Albuquerque Car Accident Lawyer

Goldberg & Loren's Albuquerque car accident lawyers help victims of auto accidents recover compensation for their injuries. With over 32 years of experience, we have recovered over half a billion dollars for our clients in insurance claim settlements and awards through aggressive litigation.

We work to recover maximum compensation, and our experienced car accident attorneys can help you understand your rights when filing a personal injury claim.

We know how difficult it is to recover from a car crash and the many losses that come with it. We will help you to deal with insurance companies, medical bills, lost wages, and other costs associated with your injury.

Give Goldberg & Loren a call today at (505) 421-3698 for a free consultation

What to Do if You Have Been Injured in an Auto Accident in Albuquerque

After an Albuquerque car accident, take certain steps to make sure evidence is preserved, documented, and assessed:

• Seek Medical Attention: No matter how small the injury may seem, seek medical attention. Even a minor injury can become exacerbated over time, so having an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan is necessary.
• Report The Accident: File a police report as soon as possible after a car crash. Getting a copy of the crash report will not only protect you in the event of any legal action taken against you, but it will also provide a source of evidence in the event your case goes to court.
• Document The Accident: Take pictures at the scene of the accident and make sure to get contact information from any witnesses who saw the accident happen. This can be an invaluable resource as you build your case.
• Contact Your Insurance Company: The insurance company will likely want to take a statement from you, and they should also provide any information on what their policy limits are in the event of an accident. You should make sure that all documents related to the accident are provided to your insurer.
• Contact an Attorney Promptly: Contact our car accident attorney as soon as possible so that you can protect your rights. We can help preserve the evidence needed to prove your case. In-person and online appointments are available for your convenience. We are open now to meet with new clients. 

What Not to Do After a Traffic Collision in Albuquerque

When you are involved in a car wreck it is important to protect your rights. This means there are certain things you should not do:

• Do Not Leave the Scene: Always stay at the scene of the accident until you have spoken to the police.
• Do Not Admit Fault: Even if you feel like it may be your fault, do not admit to any responsibility. This could harm your case and make it more difficult for an auto accident lawyer to argue your case.
• Do Not Post About Your Accident On Social Media: Anything you post on social media can be used against you in court. It is best to stay away from posting anything about the accident online.
• Do Not Sign Any Documents From The Insurance Company: Never sign any documents that are provided by the other person’s insurance company without consulting your attorney first. The insurance company may use these documents in an attempt to reduce their payout amount.
• Do Not Talk To Anyone Other Than Your Lawyer: Speak only to your auto accident lawyer about the details of your accident. Do not speak with anyone else about the incident, as anything you say could be used against you.

Albuquerque Auto Accident Statistics

In 2021, there were 112 fatal accidents and 4,459 non-fatal injury accidents.

These crashes led to:

• 118 fatalities
• 246 incapacitating injuries requiring ambulance transport
• 1,605 visible, non-incapacitating injuries not requiring ambulance transport
• 4,576 reports of dizziness, pain, or other symptoms without visible injury

Additionally, 28,774 individuals involved in crashes sustained no injuries.
About 18.5% of those involved in Albuquerque crashes in 2021 suffered injury or death.

Vehicle collisions involving pedestrians and bicycles in Albuquerque resulted in:

• 51 fatalities among pedestrians and cyclists
• 44 incapacitating injuries
• 158 visible, non-incapacitating injuries
• 94 reports of pain or other symptoms
• Only 14 pedestrians and 13 cyclists emerged from their accidents without injury

This indicates that 88% of cyclists and 95% of pedestrians involved in traffic crashes in 2021 suffered injury or death. [1]

Common Reasons for Car Accidents in Albuquerque, New Mexico

Distracted driving was identified as the primary cause of auto accidents in Albuquerque during 2021, contributing to 45 fatal accidents and 2,769 non-fatal injury accidents.

