Rio Rancho Motorcycle Accident Attorney
If you have been hurt in a motorcycle accident in Rio Rancho, you might be facing more than just physical pain. Medical bills pile up, time off work leads to lost income, and you may be worrying about how you will ever get back to normal. If the accident was caused by a negligent driver, you need to speak with a Rio Rancho motorcycle accident lawyer to learn about your options for being fairly compensated.
It’s a lot to shoulder on your own, but Barrera Law Group LLC is on your side. Our legal team brings over 18 years of negotiating and litigation experience into every case. We are here to fight for you and will help to protect your rights and interests so you can pursue the maximum amount for your claim.
Why Motorcycle Accidents Require a Different Approach
Motorcycle crashes are not “car accidents without a car.” They are complicated personal injury cases. Riders often suffer more severe injuries, such as broken bones, spinal damage, head trauma, and painful road rash. In these claims, the stakes are high. Insurance companies know these cases can be expensive for them.
They may try to minimize your injuries or blame you for the crash. However, an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer knows how to counter that, and they understand:
- The dynamics of motorcycle crashes
- The prejudice that riders face from insurers and juries
- How to accurately value long-term medical care, lost earning capacity, and pain and suffering
- New Mexico’s comparative negligence rules
At the Barrera Law Group LLC, we appreciate how motorcycle accident claims require a different approach. That knowledge and understanding can make all the difference between being forced to take a lowball settlement or fighting for the full compensation you are entitled to.
How Motorcycle Accidents Happen in Rio Rancho
According to the most recent data from the University of New Mexico, motorcycles are responsible for 1.3 percent of all vehicle crashes but 7.2 percent of fatal accidents in the state. That points out how dangerous motorcycles can be.
Every crash has its own story, but many motorcycle accidents in Sandoval County share common causes, such as:
- Driver inattention, like texting or distracted driving
- Failure to yield, especially for left-hand turns across a rider’s path
- Following too closely
- Impaired driving involving alcohol or drugs
- Hazardous road conditions with gravel, potholes, or uneven pavement
- Defective motorcycle parts or safety equipment
Part of our job is piecing together what went wrong. We talk to witnesses, review police reports, study accident scenes, and if needed, bring in experts to reconstruct how the crash occurred. The sooner you reach out after a collision, the easier it is to preserve that evidence and protect your rights.
What To Do After a Motorcycle Accident
In the moments after a crash, everything feels chaotic. Your first priority is always your health. Call 911, get medical attention, and follow your doctor’s orders, even if you think your injuries are minor. Some injuries, especially head and spinal injuries, do not show symptoms right away.
If possible, try to take photos of the scene, the vehicles involved, and any road hazards. Make sure to exchange contact information with drivers and witnesses.
However, you never want to discuss fault or make statements to insurance adjusters before you have spoken to a Rio Rancho motorcycle accident lawyer. The words you use now can affect your claim later. We understand how stressful this all feels, but we are ready to step in to deal with the insurance companies so you can focus on your recovery.
What Compensation May Be Available?
When you have been hurt, the financial fallout can be just as substantial as the physical injuries. In New Mexico, motorcycle accident victims have the right to seek compensation for damages. This may include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage to your bike and gear
- In some cases, punitive damages may be awarded if the at-fault party acted recklessly
At Barrera Law Group LLC, we will look at every angle to make sure nothing gets left on the table. You were injured by no fault of your own; you deserve to receive your entitled losses under the law.
What New Mexico Motorcycle Laws Could Affect Your Claim?
New Mexico has its own set of rules that come into play in motorcycle accident cases. You want to keep these laws in mind for your potential claim:
Helmet law
In New Mexico, riders under 18 must wear helmets. Sometimes, if you are not wearing a helmet, the insurer could try to lessen your payout. They might claim that your injuries would not have happened if you were wearing protective gear.
