or property damage are officially recorded. Under New Mexico law, you must contact law enforcement if anyone is injured or if property damage appears to exceed $500. Plus, calling the police ensures that medical help can be dispatched if needed.

How much is my car accident claim worth?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The value of your claim depends on many factors, including the severity of your injuries, how long recovery takes, the extent of your medical treatment, and how the accident affects your ability to work and enjoy life. The best way to get an accurate idea of your claim’s value is to consult with an experienced Rio Rancho car crash attorney. We are in the best position to provide you with a potential range of what your claim might be worth.

What is the statute of limitations for car accident claims in New Mexico?

In New Mexico, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline usually means losing your right to recover compensation. Because building a strong case takes time, it’s best to contact a lawyer as soon as possible after your accident.

What if I was partly at fault for the crash?

New Mexico follows a comparative negligence rule. This means you can still recover compensation even if you are partially responsible, but your percentage of fault will reduce your award. For example, if you were found 20% at fault and your damages totaled $100,000, you could still receive $80,000. A skilled car collision attorney can help minimize the fault assigned to you and maximize your recovery.

Do I need a lawyer if the accident was minor?

Even in what seems like a minor accident, injuries can appear later or worsen over time. Insurance companies may try to downplay these issues or pressure you into settling quickly. Consulting with an experienced car accident attorney ensures you understand all your options for pursuing a claim.

What should I do right after a car crash in Rio Rancho?

After checking for injuries, you should call 911 to report the crash. It is vital to seek medical attention right away, even if you feel fine. Many injuries in a car accident, such as a traumatic brain injury, could present with delayed symptoms. After you’ve called for help, you need to exchange contact information with the other driver. If possible, you want to take photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries.

Let Barrera Law Group LLC Fight for You

A car accident is a traumatic experience. In the immediate aftermath of a collision, you may feel shocked, which can block you from experiencing pain. When that shock wears off, you’ll feel the pain as the reality of the situation sets in.

That’s when you start to consider all the options. It is also when you should contact Barrera Law Group LLC to schedule a complimentary consultation.

In our first talk, you’ll be able to ask all your pertinent questions and get an understanding of the challenges you might face when filing an accident claim. We’ll talk about the evidence we’ll need and what you can expect in terms of a timeline. If we agree to work together, it will be because we are confident in the outcome.

Call to schedule your talk today.