The other frequent causes of auto crashes are as follows:

• Aggressive Driving
• Defective Vehicle Parts
• Driver Fatigue
• Drunk Driving
• Failing to Yield
• Illegal Turns, U-Turns
• Inadequate Road Conditions
• Maintenance Failure
• Reckless Driving
• Speeding
• Tailgating
• Weather

The Types of Traffic Accident Cases We Handle in Albuquerque

Our legal team provides legal representation for the following cases:

• Head-On Collisions: These are some of the most dangerous types of car accidents and can result in serious injuries or even death.
• Rear-End Collisions: Rear-end collisions can be caused by a variety of things, including tailgating, distracted driving, and failure to yield.
• Side-Impact Accidents: Also known as T-bone or side-impact accidents, these can occur when a driver fails to yield the right of way.
• Rollover Accidents: These are some of the most serious types of car crashes and can be caused by improperly maintained roads, defective tires, or driver fatigue.
• Multi-Car Pileups: Multi-car pileups can involve multiple vehicles, resulting in significant damage and serious injuries.
• Single-Car Crashes: Single-car crashes are usually caused by driver negligence, such as drunk driving or distracted driving.
• Blind Spot Accidents: When a driver fails to use their mirrors or turn signals, they can cause an accident in another vehicle’s blind spot.
• Hit-and-Run Accidents: Hit-and-run accidents occur when one of the drivers involved flees the scene without providing contact information.
• Merging Accidents: These accidents occur when two vehicles try to merge into the same lane of traffic.

Types of Injuries Common in Albuquerque Car Accidents

Injuries that are common after traffic collisions in New Mexico:

• Head Injuries / Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): A traumatic brain injury is caused by a sudden impact on the head and can have long-lasting effects.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Spinal cord injuries can occur in any type of car crash, resulting in full or partial paralysis.
• Whiplash: Whiplash is a type of neck injury that occurs when the head is quickly forced back and then forward.
• Broken Bones: Broken bones can be caused by any type of crash, resulting in fractures and dislocations.
• Burns & Scarring: These types of injuries are caused by fires or exposure to dangerous chemicals from the car’s fuel tank.
• Internal Injuries: Internal injuries can occur in any type of crash, resulting in organ damage or internal bleeding.
• Psychological Injuries: Psychological injuries, such as PTSD or depression, can be caused by the trauma of a car accident.

Who Can Be Held Liable for My Injuries in a Car Accident in Albuquerque?

In Albuquerque, liability for injuries in an auto accident typically rests with the party or parties determined to be at fault.

Here are some common scenarios where liability may apply:

• Negligent Drivers: The driver who caused the accident due to reckless behavior, such as speeding, running a red light, or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, can be held liable.
• Vehicle Owners: The owner of a vehicle can be held liable if they negligently entrusted their vehicle to someone known to be a reckless or incompetent driver.
• Government Entities: If the accident was caused by poor road conditions, inadequate signage, or other issues related to road maintenance or design, the government entity responsible for that roadway might be liable.
• Manufacturers: In cases where a vehicle's components or safety features malfunctioned and contributed to the accident or exacerbated injuries, the manufacturer or distributor might be held liable under product liability laws.

Determining liability in an auto accident can be complex and often requires thorough investigation, legal expertise, and documentation of evidence.

Consulting with our knowledgeable personal injury attorneys in Albuquerque can help assess your case and pursue appropriate legal action to seek compensation for your injuries and damages.

Types of Compensation You Can Receive For Vehicle Accidents in Albuquerque

The amount of compensation you receive in a car accident case will depend on several factors, including the severity of your injuries and the negligence of the other driver. In general, you may be eligible for compensation including:

• Medical Expenses: This includes past and future medical bills, such as hospital stays, surgery costs, and prescription medications.
• Lost Wages: If you had to miss work due to the accident or your injuries, you can seek reimbursement for lost wages.
• Pain and Suffering: This is a non-economic form of compensation that covers physical pain and emotional anguish caused by the accident.
• Property Damage: If your vehicle was damaged in the crash, you can seek compensation for repairs or replacement.
• Punitive Damages: Punitive damages are intended to punish the person responsible and deter them from engaging in similar behavior in the future.
• Loss of Consortium: This type of compensation is awarded to the spouse of someone who has been severely injured or killed in a car accident.