Comparative negligence
If you are partially at fault for the crash, your compensation can be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re 20% at fault and your damages are $100,000, you can recover $80,000. Because of this rule, insurance companies will often try to shift the blame for the accident, so they won’t have to pay as much.
Statute of limitations
In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in New Mexico. If you file past the deadline, your case could be dismissed regardless of how strong your evidence might be.
These issues can create problems for your claim. When you talk to our Rio Rancho motorcycle accident lawyer, we can find options to help you pursue the maximum compensation.
How We Help Riders and Their Families
When recovering from serious injuries, dealing with insurance adjusters, paperwork, and legal deadlines is a tremendous burden. As your designated motorcycle accident attorney, our job is to lift that weight off your shoulders. From day one, we handle:
- The investigation
- Collect medical records
- Negotiate with insurers
- Keep you updated so you are never in the dark
If a fair settlement is not offered, we are always prepared to take your case to court and fight for your claim. When you work with a lawyer, that sends a clear signal: you’re serious about your claim, and you’re not going to accept a lowball offer.
We have helped countless New Mexico riders and their families get the compensation they need to rebuild their lives. The accident lawyers at Barrera Law Group LLC can do the same for you.
Why Choose Barrera Law Group LLC
You have plenty of options when it comes to personal injury lawyers, but not every firm understands motorcycle cases or the local landscape in Rio Rancho. At Barrera Law Group LLC, we do.
We know the roads, the intersections where crashes are common, and the local courts where your case will be heard. We have built a reputation for getting results and treating clients with respect.
When you work with us, you are not just another case number. We will take the time to listen to your story, answer your questions, and make sure you feel supported from the first call to the final resolution. Reach out and find out how our Rio Rancho motorcycle accident lawyer can assist with your case.
Motorcycle Crash Frequently Asked Questions
After a serious motorcycle accident, you’ll have a lot of questions for your doctor about treatment and recovery. You’ll also have a lot of questions about your legal options. The Barrera Law Group LLC can help with those legal questions, starting with the following:
How much is my motorcycle accident case worth?
This will depend on your medical costs, lost wages, and how your injuries impact your life. Our motorcycle accident lawyer in Rio Rancho can give you a personalized estimate after reviewing your case.
Do I really need a lawyer for a motorcycle accident?
Insurance companies try to undervalue motorcycle accident claims. When an attorney is involved, you may be able to get a higher settlement. Essentially, we become your advocate and take over all the communication and negotiation with the insurance company. We’ll keep you informed about every response. That can be a great stress reducer.
What if the driver who caused my crash was uninsured?
Even though New Mexico requires all drivers to carry liability insurance, there is no guarantee they will. That is why many insurance carriers offer uninsured motorist protection. If you have that as part of your policy, you could file a claim with your insurance carrier to seek compensation. You also have the option to file a civil lawsuit directly against the at-fault driver. Our experienced attorneys can present you with all the options.
How long will my case take?
It varies. Some settle in a few months; others go to trial and take longer. We will work to resolve your case as soon as possible while protecting your best interests.
Should I accept the first offer from the insurance company?
You are entitled to fair compensation to cover the damages caused by a negligent driver. When an insurance company makes an initial offer, it could either be exactly what you asked for or less than you deserve. That lower settlement might seem like a lot of money, but you have to consider all your future expenses, including your lost salary. You also need to consider how much pain this accident has caused. The ultimate decision will be yours to make, but we’ll present you with the guidance you need to make an informed decision.
A Rio Rancho Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Is Ready to Help
After a motorcycle crash, you are trying to heal, keep up with bills, and figure out what comes next. At Barrera Law Group LLC, we are here to help. When you call our office, you will speak with a team that understands what you are going through and knows how to fight for riders in Rio Rancho.
You shouldn’t wait until the insurance company has the upper hand or deadlines have passed.
Our Rio Rancho motorcycle accident attorney is here to listen to your story, explain your options, and get to work fighting for the compensation you deserve.