Carlsbad Car Accident Lawyer

Carlsbad, New Mexico, is a thriving city, thanks in part to the growth of the oil and gas industries in our area. That growth is leading to increased traffic on our roads and highways. We’ve got tourist traffic mixing with trucks on the roads. Sometimes commercial productivity and wide, open roads can be a dangerous mix.

If you have been injured in a car crash, our Carlsbad car accident lawyer is prepared to help. The Parnall Law Firm has extensive experience helping people in New Mexico hold the irresponsible drivers who hurt them financially liable for their injuries. You can seek compensation for your medical bills, your lost work, and your pain and suffering. We can help.

We’ve put together some information on Carlsbad roads and accidents. We hope that it and our tips for safer driving will keep you and your family in good health. Unfortunately, even the most cautious drivers can be hurt by a reckless drunk or distracted driver.

If that’s happened to you, contact us for a free consultation now. Hurt? Call Bert.

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Major Reason for Car Accidents in Carlsbad

Endless different situations can cause car crashes, but many of them have commonalities. Usually, a driver loses control of their car because of distraction, inebriation, or bad driving. The more serious the lapse in attention, the more serious the crash.

The Carlsbad Current Argus documented the circumstances of fatal crashes in Carlsbad.

Here were some of the contributing factors to these collisions:

• Alcohol use – This is by far the most common cause of documented fatal crashes. Alcohol and driving don’t mix.
• Tailgating or other dangerous driving – Tractor-trailers are incredibly common on our major highways, and truck crashes have devastating consequences.
• Failure to follow the rules of the road – Bring your vehicle to a full stop, signal, stay in your lane, and otherwise keep your driving within the bounds of the law.
• Speeding – Driving over the speed limit can cause crashes to be more serious for all involved, so it is crucial that drivers observe the posted limits.

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Dangerous Intersections in Carlsbad for Car Crashes

According to the Carlsbad Current Argus, 17 people died on Carlsbad area roads in a single recent year. This article and public statistics reveal some of the most dangerous roads and intersections in Carlsbad.

You may be unable to avoid these roads, since so many of them are major arteries for our city. It’s a good idea to pay extra attention to your surroundings when you use the roads listed above.

Dangerous Highways in Carlsbad, NM

Our location at the intersection of two highways may be one of the reasons we have so many dangerous crashes in Carlsbad. It’s probably impossible for you to avoid driving on them, but knowing which roads are most dangerous could help you be more vigilant.

Fatal and other serious collisions have been documented on the following highways:

• US Highway 62/180
• US Highway 285
• National Parks Highway

Common Car Accident Injuries

Car crashes cause everything from mild to catastrophic injuries. That’s why it’s so crucial for drivers to behave responsibly.

Some common car accident injuries include:

Some of these injuries can result in permanent disability and disfigurement. If that’s the case, you may be able to seek additional damages from the at-fault parties, including ongoing medical expenses.

Our Carlsbad car accident attorneys can evaluate your accident and determine what kind of damages you might be owed if the driver who hurt you is found liable.

What Compensation Can I Recover in a Car Accident Case in Carlsbad?

In New Mexico, car accident victims may be eligible for compensation depending on the details of their case. Potential damages include:

• Medical Expenses – This covers emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, medication, and extended care if needed.
• If your injuries prevent you from working, you can recover compensation for lost wages. If your injuries limit your ability to work long-term, you may also recover compensation for reduced earning capacity.
• Property Damage – You may receive compensation for vehicle repairs or replacement. Personal effects inside, such as phones or computers, might be included in your claim.
• Pain & Suffering – This includes physical suffering, emotional distress, and mental trauma. If the accident caused PTSD, anxiety, or depression, you can seek additional damages.
• If your injury prevents you from enjoying daily activities or hobbies, you may receive compensation for loss of enjoyment of life.
• Punitive Damages – These are awarded in cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct, such as drunk driving, to punish the offender and deter reckless behavior.

Each case is unique, and your compensation is based on the severity of your injuries and other damages. If you’ve been involved in an accident, it helps to be aware of your rights to help you claim what’s due to you.

How Can I Prove Negligence in My Car Accident Case?

To receive compensation, you must prove the other party was negligent. This involves presenting crucial factors: the party in question had a duty to drive their vehicle reasonably; they violated that duty by negligent driving like driving under the influence or speeding; their lack of caution was the direct cause of the event, and you incurred determinable damages such as medical expenses and lost income.

