It can be dangerous for pedestrians to try to cross a busy street, but we should be able to cross the road safely if crossing with the lights, in crosswalks, etc., as we were taught as children. There should be no danger in walking alongside a street or highway in Albuquerque or any other New Mexico city. Yet there is.
Parnall Law Firm in Albuquerque can help if you have been hit by a motor vehicle and injured, or a loved one has been killed. We pursue insurance claims on behalf of injured pedestrians to obtain compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and more. Through these claims, we also help people who have been unjustly injured gain acknowledgment that they were wronged. Contact us now to discuss your next steps at (505) 207-0144.
Do not give up on a pedestrian accident claim in Albuquerque or Central New Mexico without meeting with a Parnall Law attorney. We’re here to help. We will review your case in a free initial consultation, and any work we do on your case is without cost to you unless we obtain compensation for you.
Parnall Law will treat you with honesty and dignity. If we cannot move forward with a claim for you, we will provide any other advice and assistance that we can. We do not waste clients’ time; we pursue cases that we expect to win.
Some 450 to 575 pedestrians are hit by motor vehicles every year in New Mexico, more than one every day, according to the NM Department of Transportation. More than 90 percent of pedestrians in such accidents are either injured or killed.
In the most recent year on record, most pedestrian fatalities were in:
When a driver hits and injures a pedestrian, the pedestrian or their family can turn to New Mexico personal injury law to make things right. The law puts responsibilities on pedestrians and motorists, and a driver at fault in a pedestrian accident can be held liable for the harm done to the injured person.
Most of us were taught to look both ways, cross with the lights, and stay in the crosswalk if one is available when we cross the street. As adults, we learn that the law requires us to follow these rules as pedestrians, but that drivers have responsibility for pedestrian safety, too.
Drivers must yield the right of way by either stopping or slowing down for a pedestrian. A driver must exercise proper precautions if he or she sees a child or a confused or incapacitated person on the road.
When a pedestrian accident occurs, inevitably, finger-pointing begins. At first, it may be difficult to sort out what happened and who is at fault, but it can be done. In fact, the NM DOT cites the top contributing factors in pedestrian accidents in its most recent annual traffic crash report:
In addition, as you may expect, many pedestrian accidents (about 40%) happen in the dark, at night, or early morning, including 83.7% of pedestrian fatalities.
If you or a loved one of yours was hit by a motor vehicle and injured while crossing or walking along an Albuquerque or Central New Mexico road, you should talk to a Parnall Law pedestrian accident lawyer, regardless of the circumstances of the accident. Unless you were totally at fault, you may have a legitimate claim.
The first three “top contributing factors” in pedestrian accidents cited by the New Mexico Department of Transportation account for more than 60 percent of pedestrian accidents.
In fact, in addition to “pedestrian error” being the top contributing factor in 21 percent of pedestrian accidents, 57 percent of pedestrians killed in crashes were under the influence of alcohol, according to NMDOT.
But the top contributing factors on the list are driver negligence or error. And, as the NMDOT states, “The top contributing factor may hide other important factors in the crash.” In other words, there are usually multiple factors involved when a driver hits a pedestrian.
This is important because New Mexico follows a legal doctrine known as “comparative negligence.” In NM civil courts, each person is held responsible for how his or her conduct contributed to the injury in question. As damages (compensation) are awarded, they are apportioned according to the amount of blame the jury thinks the injured person has for the accident.
For example, if a jury decides a victim is 60 percent at fault, he or she can still recover 40 percent of the damages their claim seeks.
Pedestrians whose actions contributed to their accident and injury can obtain compensation if the accident was not 100 percent their fault. Even pedestrians who were drinking may be able to collect damages. There is no law against public intoxication in New Mexico.
This applies to wrongful death claims as well as personal injury lawsuits in pedestrian accidents. And because insurance companies understand comparative negligence in New Mexico, the accident victim’s actions are considered by both sides in settlement negotiations, as well.
We’ll fight for the compensation you deserve
As your pedestrian accident attorneys, Parnall Law can investigate and gather evidence of what really happened in your accident. Our objective is to mitigate (lessen) the impact of any evidence that points the finger at you and to show more pointedly what the driver who hit you did wrong.
