Albuquerque Car Accident Lawyer

Call Ron Bell Injury Lawyers today at 505-898-2355 to get started.

A car accident can leave you wondering how you will possibly make ends meet, especially if you suffer serious injuries and will be unable to work. Suppose you show that another driver acted careless, reckless, or otherwise negligently and caused your Albuquerque accident. In that case, you may be able to hold the at-fault driver accountable. An Albuquerque car accident attorney at Ron Bell Injury Lawyers can explain your options for trying to get the money you need to pay your medical bills, cover lost wages, and help you overcome your pain and suffering. We offer free case evaluations and handle all personal injury cases based on contingency. You do not pay us a dime unless we recover the compensation you deserve. There is no risk to you in getting legal help for your car accident injuries.

 

Albuquerque Car Accidents Are More Common Than You Think

If you follow Albuquerque Police on Twitter or look at the City of Albuquerque’s online traffic reports, you will see how common crashes are in Duke City. While local officials have made efforts to work on some of the city’s most dangerous intersections, there are still several trouble spots all over the city.

The Montgomery Boulevard & San Mateo Boulevard junction is one of the most dangerous intersections in the state for drivers and pedestrians regarding injuries and fatalities.

Here are some other dangerous intersections in Albuquerque:

  • Paseo Del Norte & Coors Blvd.
  • Paseo Del Norte & Jefferson Street
  • Montaño & Coors Blvd.
  • Central & Coors Blvd.

In addition, Albuquerque is home to two major national interstates, with both I-25 and I-40 passing through the city. The “Big I” where the two come together is a dangerous spot as drivers attempt to navigate the traffic challenges of a major highway intersection.

Albuquerque Car Accidents Are Getting Worse

The New Mexico Department of Transportation publishes annual data about car accidents nationwide. The 2020 Report highlighted that New Mexico has a far higher fatality rate in its crashes than the national average. That same year, the fatality rate for New Mexico crashes reached a five-year high. One in every 100 car accidents in the state results in a fatality. Although the injury rate has remained steady, the rate of serious injuries has ticked up in recent years. Much of this can be attributed to a rise in drunk driving and reckless driving throughout the state.

In Bernalillo County, the number of car accidents had remained constant before falling at the start of the pandemic. However, injury numbers did not decline noticeably even with fewer drivers on the road because driving habits have worsened.

What Can I Recover After an Accident?

We will not be able to give you a possible value for your case until we’ve had a chance to investigate it and determine the strength of your claim and the nature and severity of your expenses and losses. We can, however, help you understand the types of damages that may be available to you through an insurance claim or lawsuit.

Some of the most common types of economic damages recoverable after an accident include:

  • Medical expenses, including hospitalization, treatment, and drug costs
  • Rehabilitation and prescribed therapies
  • Ongoing care costs
  • Lost wages
  • Diminished earning capacity
  • Repair or replacement of your vehicle and other personal property
  • Accident-related out-of-pocket costs

We have also helped many of our clients recover non-economic damages after a negligent driver caused them to suffer injuries. Potential non-economic damages include:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Mental anguish
  • Other emotional damages

Non-economic damages are where the insurance company really tries to underpay your claim. Because these are subjective, you can rest assured that the insurance company will try to minimize your injuries. They may try to use an “objective measure” to calculate pain and suffering that has nothing to do with your situation.

Wrongful Death Damages for an Albuquerque Car Crash

A lady visiting the grave of a loved one killed in an auto accident.

If your immediate family member died because of the injuries they suffered in an accident, you might be entitled to compensation for those losses. Compensation may include money to cover your expenses, such as funeral and burial costs, mental anguish, emotional damages, and your family’s loss of services that your deceased loved one would normally have performed.

Wrongful death damages can include:

  • The lost wages that your loved one would have earned had they lived and continued to make money
  • The love and guidance that they provided to the family
  • Your family’s grief and suffering that has been endured as a result of losing a loved one

In addition to wrongful death, the estate could file a survival action to recover compensation for the damages that the family member suffered between the time of the accident and their death.

Talk to Us About A Fair Settlement Value

Even if you opt to file your insurance claim on your own, we recommend talking to us before you agree to a payout amount or cash the check. We recommend talking to us before you speak to the insurance company to put you in the best legal position.