Building a strong case requires compelling evidence. Eyewitness testimony, police reports, and medical records can help establish liability. Other individuals’ testimony can support this, and the medical records can establish a clear link between the accident and the injuries.

In New Mexico, the legal system functions under a pure comparative negligence principle, enabling individuals to pursue compensation even if they bear some level of responsibility for the incident. Still, your salary will be reduced in line with your share of responsibility. Collect strong proof to protect your rights, as insurance firms tend to minimize claims by assigning responsibility elsewhere.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, evidence of negligence is key to receiving fair compensation. There is a professional to guide you each step of the way to ensure you’ve got everything you need to help support your case and receive maximum compensation.

How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit?

In New Mexico, a vehicle accident injury victim typically has three years from the date of the collision to pursue a personal injury lawsuit. The three-year deadline is strict. Missing it can result in losing your right to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. However, some situations can affect this timeframe:

• Minors: If a child is injured in a car accident, the three-year period typically does not begin until they turn 18, giving them until age 21 to file a lawsuit.
• Wrongful Death Claims: In cases of death resulting from a collision, the three-year limitation period begins on the date of death, not the collision date, to enable survivors to file a lawsuit and receive damages.
• Governmental Involved Crashes: Claims against government vehicles or entities (such as a city bus or a policeman’s vehicle) carry a much stricter time period. Victims must file a written notice of a claim in 90 days and file a lawsuit in two years.

It’s crucial to keep these deadlines in mind. Consultation on time with a Carlsbad auto collision attorney ensures time limits are respected, evidence is conserved, and your case is handled correctly.

How Much Will It Cost Me to Hire a Lawyer in Carlsbad?

Most personal injury lawyers, including Parnall Law Firm, operate on a contingency fee basis, which means:

• No Upfront Costs: You do not pay any legal fees unless your attorney successfully recovers compensation for you.
• Percentage-Based Fees: Your lawyer’s fee is deducted from the final settlement or court award.
• Free Consultations: Most car accident attorneys offer free initial consultations to evaluate your case and discuss your legal options.

A contingency fee structure allows accident victims to pursue justice without worrying about out-of-pocket expenses. Because attorneys are only paid if they secure compensation for their clients, they are highly motivated to fight for the maximum recovery possible.

Tips for Staying Safe on the Road in Carlsbad

You can never guarantee that you’ll avoid crashes when you take to the highway. You’re putting your safety in the hands of every other driver on the Carlsbad road. The best thing you can do is drive defensively.

Here are some tips for driving safely in Carlsbad:

• Avoid alcohol or other inhibiting substances. Many of the fatal and serious accidents in Carlsbad involve alcohol.
• Avoid driving very late at night or early in the morning. Some drivers have trouble with night vision, so it can be risky to be on the road too late. You may also find more drunk drivers on the road leaving bars after the 2 a.m. last call.
• Never text or use a device and drive. It’s very dangerous to look at a screen and try to keep your attention on the road. It’s almost impossible to multitask, and you have a responsibility to control your vehicle safely.
• Keep other distractions at a minimum. It’s not a good idea to eat a meal or fiddle with the radio while driving. Divided attention isn’t safe when you’re driving.
• Keep a safe distance between your vehicle and others. Remember to keep at least a car length between your car and any others, and more if you’re moving at a high speed, like on US 285 or 62/180.
• Wear your seatbelt. Several of the recent fatal accidents in Carlsbad involved unsecured or improperly secured drivers.

Another step you can take is arming yourself with up-to-date knowledge on Carlsbad roads. If a loved one was fatally injured, call our Carlsbad fatal car accident lawyers to fight in their memory. You have legal options!

How Can Parnall Law Help after a Car Accident Injury?

If you suffered an injury at the hands of a negligent driver on one of Carlsbad’s dangerous roads, our car accident lawyers can help. Hurt? Call Bert. It’s as simple as that.

The skilled attorneys at Parnall Law Firm are ready to independently investigate the accident and build a strong case on your behalf. We’ll document the facts of your case and add up all of the costs you’ve incurred to fight for the full, fair payment you need. And, because our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, we won’t get paid until you do.

Contact Our Carlsbad Car Accident Lawyer for Help with Your Injuries

Don’t let your bills pile up when you know that someone caused your injuries. Contact Parnall Law Firm today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.

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Client Reviews

What Our Clients Are Saying About Us

Angela Silva

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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