Car Crash Attorney in Santa Fe

Intersection Car Accident

If you sustained injuries in a Santa Fe, NM car accident that wasn’t your fault, you could be experiencing physical pain, facing financial devastation, and be fearing what the future might bring.

Car accidents present an ongoing risk in Santa Fe and throughout the surrounding areas of New Mexico.

After an accident, you may face a long and painful recovery as well as a growing pile of unpaid medical bills. If your injuries prevent you from returning to work, you might not be able to earn a living to cover your expenses. The good news is that you can pursue a legal claim or lawsuit to recover compensation for your damages in most cases with the help of our Santa Fe personal injury attorneys of Parnall Law Firm, LLC.

Our experienced attorneys provide you with dedicated attention and a highly personalized level of service.  Throughout the legal process, we are by your side, helping you through this potentially daunting and confusing experience. Contact us today to discuss your personalized options!

Do You Need a Car Accident Lawyer in Santa Fe?

You are not legally obligated to have your own car accident lawyer.

However, because you will be dealing with multiple attorneys from the insurance company, you will be at a significant disadvantage if you attempt to represent yourself. Making a persuasive case for injury accident compensation requires an in-depth knowledge of applicable New Mexico laws and experience with negotiating car accident settlements.

If the insurance company does not settle your claim, your attorney may have to pursue your case through a civil lawsuit. Consequently, you will be best served to choose an attorney who has litigation experience and who is not afraid to take on the insurance company in the courtroom.

The insurance company will often try to convince car accident victims to accept an undervalued “lowball” settlement offer early in the process. If you agree, however, you could lose your legal right to pursue any additional compensation. The insurer might also request a recorded statement from you about the accident. The insurance company can—and will—use anything in your statement to reduce or deny your claim.

Before you discuss any settlement or give any statement about your accident, take advantage of the free consultation that most Santa Fe injury accident attorneys offer. This will help you understand your options for taking legal action and allow you to get answers to your questions.

Establishing Liability for Your Car Accident Injuries

Frequently, car accidents in Santa Fe and the surrounding communities occur due to negligence. In a collision, the negligent party could be another motorist, a commercial driver, or a public transport vehicle operator.

However, even if you have a single-vehicle accident, another party’s negligence could be at-fault. For example, faulty vehicle components, road hazards, or other factors might have caused or contributed to your injury accident.

If another party, such as a negligent driver, caused your injury, you must demonstrate how they caused the accident to make a persuasive claim for compensation. This is where having an experienced attorney on your side becomes valuable. Motorists and other parties have a legal obligation—known as a duty—to exercise reasonable care on the roadways and to avoid any actions that could harm others.

If the other party breaches that duty and fails to act reasonably, that party could be found at fault for the accident that resulted. That party is likewise liable for any damages that result from an accident they caused. Experienced car accident lawyers know how to investigate and build your claim to demonstrate negligence or wrongful action by the at-fault party. A well-documented, persuasive case can help facilitate settlement negotiations and get a check into your hand as quickly as possible.

important information to gather after an auto accident

Establishing Value for Your Santa Fe Car Accident Claim

Accident victims may have the legal right to recover compensation for their economic and non-economic damages. The potential value of your claim will depend on the type and severity of your injuries and how those injuries may potentially affect your life. To calculate the value of your injury accident claim, your lawyer will start by identifying your actual costs to date.

Compensation is calculated by:

  • Medical treatment costs
  • Lost wages and benefits to date
  • Vehicle damage
  • Other related economic damages

Your claim might also include the projected cost of additional treatment and care you may require and the estimated value of any future income losses. You could be entitled to pursue compensation for any permanent disfigurement or disability that you sustained as well as diminished earning capacity and quality of life. Finally, your attorney may also pursue damages for your pain and suffering, and emotional trauma. Although there is no average Santa Fe car accident settlement amount, talking to an attorney is the best way to determine how much your claim could be worth.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Santa Fe, New Mexico

Since 2010, the City of Santa Fe has experienced between 2,000 and 2,500 car collisions each year, according to NM car accident data published by the University of New Mexico.

These crashes leave behind hundreds of injury victims and fatalities. Despite increasingly strict laws and ongoing community initiatives, alcohol contributes to many of these injury accidents.

Some of the other common causes of NM car accidents:

The results can be devastating to accident victims, leaving them with potentially catastrophic injuries.

Frequently Seen Injuries in Car Accidents

Common injuries that occur due to motor vehicle collisions include the following:

  • Head and traumatic brain injuries
  • Back and neck injuries
  • Spine and nerve injuries
  • Fractures and dislocations
  • Internal injuries
  • Loss of limbs and digits

No matter what caused your car accident or what type of injuries you sustained, talking to an attorney should be a priority. Acting quickly after a crash can help protect your legal rights and ensure that your lawyer can build your case. At the same time, evidence remains fresh and witnesses retain a clear memory of the events that transpired.

Car Accident Statistics

  • In a recent year, 4.5% of New Mexico collisions were alcohol-related
  • The most dangerous time to drive in Santa Fe County is between 4pm and 6pm
  • Alcohol-related crashes are recorded to happen around 8pm
  • Most alcohol-related accidents occur on Saturday

 

Call a Car Accident Lawyer in Santa Fe, NM Today!Santa-Fe-Car-Accident-Attorneys

The attorneys of Parnall Law Firm, LLC provide compassionate legal representation to Santa Fe accident victims.

We provide free consultations and case reviews, with options for a phone and video conference in English or Spanish. The goal of our free case analysis is to help you choose the best course of action for you and your future.

Do not discuss any potential settlement offers with the insurance company or provide any written or recorded statements until you discuss your case with an experienced lawyer.

Contact Parnall Law Firm, LLC at 505-268-6500 or contact us online now to learn more or to speak to one of our Santa Fe attorneys.

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