How Long Does an Accident Stay on Your Record?

A car accident can remain on your driving record for years, and its lingering presence can feel like a constant burden that’s hard to shake. If you’re wondering how long does an accident stay on your record in New Mexico, the answer is typically between three to five years, depending on the circumstances. This can lead to higher insurance premiums and other penalties.

In this blog, we’ll clarify the duration that accidents stay on your record, how the type of collision affects this period, how it influences your insurance, and whether there are ways to reduce its impact. If you’re concerned about this situation following you for a long time, keep reading to discover how Parnall Law can help.

How Long Does an Accident Stay on Your Record?

In New Mexico, the length of time an accident stays on your driving record is typically three to five years, depending on the severity. Minor incidents, like fender benders or low-speed collisions with minimal harm, may remain on your record for around three years for the shorter end of that range. However, more intense catastrophes—especially those involving injuries or significant property damage—can remain on your record for up to five years or more.

The specific timeframe also depends on several factors, including whether you were found at fault, the extent of the damages, and any associated legal violations. According to AutoInsurance, accidents may last longer on your driving background if you were found responsible or if the incident involved grave traffic violations like reckless driving or driving under the influence (DUI). In these cases, the penalties may be more substantial, and you could face additional consequences such as license suspension or higher fines.

While most accidents drop off your record over time, they can still have lasting impacts, especially on your insurance rates. That’s why knowing your options for reducing penalties and protecting your driving history is important.

Can the Length of the Driving Record Depend on Accident Type?

Yes, it does. The duration of a collision on your record can vary depending on its severity. Minor occurrences, like low-speed impacts with minimal damage, typically stay on your record for a shorter period—usually around three years. On the other hand, if it involves significant injuries or major property damage, it may remain on your driving record for five years or longer.

Additionally, if you were found at fault or cited for any serious violations, such as reckless driving or driving under the influence (DUI), the episode could stay on your record even longer and lead to other consequences, such as license suspension or mandatory driving courses.

New Mexico law requires drivers to report these events to the authorities if there’s more than $500 in property damage or if anyone is injured or killed. Depending on the severity, these incidents can have long-term implications for your driving record and may increase penalties or legal repercussions.

Does an Accident Increase Insurance Premiums?

Situations like these can cause your insurance premiums to rise. An at-fault tragedy almost always leads to increased insurance rates for most drivers. Companies consider accidents as signs of risk, meaning they’ll likely charge you more to cover the potential costs of future claims.

The exact growth in your premium will depend on some factors, including:

• Severity of the Accident: More grave catastrophes that involve injuries or significant property damage can cause a substantial hike in your insurance premiums.
• Your Driving History: If you have a clean driving record prior to the accident, the rate hike may be less extreme. Nonetheless, repeat offenses or multiple accidents will lead to higher premiums.
• Insurance Provider Policies: Every insurer has different rules for calculating premiums after an accident. Some insurers may raise rates by 30% or more depending on the circumstances.

Many insurance companies also report accident details to the DMV, which becomes part of your driving record. In some cases, your insurer is legally obligated to report certain particulars, especially those that result in life-threatening harm or property damage. According to Investopedia, the DMV uses this information to update your driving record, which can further impact your insurance rates and legal standing depending on the accident’s severity. You can read more about the reporting process and its consequences here.

Insurance companies also offer accident forgiveness programs, which allow you to avoid a rate increase after your first incident. These programs often come with specific requirements, such as a clean driving record for a particular number of years, and may only be available to some drivers.

If you’ve experienced a rate hike, contacting your insurance provider and reviewing your policy is a good idea. Some companies offer tips to help lower your rates over time, such as bundling policies or taking a defensive driving course.

Can You Remove an Accident from Your Driving Record?

It’s not possible to remove an accident altogether from your driving record, but there are some actions you can take to reduce its long-term effects. In New Mexico, these events will naturally drop off your record after a certain period, but this process can take several years. The good news is that you can improve your driving history to make your record more favorable to insurers and potential employers.

Here are a few practical strategies to help:

• Complete a Defensive Driving Course: A state-approved defensive driving course in New Mexico can help reduce points on your driving record. While this won’t erase the accident itself, it can improve how your file is viewed by insurers, potentially leading to lower insurance premiums.
• Maintain a Clean Record Going Forward: After an unexpected situation, avoiding any further occurrences or traffic violations is important. By driving safely and responsibly, you demonstrate to insurers that the accident was an isolated event, which can eventually lead to lower insurance rates.
• Shop Around for New Insurance: Not all companies weigh accidents similarly. If your current insurer has significantly raised your rates, comparing quotes from other providers may be worth it. You might find a better deal elsewhere, especially if some insurers offer accident forgiveness or discounts for safe driving practices.

Take Control of Your Driving Record

At Parnall Law, we understand that having a car accident on your driving record can be frustrating and costly. Our team is here to help you manage the legal and insurance challenges that come after a collision. Reach out to us today to learn how we can assist you in minimizing the impact on your record and guide you through the recovery process.