Insurance companies are not on your side and will often pay as little as possible to settle your claim. Often, we can identify additional expenses and losses our clients were unaware of. For example, you may not know how much you can get in pain and suffering damages, and you may not know the individual elements of non-economic damages.

Let Our Team Help You Get the Compensation You Need After an Albuquerque Car Accident

While you could try to handle your case independently, we can reduce your stress and help you recover the compensation you deserve based on the evidence we collect and the case we build against the at-fault driver.

With our help, you can focus on recovering from your injuries while we focus on looking into your crash and filing a claim based on the other driver’s liability insurance policy. We can file a lawsuit if the insurer refuses to offer you a fair settlement. In most cases, this will prompt the insurer to provide what you deserve without setting foot in a courtroom.

Proving Fault in an Albuquerque Car Accident Case

Before filing your claim, we need to prove the other driver acted negligently and caused your injuries and other damages. The claim requires us to provide proof of four elements:

  • The driver had an obligation to act reasonably and lawfully
  • The driver failed to uphold this obligation, operating carelessly or recklessly
  • This failure caused the accident and your injuries
  • You suffered compensable damages in the accident

We use the evidence we collect to prove our case against the at-fault driver and hold them liable for your expenses and losses. Building a strong case is essential, whether we attempt to negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company or take the case to court and ask a judge to award you a proper payout. Without evidence, it may just be your word against the other driver’s, which would not be enough to persuade the insurance company or a jury that the other driver should be made to pay.

Investigating Your Accident: How a Car Accident Attorney Can Prove Fault

Auto accident investigation

While proving negligence and negotiating a settlement sounds relatively straightforward, it is often much more complex. We thoroughly investigate every accident case we handle, which often requires calling in experts, such as accident reconstruction specialists, medical experts, and others.

As a part of this, we also identify, collect, and analyze any possible evidence to prove fault in your case and documentation of your damages. This allows us to build a strong case on your behalf to obtain the compensation that covers your full range of expenses and losses.

It is not always easy to gather evidence after you have been injured in a car accident. At the scene of the accident, you may not be in a condition to begin to assemble your legal case. In the days after an accident, you may be dealing with physical injuries and unable to do anything independently.

An experienced attorney knows how to quickly investigate and gather evidence that could be used to prove who was responsible for your claim. We may use the following evidence to back up your side of the story:

  • Eyewitness testimony from people who saw your accident
  • The police report (although hearsay rules do not allow us to use this document in court)
  • Pictures from the scene of the accident (if you or someone else was able to take them)
  • Evidence of recklessness, including brake checking, or other acts that could have caused the accident
  • Traffic camera or dash cam footage
  • Testimony from an expert who can recreate the accident

    Handling Your Claim or Personal Injury Lawsuit

    After we complete our investigation, we are ready to prepare our case and fight for the payout you deserve. We will handle your case from start to finish, protecting your rights, filing your insurance claim, negotiating with the insurer, and filing a personal injury lawsuit if necessary. Let us review your case for free and help you get started on recovering compensation today.

    There are more than a few perils in handling your car accident case on your own. The insurance company welcomes people trying to deal with them independently because it saves them money. Our experienced lawyers will work to put you in a position to receive financial compensation. They will then work to maximize your settlement, so you receive all your money.

    Talk to a Car Accident Lawyer in Albuquerque About Your Case

    If you suffered injuries in an Albuquerque car accident, get serious – call Ron Bell Injury Lawyers. Our team offers free case evaluations and may be able to help you recover compensation by holding the at-fault driver accountable.

    Call our office today at 505-898-2355 for your complimentary consultation.

    You didn’t anticipate your life would be shattered during a typical commute or a day running errands, but it occurs all the time in big cities and tiny towns. Car accidents happen all the time on America’s roadways, and the most serious accidents also end up being the most expensive. It would be best if you didn’t have to pay for another driver’s mistakes, and Ron Bell Injury Lawyers knows how to hold those responsible for your injuries accountable.

