Santa Fe Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Every car owner picks the type of vehicle they want to drive. For some, it is an SUV that is big enough for the whole family. For others, it is a sports car that has only two seats.

You can also opt for the thrill and freedom of riding a motorcycle. If you choose to ride a motorcycle, you take on added responsibilities. As a motorcyclist, you can take all the precautions you want, including wearing protective clothing and a helmet, and doing your best to safely share the road with others.

However, one detail that you can’t control is how others act when sharing the road with you. If another motorist’s or someone else’s actions have hurt you or claimed the life of your loved one, you should speak with a Santa Fe motorcycle accident lawyer about your legal options.

While no amount of money is likely to help you restore your life to what it was like before your accident, it can ensure you get the best possible medical care for your injuries. That way, you don’t have to continue struggling financially, given your newfound impairments or loss of your loved one’s contributions to your household.

Speaking with a knowledgeable, compassionate attorney from our law office, Barrera Law Group LLC, about your right to take legal options to recover compensation is free.

So, if you’re ready to discuss your rights, reach out to us to do so now. We’re waiting for your call.

Why Choose Barrera Law Group LLC

When you’re facing mounting medical expenses and uncertainty about your missing work time, it is vital that you get the right information to decide your best options. Here’s why Barrera Law Group LLC is in the best position to provide those answers. Here are some of the reasons why you need to choose us to help with your motorcycle accident claim:

Years of Experience

Our team of motorcycle accident lawyers has spent over 18 years negotiating with insurance companies and litigating civil complaints. We know the ins and outs of all the local courts across the state.

We’ve been before the judges and know what they expect. We have also gone up against big insurance carriers. We know all their tactics and aren’t afraid to take them head-on as we fight for our clients to receive the maximum benefits.

Proven Track Record

We have a proven track record of securing multi-million-dollar settlements on behalf of our clients. While there is no guarantee of an outcome, we understand the limitations of these types of claims and will always strive to have our clients get the maximum benefits they are entitled to.

Total Dedication

At Barrera Law Group LLC, we take great pride in our relationships with our clients. We understand the stress that going through this process can generate. We are dedicated to providing accurate and timely information about the case and the best options for moving forward. We’ll always be available to address any questions or concerns.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in New Mexico

In our experience as attorneys who help motorcyclists who suffer serious injuries in crashes, we often find that the following are the most common contributing factors that result in these accidents:

• Failure to yield to the right of way
• Driving under the influence (DUI)
• Failures to visualize the motorcyclist
• Following too close (tailgating)
• Distracted driving
• Speeding and delayed braking
• Mechanical issues, often caused by manufacturing defects or poor maintenance
• Unsafe lane changes

Injuries Motorcyclists Suffer in Santa Fe

Just like there are many different ways that crashes involving motorcycles can occur, there’s a wide range of injuries that may result from them. Some of the most serious injuries motorcyclists have to concern themselves with include:

• Broken bones, especially involving the leg, arm, and ankle
• Road rash
• Spinal cord injuries
• Internal organ damage
• Blunt force trauma to the head leading to traumatic brain injury (TBI) diagnoses

What To Do After You’re Involved in a Motorcycle Crash

Of course, your priority should be reporting your wreck to the police and requesting paramedics to be sent to the scene to assess your injuries and transport you to the hospital if you’re experiencing an emergency.

Even if you opt not to take an ambulance, you should still visit an emergency room or urgent care clinic to have a doctor check you out to ensure you’re not suffering from any injuries that may only show symptoms once they’ve caused harm or are too late to treat.

You should take whatever medications your physician prescribes and continue to follow any doctor’s orders until you’re told that you no longer require their care. After seeking medical treatment, you’ll want to report your accident to your insurance company. Just be careful to stick only to the facts when you do. Avoid speculating about what happened.

If doctors have diagnosed you with a serious medical ailment or you lost a family member in a motorcycle crash, consulting with a Santa Fe motorcycle accident lawyer should be your next step.

Why?

Sorting out liability can be challenging, but it’s critical in an at-fault state like New Mexico when you’re trying to secure compensation from the party who caused a collision.

Plus, our state is a pure comparative negligence state, meaning that if you’re deemed to be at all responsible for causing the crash, any amount you may be able to recover for your damages may be reduced by the percentage of fault you share.

You can expect any attorney you speak with to advise you of the rights that personal injury victims, like you, have in most cases. This may include filing an insurance claim or lawsuit.

How Long Will My New Mexico Motorcycle Injury Claim Take?

A motorcycle accident happens in an instant. It might take a few hours to assess all your injuries.

After that, you could be looking at several weeks of recovery. It stands to reason that filing a claim for a motorcycle accident should be on the same time schedule. Unfortunately, the claim process can take a lot longer than you hoped for.

That’s one of the realities you have to understand as you begin the process.