How Long Do I Have to Seek Compensation for a Car Crash in New Mexico?

In New Mexico, including Albuquerque, the Statute of Limitations for personal injury claims arising from a traffic collision is typically three years. This means you have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit in civil court. [2]

The time limit for seeking compensation for a traffic collision is governed by the Statute of Limitations, which sets a deadline for filing a lawsuit. Here are the key details:

• Discovery Rule: Sometimes injuries from an accident may not be immediately apparent. In such cases, the Statute of Limitations may begin from the date when the injury was discovered or reasonably should have been discovered.
• Exceptions: There are certain circumstances that can affect the Statute of Limitations, such as if the injured person is a minor (the Statute of Limitations may be tolled until they reach the age of majority) or if the defendant leaves the state temporarily.
• Insurance Claims: While the Statute of Limitations applies to filing a lawsuit, insurance claims for personal injury and property damage typically have their own timelines. It's advisable to notify your insurance company promptly after an accident to begin the claims process.

Given the complexity of legal timelines and the importance of gathering evidence promptly after an accident, consult with our personal injury attorney in Albuquerque as soon as possible.

We can provide guidance specific to your case, ensure deadlines are met, and help pursue the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages.

The Effect of Traffic Collisions on Accident Victims

Car accidents can have a devastating impact on you, leaving you with physical, psychological, and financial suffering. Physical injuries can be painful and long-lasting, while psychological trauma may lead to conditions such as depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Financial difficulties can arise from medical bills and lost wages. You may also face challenges returning to work due to lingering pain or disability caused by the accident, which can further impact your income.

Our local Albuquerque car accident attorneys are here to assist you in pursuing fair compensation for your losses.

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Get a Free Consultation From an Albuquerque Car Accident Attorneys

If you or someone you love was injured in a car accident, it is important to get legal help as soon as possible. An experienced Albuquerque personal injury lawyer will be able to assess your case and determine if you have a valid compensation claim.

At Goldberg & Loren, we are dedicated to helping victims of car accidents get the justice and compensation they deserve. Our legal team is experienced in handling car accident claims and will fight hard to ensure that your rights are protected.

Our Albuquerque car accident attorneys will fight to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Call us at (505) 421-3698 for a free consultation today. 

Local Resources

Local Hospitals

Depending on the accident's location and its distance from the incident, your loved one may be receiving care at one of the hospitals in the Albuquerque area.

University of New Mexico (Level I Trauma Center)
2211 Lomas Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87106
(505) 272-2111

Presbyterian Hospital
1100 Central Ave., SE Albuquerque, NM 87106
505-841-1234

Local Chiropractor

Experiencing a car accident can result in lasting physical issues such as whiplash, pinched nerves, and other complications. Here are some trustworthy chiropractors in Albuquerque to assist you:

Anderson Family Chiropractic
4127 Montgomery Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109
(505) 308-8885

Local Auto Repair Shop

From small fender-benders to significant accidents, these Albuquerque mechanics have the knowledge required to address a variety of vehicle repair challenges.

Advance Team Automotive, Inc.
3720 Hawkins St NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109
(505) 891-1515

*Disclaimer: we do not endorse these companies; they are only recommendations provided to us by clients over the years.

Sources:

[1] SafeRoadsUSA. (2023b, November 1). Albuquerque Road Safety Overview. Safe Roads USA. https://www.makeroadssafe.org/albuquerque-road-safety-overview/

[2] New Mexico Statute of Limitations. (n.d.). Findlaw. https://www.findlaw.com/state/new-mexico-law/new-mexico-statutes-of-limitations.html.

We Represent Clients Who Have Experienced Car Accidents in the Following Cities and Communities Near Albuquerque, NM

• Northeast Heights
• Southeast Heights
• Northwest Albuquerque
• Southwest Albuquerque
• North Valley
• South Valley
• Downtown Albuquerque
• Uptown Albuquerque
• Westside
• Far Northeast Heights
• Near Northeast Heights
• Far Northwest Heights
• Near Northwest Heights
• Rio Rancho
• Los Ranchos de Albuquerque