The evidence we may uncover to help strengthen your case includes:
It is not always necessary to identify the motorist in accidents involving pedestrians for the injured to obtain an insurance settlement for the pedestrian’s injuries and other losses. Parnall Law can assist you if you or a loved one has been injured by a hit-and-run driver.
You may be covered by your own or another family member’s “uninsured motorist” (UM) coverage. It provides coverage for harm caused by any uninsured motorist, including hit-and-run drivers, since no insurance is identifiable. An uninsured motorist claim can be a part of a personal injury or wrongful death claim.
New Mexico law requires insurance companies to provide uninsured motorist coverage along with automotive liability coverage on a vehicle. Even if you are not named on the policy, you may be covered. Coverage often extends to other members of the vehicle owner’s household.
Parnall Law can review all available insurance policies as part of a free initial consultation. We can determine what coverage applies to you and fight to get proper payment into your hands. Don’t let the insurance company or adjustor tell you that you are not covered. Their obligation is to save their employer money. Insurers do not have your best interests at heart. You need an experienced New Mexico personal injury attorney on your side.
“You deserve a legal team that will stand by your side, fight hard for you, and make sure your voice is heard every step of the way, offering support and guidance you can count on.”
Bertrand Russell Parnall
Owner/CEO
We understand that nothing will make things completely right after you have been hit and suffered catastrophic injuries, or lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident. However, obtaining a proper insurance settlement or jury award of compensation is a statement that what happened should not have happened.
New Mexico’s civil justice system, through a personal injury or wrongful death claim, allows you to obtain two primary outcomes:
In most cases, we can negotiate a settlement that meets your needs and approval. A negotiated settlement concludes your case faster and puts money in your hands sooner. However, if we are unable to persuade insurers to do what’s right, we are always ready to fight your case in court.
The amount of money in a negotiated settlement or jury decision is the only way our society has to say how badly you were wronged, and that, through this payment, justice has prevailed for you
Bert Parnall and his team at Parnall Law have dedicated their careers to achieving that outcome for people like you.
New Mexico residents who have been injured or lost a loved one because they were hit by a car or truck have every right to seek justice for the harm done to them. Parnall Law can help you after a pedestrian accident as you face medical bills, lost income, and other costs and losses, including pain and suffering.
Attorney Bert Parnall understands what you are going through and has dedicated his legal career to obtaining justice for innocent victims of other people’s negligence. When someone else has caused you harm, we will help you set your life right again. Parnall Law will fight to hold accountable those who have wrongly you.
The Parnall Law team in Albuquerque offers you New Mexico’s most experienced personal injury and wrongful death attorneys. We work diligently to obtain the maximum compensation available for your losses and, through a successful claim, acknowledge the injustice you have suffered.
Contact Parnall Law today to arrange a free legal consultation about the circumstances of your pedestrian accident. Our compassionate and determined personal injury and wrongful death attorneys can investigate and pursue your pedestrian accident claim while you concentrate on recovering from this ordeal. Like you, we want things made right for you after this awful intrusion into your life.
Bertrand Russell Parnall is an Albuquerque native, salutatorian of the Class of 1988 at Albuquerque High School, and co-captain of the district football champion Bulldogs. He earned his undergraduate degree from Rice University with a double major in history and French, and his law degree from the University of New Mexico School of Law after coming home to Albuquerque.
Years of Experience: 27+ years
Justia Profile: Bert Parnall
Client Reviews
January 2025 
I had never had to file a lawsuit in my life. I was afraid to even start the process. Una Campbell and staff like Maura were always so nice and always explained to me what was next. They checked up on me even if there was no movement in the case at the time. Even during a family emergency Una made sure she figured out how to show up to a meeting. I appreciated that but I would have understood. This made me see the hard work and the dedication she always put into all her cases. Thank you so much for everything. I wish you the Merriest of Christmases and many Happy New years!
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If you have been involved in a serious accident and sustained significant injuries, you need to consult with an Albuquerque personal injury lawyer to understand your legal options. After a serious injury accident, you will need to file a claim and deal with the insurance adjusters. The insurance company will try to minimize the amount it pays out in claims to protect its profit margin. It may deny your claim or offer a settlement that is a fraction of the fair value of the claim. A lawyer will help you understand your legal rights and whether you have a valid personal injury lawsuit.