    Contact an experienced car accident lawyer to represent you if you or a family member has been seriously hurt in a car accident and requires help to ensure you are compensated for your injuries and life changes. We’ll ensure all damages are considered, not just those with a monetary value. Serious injuries can result in significant life changes, and the attorneys at Ron Bell Injury Lawyers are here to assist you in navigating those adjustments while holding the responsible party accountable for your injuries. Call 505-898-2355 today.

    How an Experienced Albuquerque Car Accident Lawyer Can Help

    At Ron Bell Injury Lawyers, we have car accident lawyers dedicated to representing clients who have been injured due to another person’s or entity’s carelessness or recklessness. We obtain results in cases others can’t because we’re willing to put in the time, energy, and effort required to see each case through the legal system. Because we know that the insurance company will strive to keep their money in their pockets, Ron Bell Injury Lawyers prepares every case for trial.

    We will defend your rights — insurance companies may try to persuade you to make a false statement, but Ron Bell Injury Lawyers knows better. Your lawyer will handle the majority of contact so that you won’t be interrupted by calls every hour or so, and we’ll keep you up to speed on your case regularly.

    You don’t pay unless you recover payment – Ron Bell Injury Lawyers will cover all court costs and fees for your lawsuit at no cost to you, so if we lose, we will not bill you, and the firm will cover the costs of the lawsuit.

    We always strive for maximum compensation – Ron Bell Injury Lawyers understands that insurance companies will try to dismiss or minimize your personal injury claims in any way they can so they don’t have to pay as much out of pocket. Our lawyers will pursue total compensation for your pain and suffering, including economic, non-economic, and possibly punitive damages, no matter what they try.

    Today is the best time to contact Ron Bell Injury Lawyers to speak with a member of our experienced legal team about your car accident claim. Contact us for a free consultation about your case if you’ve been harmed or have property damage and need assistance.

    From the outset, we handle every client with integrity. We work on a contingency fee basis. If we accept your case, you may rest assured that we feel confident we will obtain the results you deserve from the start.

    At our law firm, you are treated with respect and concern. Ron Bell Injury Lawyers are here to assist car accident victims. Call 505-898-2355 or contact us today for a free consultation with a legal professional.

    What to do if you’ve been in a car accident

    • Call 911 if you’ve been in a car accident.

    In the event of an automobile collision, you should phone the police to help with any emergency services required on the site. The police will record the accident scene accurately. The police record of your vehicle accident will be crucial in showing negligence if your case goes to court.

    Take pictures of your injuries and those of anyone else at your party. Take photos of the damage to your car and the other car. Document current road conditions, such as a stop sign blocked by a hanging tree. These images will assist you in preparing your case.

    • Seek medical assistance

    People frequently may not realize they have been injured long after a car accident. It’s critical to have tests on everything that hurts to rule out the possibility that your adrenaline is masking persistent difficulties and tell your doctor everything. It’s important to not delay medical treatment after a car accident. Ensure you are diagnosed as soon as possible.

    You have a legal duty to do everything in your power to mitigate your car accident damages, which includes seeing a doctor as soon as possible. In addition, you are seeking financial compensation for your injuries, so you cannot file a claim until you know how badly injured you are.

    • Obey the Doctor’s Instructions

    Follow your doctor’s advice. Follow your doctor’s orders, including undergoing essential testing, finishing therapy, and consulting experts. If you don’t feel better, go back to your doctor and tell them how you feel.

    • Request a copy of the police report

    You should get a copy of the police report as soon as possible. The police report comes from a third party at the scene of your car collision to assess fault. It also keeps track of the time, date, weather, and information on the other driver. Keep a copy in your files.

    • Get in touch with Ron Bell Injury Lawyers

    Before you speak to a representative from the insurance company, give any statements, or go to traffic court, call a vehicle accident attorney at 898-BELL. Insurance adjusters may be kind individuals, but their job is to retain corporate money in their corporation. Get experienced legal assistance to protect your rights. You should hire a firm with a track record of helping injured clients like you get top dollar for their car accident claims.

