A: If someone causes a drunk driving accident in New Mexico, they are likely to face criminal charges such as DUI, expensive fines, and potential jail time. Additionally, victims have the right to file a civil claim to seek compensation for injuries or damages. An Albuquerque drunk driving accident attorney can support you and advocate for you to obtain a settlement that covers all of your damages caused by the accident.
Albuquerque Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
Albuquerque Drunk Driving Accident Attorney
Car accidents caused by drunk driving are some of the most tragic and preventable accidents across New Mexico. Victims have to deal with serious injuries, hefty medical expenses, and emotional trauma related to the incident. If you have been harmed by someone who was drunk behind the wheel, your next move should be to seek an Albuquerque drunk driving accident lawyer.
At Sutten Law Group, we couple compassion and advocacy with relentless legal tactics to obtain the compensation and justice you are owed. As a trusted Albuquerque personal injury lawyer, Richard W. Sutten has the experience and skills to help you navigate through every step of your personal injury claim.
Drunk Driving Accident Laws in New Mexico
In New Mexico, there are stringent drunk driving accident laws in place to maintain accountability for those who decide to drink before getting behind the wheel. If someone is driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, they are considered legally intoxicated. For commercial drivers, there is a lower limit of 0.04%. Drivers under the age of 21 have a limit of 0.02%.
According to 2023 data from the New Mexico Department of Transportation, there were a total of 2,268 alcohol-related crashes—making up over 5% of all crashes from that year. The same set of data also noted a total of 149 alcohol-related fatalities, marking a drop from 2022 and making up 37% of all deadly crashes in 2023.
If you are the victim of a drunk driving accident, you may be able to pursue compensation for the following:
- Lowered earning capacity or lost wages
- Rehabilitation and any other medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Damage to property
- Wrongful death, in the event a crash is fatal
An Albuquerque drunk driving accident attorney can help you build a solid claim for a personal injury due to a drunk driving accident.
Strategically Align and Execute Your Legal Objectives
Legal challenges can feel overwhelming. At Sutten Law, we don’t just react; we strategically guide. We’re committed to understanding your unique situation and providing proactive solutions that protect your interests. Let’s discuss how we can bring clarity and direction to your legal journey.
Hire a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer in Albuquerque
If you have been injured by a drunk driver, it is crucial to hire a drunk driving accident lawyer. A seasoned attorney can help by doing the following:
- Meticulously examine all the details surrounding your accident
- Accumulate documents such as police reports, witness statements, and toxicology results
- Collaborate with medical professionals to detail the full scope of your injuries
- Negotiate with insurance companies to maximize your settlement
- Represent and advocate for you in court if a settlement cannot be reached
Cases are typically heard at the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court, which is located at 401 Lomas Blvd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102. A skilled accident lawyer can advocate for you to obtain a fair and maximized settlement after an accident caused by a drunk driver.
Common Cases: Drunk Driving Accident Claims
Our law firm can represent drunk driving accident claims, such as:
- Vehicle crashes that result in severe injuries
- Accidents involving motorcycles or pedestrians caused by drunk drivers
- Collisions involving multiple vehicles where alcohol is determined to be the cause
- Wrongful death claims for surviving family members
According to New Mexico’s state courts, almost 9,000 DUI cases were processed in 2023. Our seasoned legal team understands that each case is complex and unique, and our goal is to tirelessly fight to hold impaired drivers accountable while obtaining justice and compensation for our clients.
Hiring a Drunk Driving Accident Attorney: Why Choose Sutten Law Group?
Although drunk driving accidents are categorized and acknowledged by criminal law, victims are required to seek personal injury claims in civil court to be compensated for damages. An Albuquerque personal injury lawyer from our firm can build a solid civil claim on your behalf so you can obtain compensation that covers all of your damages.
Our founding attorney, Richard W. Sutten, has over two decades of experience helping members of our community when they need it most. He is a member of the New Mexico Trial Lawyers Association, and has been recognized as a Lawyer of Distinction and one of The National Trial Lawyers Top 100.
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Contact Sutten Law Group for Support After a Drunk Driving Accident
If you or someone you know has been injured in a drunk driving accident, there is no time to waste. Contact Sutten Law Group today to schedule your free consultation. Enlisting the support of a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer from our firm gives you a strong chance of fighting for and obtaining the compensation you are entitled to.
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Secure Your Legal Future.
Legal challenges are often best addressed before they fully materialize. We believe in legal foresight, anticipating potential obstacles and charting a course for lasting security. Let Sutten Law proactively map your legal landscape, ensuring you’re prepared for what lies ahead.
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Reach Out for the Answers You Need
We are here to help. With preparation and experience, we are ready to go to trial when necessary, although that is not always needed. We will answer your questions and be ready to pick up the phone to speak with you at every step of the process. You will know the status of your case, nothing will be a mystery. Contact us today by calling (505) 990-RICK (7425) or by using our contact form.
