After the Crash: Tips for Handling a Car Accident in Albuquerque

No matter how experienced of a driver you are, getting in a car accident can leave you frazzled. Since you might not be in the best mental or emotional state at the time an accident occurs, we recommend knowing what to do after you get in a car accident before it ever happens. This simple step will give you the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re prepared for the worst.

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What to do After a Car Accident in Albuquerque

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Here are the things you should do after getting in a car accident.

Safety First

1. Ensure your own safety
   Make sure you’re safe. Check for any minor or major injuries.
2. Ensure the safety of others involved
   After ensuring your own safety, check on other drivers to see if anyone needs immediate assistance.
3. Move to a safe location if possible
   Whether the accident occurs on a highway or a residential road, safely move your vehicle to the side or to a nearby parking lot to assess the situation. If your vehicle is severely damaged or traffic is heavy, stay put until emergency assistance arrives. Turn on your hazards, and set out reflective emergency triangles if you have them.

Call for Help

1. Call 911 for emergency assistance
   Keep in mind that police officers will respond to major collisions but may not respond to minor collisions. If anyone is injured, they should seek emergency medical care.
2. Report the accident to the police
   If the police arrive at the scene, you’ll need to provide a report of events. Note the officer’s name, badge number, and contact information, and request a copy of the report. If the collision is minor and the police don’t arrive, you can report the accident online. Request a copy of the accident report either from the local law enforcement office or the insurance adjuster.
3. Notify your insurance company
   Let your insurance company know about the accident so they can begin the claims process.

Document the Accident

1. Exchange information with the other driver(s)
Here’s what you need to gather from all accident victims:

• • Name
  • Address
  • Phone number
  • Driver’s license number
  • Insurance policy number
  • Insurance company phone number
  • Car make, model, year, color, vehicle identification number (VIN), and license plate number

2. Take photos and videos of the accident scene
Take photos and videos of the accident for later reference. Be thorough so you don’t miss anything. Record any details that could be helpful during the claims process, like what street the accident occurred on and what direction each vehicle was traveling in. Your insurance company and the adjuster will need these accident-related documents to determine fault and repair costs.
3. Gather witness statements
Gather eyewitness statements from anyone who witnessed the accident and is willing to help. Note their name and contact information in case they need to be contacted again later.

Seek Medical Attention

1. Get a medical evaluation
   Even if you feel fine in the moment, pain can surface hours or even days after the accident. Just because you don’t have any physical injuries doesn’t mean you don’t have any internal ones. Be proactive and seek medical attention to either rule out or treat any injuries caused by the accident.
2. Follow up with medical treatment as needed
   If you sustain injuries, seek routine medical treatment while recovering from the car accident until you have healed properly.
3. Keep track of your medical records
   Hold onto all accident-related medical records for the claims process and any legal action that might be taken.

Deal With the Insurance Company

1. Understand your insurance policy
   Knowing what coverage you have and what it entails will simplify the claims process. Your insurance policy may offer tow truck and/or rental car coverage, which is extremely helpful if your vehicle is severely damaged.
2. Don’t admit fault
   Do not admit fault for the accident, whether explicitly or implicitly. Be mindful of what you say to other involved parties. Anything you say could be used against you during the claims process or in court.
3. Cooperate with the insurance adjuster
   The insurance adjuster will call you after the accident to ask questions and gather information. Be honest and share the facts without providing unnecessary details.
4. Consider hiring a personal injury attorney
   If you sustain any accident-related injuries—whether minor or major—and aren’t found at fault, consider contacting an experienced car accident attorney. The attorney will offer sound advice and can represent your case in court to seek financial compensation on your behalf.

Legal Considerations

1. Know your legal rights and options
   Discuss the car crash with a personal injury attorney to know what rights you have and to cover all your options for seeking financial compensation.
2. Understand New Mexico’s car accident laws
   A personal injury attorney can help familiarize you with New Mexico’s car accident laws.
3. Keep track of deadlines and statutes of limitations
   Be sure to file a claim within the deadline. New Mexico’s statute of limitations is three years for personal injury and four years for personal property damage, which means you must file a claim within three to four years of when the accident occurs—depending on what type of injuries were sustained.

Albuquerque’s Leading Car Accident Lawyers

Now that you know what to do after a car accident, it’s time to schedule a confidential consultation with Shapiro Law Team in New Mexico. Our personal injury and accident attorneys will provide the representation and seek the justice you deserve, including maximum financial compensation for accident-related losses. Request your free consultation today to get started.