At Barrera Law Group LLC, our Santa Fe motorcycle accident attorneys know how frustrating these delays can be. Unfortunately, motorcycle accident claims in New Mexico are rarely straightforward.

The legal process often takes time. However, being patient can work to your advantage. Here’s why these cases are more complicated than many riders expect.

Catastrophic Injuries Require Careful Evaluation

Motorcyclists often face devastating injuries in collisions, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, amputations, or severe road rash. These injuries can affect your ability to work, live independently, and enjoy life.

Before you accept a settlement, it’s crucial to know the full extent of your medical needs and long-term care costs. Insurance companies will push for a quick settlement, but settling too soon could leave you with unpaid bills later. At Barrera Law Group LLC, we strive to help our clients achieve the maximum benefits they are entitled to.

Insurance Companies Are Biased Against Riders

Unfortunately, many insurers see motorcyclists as reckless or irresponsible. This bias often leads them to unfairly deny or delay claims. That is even true when the insured driver was clearly at fault.

Our team at Barrera Law Group LLC knows how to counter this bias. We gather strong evidence, work with accident reconstruction experts, and build a case that forces the insurance company to take your claim seriously.

We’re happy to take on the fight, so you don’t have to accept less than you deserve.

Types of Compensation Available to Motorcycle Accident Victims

If you’re deemed eligible to take legal action, you can expect your lawyer to prepare a demand letter to send to the party responsible for causing the crash.

They’ll typically calculate all of your expenses and take into account the losses that you sustained in your motorbike accident in Santa Fe when coming up with the amount to request on your behalf.

Those economic losses that we request compensation for include:

• Medical bills, including ones associated with your emergency room visit, surgery costs, a hospital stay, follow-up doctors’ visits, physical therapy, and prescription drug costs
• Missed pay, including income you’ve already lost and any lost wages you’re expected to have in the future
• Funeral and burial or cremation costs

We also request compensation for non-economic losses, like:

Pain and suffering

• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Mental anguish
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Loss of companionship or consortium

Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Accident Claims

As you begin the claim-filing process for your motorcycle accident, you’ll gather the questions you need answers to in order to understand the scope of the process. The team at Barrera Law Group LLC is standing by to provide the answers to those questions. We can start with the following:

How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident claim in New Mexico?

In New Mexico, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is three years from the date of the crash. Missing this deadline can prevent you from recovering compensation even when it is clear who caused the accident.

Because witness memories can fade and evidence can be misplaced, it’s best to contact Barrera Law Group LLC as soon as possible after your accident to get the process started.

What compensation can I recover after a motorcycle accident?

The compensation that you could receive for your motorcycle accident claim depends on the severity of your injuries and their long-term impact. You may be able to recover damages for:

• Current medical bills and future treatment costs
• Lost income
• Pain and suffering
• Damage to your motorcycle
• Rehabilitation, therapy, or long-term care

Our attorneys fight to ensure you’re compensated not just for your immediate bills but also for your future needs.

What if the driver who hit me was uninsured or underinsured?

If the at-fault driver has little or no insurance, you may still have options through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. Yes, that would mean filing a claim with your insurance carrier.

The good news is that your premiums won’t go up if it is established that you were not at fault in the accident. The bad news is that your insurance company has the potential to delay and deny the claim.

Being a policyholder in good standing is not a guarantee of a positive outcome. That is why you need a strong advocate in your corner, like the team from Barrera Law Group LLC. We’ve negotiated successfully with all the major insurance carriers.

Do I still need a lawyer if liability seems clear?

Yes. Even if the police ticketed the other driver, the insurance company may still dispute liability or question the seriousness of your injuries.

Without legal representation from an experienced Santa Fe motorcycle accident attorney, you risk being pressured into a quick settlement that doesn’t cover your true costs. Barrera Law Group LLC can level the playing field, negotiate on your behalf, and take your case to court if necessary.

Can I sue the driver who caused my motorcycle crash if my only injury was road rash?

Motorcycle crashes can cause catastrophic injuries. The best-case scenario would be walking away with just a bad case of road rash. However, even that injury can lead to several weeks of discomfort and ongoing medical treatment. It might also leave behind a scar. You deserve compensation for that.

How a Santa Fe Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help You

As someone who’s suffered serious injuries in a motorbike crash, we’re sure you have a lot of questions about how you’re going to pay your medical bills, recoup your lost wages, and address your future needs.

We’re also sure you may want to get insurance company adjusters to stop calling so you can focus on getting better. A Santa Fe motorcycle accident attorney can not only answer your questions, but if you hire us, we can help ensure that you don’t have to receive another insurer call again.

Reach out to us at Barrera Law Group LLC to discuss your accident, injuries, financial losses, and prognosis, and we’ll tell you what options you have for restoring a sense of normalcy and financial safety to your life.