A lawyer can collect evidence to strengthen your claim and negotiate on your behalf with the insurance company representing the at-fault party. A lawyer can push back if an insurer tries to deny your claim or take advantage of you. If the case goes to trial, an experienced personal injury attorney will know how to present your case to jurors to increase your chances of a favorable jury verdict.
Attorney Bert Parnall is a fighter. He and his legal team will fight for your legal rights if you have been injured in an accident due to the negligence of someone else in Albuquerque or anywhere in Central New Mexico.
An experienced personal injury lawyer brings a knowledgeable perspective to the process of negotiating with insurers and settling an injury claim. Based on years of experience handling similar claims, an attorney will have a sense of the fair value of your injury claim. Most accident victims are uncertain what their claim is worth. An attorney will analyze the facts of your case and provide guidance about whether an insurer’s settlement offer is reasonable based on the specifics of your case. If you have never dealt with a claim before, it may be difficult for you to know whether an offer is fair on your own.
The insurance company will have lawyers advising its staff during the settlement process. Having an attorney on your side and looking out for your interests evens the playing field. Insurance companies want to avoid going to court. The insurance company may agree to a higher settlement in order to avoid litigation if you have a lawyer advocating for you. If you do not have legal representation, you will be at a disadvantage in dealing with the insurance company.
You want a lawyer that has years of experience handling cases similar to your case and has a record of verdicts and settlements. Ask the lawyer what percentage of his or her practice involves the practice area that applies to your case. You want an established lawyer who knows the local court system and has the resources and determination to pursue your case to completion.
You want a lawyer with whom you feel comfortable communicating and sharing information. You want a lawyer who will listen to your questions and concerns and offer informative answers. You want a lawyer who will be accessible when you have questions and keep you informed of the status of your case.
You want a lawyer that has good references.
Steer clear of any attorney who promises or guarantees you a settlement or a certain outcome. No lawyer can ethically guarantee a certain result in a case.
To find an attorney, you may ask your friends, relatives or co-workers to recommend a lawyer who they have used. You can also schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with an attorney at Parnall Law to get an understanding of your legal options. The consultation will help you clarify your legal options at no charge whether you decide to work with our law firm.
The most common reason to hire a personal injury lawyer is to provide representation after a car crash caused by someone else that resulted in serious injuries. The law allows people who are harmed by others’ negligence to seek compensation. That is an adversarial process. It is helpful to have an experienced injury attorney standing up for you when dealing with an insurance company representing the at-fault party. The insurance company may dismiss or delay your claim if you do not have a personal injury lawyer representing you.
Other reasons to hire a personal injury lawyer include pursuing compensation for injuries caused by unsafe conditions at someone else’s property or protecting a loved one in a nursing home if you suspect your loved one is being subjected to neglect or abuse.
In many instances, people who need legal guidance may have questions about a troubling situation and need a personal injury attorney to investigate the matter and find answers.
Bert Parnall and the team at Parnall Law are available to answer your questions and discuss your legal needs during a free and confidential consultation. The attorneys at Parnall Law have helped thousands of accident victims obtain proper compensation and move forward with their lives.
2155 Louisiana Blvd NE, #8000
Albuquerque, NM 87110
Phone: (505) 268-6500
Fax: (505) 268-8708
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Bertrand Russell Parnall who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.
Tell us about your accident and your injuries. An injury lawyer from our team will call and provide you with a Free Evaluation of your Case. If we can help, and you are unable to travel, we will come to your home, office or hospital. It’s easy – let’s get started.
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Parnall Law Firm, LLC
Hurt? Call Bert ®
2155 Louisiana Blvd NE #8000
Albuquerque, NM 87110
Parnall Law Firm, LLC
Hurt? Call Bert ®
1424 Luisa St STE 1
Santa Fe, NM 87505
Parnall Law Firm, LLC
Hurt? Call Bert ®
2003 Southern Blvd SE #126
Rio Rancho, NM 87124
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