    • Get in Touch With Your Insurance Company

    It is your responsibility to notify your insurance carrier of an accident. Report the accident and provide the essential data, such as where it happened and who was involved. You do not have to give your insurance company a statement or a comprehensive account of the accident or your injuries immediately after the collision. Many insurance companies let you submit accident information through their app. Knowing what to do after a car accident (and what not to do) will be extremely important for any claim you submit through an attorney or on your own.

    • Avoid using social media

    Do not share or discuss the accident, the other driver, your injuries, your doctors, or anything else that could be used against you on social media. The insurance adjusters are researching and waiting for you to share something that can be used against you on a public forum and don’t give them any information. Similarly, you should be careful what you do in public while your claim is pending because these investigators have a legal right to follow you.

    When Should You Consult a Car Accident Attorney?

    If you’ve been hurt in a car accident, the insurance company will likely make you a settlement offer, especially if the other motorist was at fault.

    However, your offer will likely be significantly less than what you deserve. After all, insurance firms are making money and prefer to pay out as little as possible.

    You give up your right to seek more money for your injuries once you accept that offer which is why it’s critical to speak with a vehicle accident lawyer as quickly as possible. Unlike the insurance company, your lawyer will look out for your best interests by thoroughly assessing your case and assisting you in determining the best course of action in the legal procedure.

    Although not all accidents rise to the level of needing to call an attorney, you will need one if:

    • Serious injuries and/or property damage occurred
    • If a person died because of the accident a wrongful death lawyer can help hold responsible parties accountable
    • It’s unclear who is to blame
    • The settlement offer does not cover your expenses
    • You’re not sure what legal choices you have

    Never assume on your own that a car accident is too minor to need an attorney. You should always consult with a lawyer and get their legal advice about what you should do.

    Choosing the Best Car Accident Lawyers for Your Case

    Ron Bell Injury Lawyers, a professional automobile accident law firm, has firsthand experience with how car accidents may affect people’s lives. We will assist our clients in obtaining the compensation they are entitled to receive. Ron Bell and our team of skilled car accident lawyers believe in maximizing the value of each case they take to relieve their client’s financial and emotional stress.

    The compensation we seek on your behalf will be determined by the circumstances of your accident, your injuries, the parties involved in the accident, and other variables. We will always be open and honest about the status of your case, and we will fight with you to get the compensation you deserve. When deciding on the best car accident lawyer in Albuquerque for you, you’ll have a lot of choices, but call our team today to be confident in your legal journey.

    What Your Car Accident Lawyer Will Assist You In Proving

    Carelessness is one of the most significant aspects of personal injury law that your car accident lawyers will address when taking on your case. You have the burden of proof to show that someone else was negligent, and you must demonstrate every element in the four-part test below by a preponderance of the evidence. This standard is less than the beyond a reasonable doubt standard in a criminal case, but it still takes some work to assemble a persuasive claim.

    A person acts negligently in legal terms when they do something that a reasonable person would not do and cause injury. You would take what this driver did and compare it with what an ordinary driver would have done to determine whether this motorist fell short of their duty of care.

    Your attorney will investigate four fundamental considerations to prove negligence

    Duty of Care

    In general, everyone has a responsibility to prevent harming another person. In different settings, this obligation takes on a distinct appearance. Doctors, for example, are responsible for treating their patients to the best of their abilities. Drivers have a responsibility not to endanger others on the road, and they must adhere to all traffic laws and drive cautiously.

    Breach of Duty of Care

    A driver is considered to have breached their duty of care when they fail to act in a “reasonably prudent” manner and cause injury. A breach of duty of care does not cause every accident. For example, if a large branch falls on the road and a driver needs to swerve to escape it, resulting in a collision, the driver may not have violated their duty of care. After all, a reasonably responsible person would have reacted similarly.

    Injuries As a Result of the Accident

    Your automobile accident lawyer will determine whether your injuries were caused by the accident or something else entirely. Insurance firms will try to blame your injuries on something other than the accident. Insurance companies, for example, will check back into your medical history to see whether there was another event that caused your injuries, such as a previous automobile accident, workplace accident, or sports injury. A lawyer familiar with your injuries’ medical and technical aspects is critical and can successfully demonstrate that the vehicle accident caused your injuries.

