Albuquerque Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Many motorcycle riders follow all the important safety guidelines when riding, such as wearing a helmet, clearly signaling to other drivers, and wearing protective gear that is highly visible, but unfortunately, accidents involving motorcycles still occur. If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, an Albuquerque motorcycle accident lawyer can help.
An Albuquerque motorcycle accident lawyer will be able to handle communicating with insurance companies, gathering appropriate evidence to make a strong case, leading settlement negotiations, and serving as your representative in court if necessary.
How Many Motorcycle Accidents Happen in Albuquerque?
In 2023, there were 310 motorcycle crashes in Albuquerque. Statewide, in 2023, there were 1,667 motorcycle accidents where the motorcycle driver was likely not at fault for the crash. Sixteen percent of crashes resulted in suspected serious injuries, forty-seven percent sustained minor injuries, and five percent of motorcycle accidents were fatal.
The most common types of severe injuries sustained during a motorcycle crash include spinal cord damage, paralysis, traumatic brain injury, fractures, road rash, disfigurement, nerve damage, internal bleeding, and internal organ damage.
Outcomes such as serious injury or permanent disability may occur as a result of another individual’s negligence or error. The city of Albuquerque firefighters and paramedics provide emergency response following an accident, including securing the scene, conducting a patient assessment, and providing treatment while waiting for transport. They have been recognized for response times that exceed national accreditation standards.
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.
How Can a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Help?
If you decide to file a claim following an accident, an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can help in the following ways:
- Address insurance limitations. Provide guidance and options if the driver responsible for the accident has inadequate insurance coverage to fully cover your damages.
- Intervene with difficult insurance companies. Often, insurance companies will use strategies such as denying valid claims, requesting irrelevant information, or pressuring the claimant to accept a low settlement offer. An experienced personal injury attorney will understand these tactics and work to protect your interests.
- Clarify disputed liability. If liability for the accident is unclear, an attorney may be able to conduct a thorough investigation, gather essential evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies to protect your rights.
- Navigate complex cases. Sometimes, a motorcycle accident occurs due to a manufacturing error, defective parts, or a roadway design that was a contributing factor in the accident. These types of cases require an attorney with focused experience and background to deliver a successful outcome.
Motorcycle Accident Compensation
If you decide to file a claim following a motorcycle accident, there are certain steps to follow. Your attorney will start the claim by filing the appropriate documentation and contacting the applicable insurance companies.
It is typical to pursue compensation for medical expenses related to the accident, including surgeries, ongoing treatment, and various therapies. A claimant may ask for compensation for pain, suffering, and emotional trauma. Compensation for lost wages due to missing work and loss of future earnings may be part of the compensation.
Your attorney will create a case by gathering relevant information. This information may include medical records, the police report, statements from witnesses, and possibly input from professionals. Many cases are able to be resolved during the settlement process. If a fair settlement that covers your damages cannot be reached, you may need to file a claim.
Your attorney will need to prepare and file a complaint, begin the process of discovery, and use the evidence gathered to represent you in court. It is important to note that the statute of limitations in New Mexico requires that a claim be filed within three years of the date of the accident.
If you fail to file a claim before the statute of limitations has elapsed, your claim will be barred, and you will not be able to seek compensation.
FAQs
A: A motorcycle accident caused by another individual can be devastating and result in serious injury or the loss of a loved one. The prospect of sorting through the legal requirements and handling negotiations can be daunting. A skilled motorcycle accident lawyer can help you navigate these challenges. The ideal attorney will have extensive experience in handling motorcycle accidents successfully. Motorcycle accidents have unique considerations and challenges that differ from other motor vehicle accidents.
A: The amount of a motorcycle accident settlement may vary based on the unique factors in each situation. The amount of damages awarded in a settlement will depend on multiple factors classified as economic damages. This may include medical bills incurred due to the accident, loss of income, and the amount of damage to your motorcycle. Other damages are characterized as non-economic damages. This may include emotional distress, physical pain, and the impact on one’s quality of life.
A: The timeline for settling a motorcycle accident will vary. Factors that may extend the amount of time required to settle a case include the seriousness of the accident and the clarity of liability. An experienced motorcycle attorney can assist with negotiations between insurance companies and help navigate the complex process of reaching a settlement. If both sides fail to reach an agreement, the case will go to trial. A trial may take anywhere from several months to longer to resolve.
A: Determining fault is a critical step in any motorcycle accident. It is crucial that, following a motorcycle accident, you do not accept blame for the accident. Offering an apology or accepting blame for the cause of the accident may be used against you by insurance companies. Never assume you were not injured. Often, pain isn’t apparent until later. You should always be evaluated by a medical professional following an accident.
Contact an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today
Being involved in a motorcycle accident you were not responsible for can have life-altering implications. You should consider hiring a skilled lawyer to explain your legal rights and responsibilities while you focus on recovery. Contact Sutten Law Group to schedule a free consultation.