    Accident-Related Damages

    Finally, your personal injury attorney must show that the accident caused you to incur actual monetary losses due to the event. This is usually the simplest aspect to demonstrate, and medical costs, pain, suffering, missed pay, and other expenses prove that you were injured.

    We are ready to help. Please call 505-898-2355 or contact us online today for a free case evaluation. We have the resources to ensure that accident victims receive fair treatment while recovering from their injuries.

    A car accident lawyer handles insurance claims.

    The insurance companies will initiate their own investigations into the accident right away. Insurance companies profit from paying as little as possible on auto accident claims, so they will try to pay you as little as possible.

    Do not offer a written or recorded statement to the insurance companies relating how the events surrounding the accident unfolded, who was at fault, and how you were injured. Insurance companies may twist your comments and take portions of your story out of context, denying you adequate time to analyze your injuries and receive care. They may also make low-ball offers to entice you to agree, which is not in your best interests.

    Ron Bell Injury Lawyers will perform our preliminary inquiry and help you through the maze of insurance companies, which may include:

    • Having a meeting with you
    • Examining your vehicle for any flaws
    • Visiting the accident scene to assess the situation
    • Speaking with law enforcement and first responders
    • Locating and interviewing witnesses
    • If the other driver was driving while working, researching their employer
    • Educating you about your injuries and treatment options
    • Each case is unique; therefore, we’ll tailor our investigation to your needs.

    There are a variety of damages available in the event of a car accident.

    It’s just as crucial to determine how much money you’ve lost as it is to determine what caused the accident. Every year, more than 3 million patients in the United States visit the emergency room due to back and neck injuries, brain injuries, and spinal cord injuries. [1] Economic and non-economic losses are two types of damages that you may be able to collect following an automobile accident.

    Economic damages are meant to reimburse you for your actual monetary losses. They’re usually simple to prove because you’ll be able to present paperwork and other proof of your losses. These are some of them:

    • Medical invoices and diagnoses prove past medical expenses and support the case for future medical expenses.
    • Pay stubs and notes from your doctor stating when you can return to work can be used to prove lost wages and future wages.
    • Property damage, as evidenced by invoices and receipts proving out-of-pocket expenses.

    The nature of non-economic damages is a little more uncertain. These damages are meant to compensate for any non-monetary losses you’ve experienced. Your automobile accident lawyer will consult with experts to determine how much you should be compensated for these losses, which may include:

    • Suffering and pain
    • Loss of pleasure in life
    • Mental Anguish
    • Physical impairment or deformity

    Just like negligence, you have the burden of proof to show your damages. You should never assume that the insurance company will give you the benefit of the doubt and that you will not be paid for it if it is not demonstrated on paper.

    For more information, read our step-by-step guide so that you know the necessary steps to take after a car wreck:

    Car Accident Cases: What To Do After They Happen? Ron Bell Injury Lawyers is a law firm that deals with a variety of issues.

    We handle practically every type of vehicle accident at Ron Bell Injury Lawyers. While not exhaustive, the following are some of the most typical car accidents we deal with:

    Accidents Caused by Drunk Drivers
    Accidents Caused by Distracted Drivers, including texting while driving
    Accidents involving hit-and-run drivers
    Accidents involving pedestrians
    Head-On Collisions
    Rear-End Collisions
    Left-Turn Collisions
    Failure to Yield
    Accidents in Parking Lots
    Accidents involving school buses
    Uber, Lyft, and other ride-sharing crashes

     

    Most Common Causes Of Car Accidents

    Irresponsible driver

    Car accidents can be caused by various circumstances, whether natural or caused by the acts of a driver. A skilled vehicle accident lawyer can help you collect the maximum compensation you deserve for your injuries, regardless of the cause. The most common causes of auto accidents are listed below.

    Drunk driving

    Still the leading cause of car accidents, even though distracted driving is swiftly gaining ground. Even when buzzing, a person’s ability to focus on the road and make quick decisions begins to deteriorate. When buzzed turns into drunk, vision may double, making driving difficult. Although several states are toughening their laws against drunk driving, many people continue to do so. New Mexico is one of the country’s worst states in terms of drunk driving arrests and fatalities.

    Potholes, metal plates, and poor drainage

    Road hazards like these are all too common on the interstates, as everyone who has driven them knows. For drivers, these road conditions might soon become perilous. They can lead drivers to lose control of their vehicles or cause them to malfunction, causing them to crash into oncoming traffic or cause other accidents.

    Driving while texting: One of the most critical hazards on the highways is distracted driving, which includes texting while driving. Even though many states have approved hands-free rules, people still text while driving. Reading or responding to a text can keep a driver’s eyes off the road for five seconds at highway speeds, which is enough time to go 300 yards or more without glancing at the road. Inattentive driving is a factor in almost 20% of New Mexico car accidents.

    Speeding

    We’ve all been tempted to drive faster than is safe, especially when we’re in a rush. However, there is a reason why speed limits are in place. When a driver speeds up, it becomes more difficult to maintain good control of the vehicle. Even a slight turn of the wheel at high speeds can be fatal. Furthermore, if traffic in front of you suddenly slows, it becomes much more difficult to come to a complete stop.

    Recalls and Defects in Automobiles

    Even while automakers go to great lengths to guarantee that their vehicles are safe to drive, some flaws may not become apparent for years. After three years of service, engines, for example, may overheat and catch fire. Alternatively, airbags may fail to deploy correctly after some time. When manufacturing problems occur, they might result in serious, even life-threatening, car accidents.

    Exhaustion

    Drivers for ride-sharing apps may drive for long periods, becoming exhausted and unable to drive safely. There are no restrictions on how long these drivers can drive; unlike truck drivers, many of them have a full-time job and then drive for a few more hours, which is risky and frequently ends in a car wreck.

    At our law firm, you are treated with respect and concern. Ron Bell Injury Lawyers is here to assist car accident victims. Call 505-898-2355 today for a free consultation with a legal team member.

    We actively serve auto accident victims in the 505 and Albuquerque, Las Cruces, Santa Fe, and throughout New Mexico.

    Most Common Injuries After an Albuquerque Car Accident

    The most common types of car accident injuries can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the accident. However, some of the most frequently reported car accident injuries include:

    Whiplash: Whiplash is a common injury caused by the sudden jerking motion of the head and neck during a collision. It can result in neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and restricted movement. Neck injuries are very common and should be treated immediately.

    Broken Bones: Fractures and broken bones are common in car accidents, particularly in the extremities like arms, legs, and ribs. These injuries can range from minor fractures to more severe breaks requiring surgery.

    Back Injuries: Car accidents can cause various back injuries, such as herniated discs, spinal fractures, or sprains. These injuries can lead to chronic pain, limited mobility, and potential long-term complications.

    Head Injuries: Head injuries, including concussions, skull fractures, or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), are prevalent in car accidents, especially when there is a direct impact on the head. Head injuries can have severe consequences and may require immediate medical attention.

    Soft Tissue Injuries: Soft tissue injuries involve damage to muscles, tendons, or ligaments and can result in sprains, strains, or bruises. These injuries can cause pain, swelling, and limited range of motion.

    Internal Injuries: Car accidents can cause internal injuries, such as organ damage or internal bleeding. These injuries may not always be immediately apparent and require medical evaluation for proper diagnosis.

    Psychological Injuries: It’s important to note that car accidents can also lead to psychological trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression.

    It’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention after a car accident, even if injuries seem minor, as some injuries may not show symptoms immediately. A healthcare professional can assess and provide appropriate treatment for any injuries sustained.

    VISIT OUR OFFICE IN ALBUQUERQUE

    New Mexico Auto Accident Lawyers

    7309 Indian School Rd NE

    Albuquerque, NM 87110

    505-898-2355 

    Taking Good Care of Our Neighbors

    Our mission as personal injury attorneys is to represent injured people, but we don’t want you to think of us as personal injury attorneys. Our team members are part of the community.

    We live and work here, and it’s the place we call home. We live in the same neighborhoods as you and want to ensure that our neighbors and friends are well cared for.

    Legal Disclaimer

    This website and its contents may be considered attorney advertising under the rules of certain jurisdictions. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

    [1] Source: National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey: 2018 National Summary Tables, table 1, 4, 14, 24, 25

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