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Getting in a car accident is stressful, especially if it causes personal injuries or property damage. Shapiro Law Team is here to help carry the burden of determining fault in your car accident and pursuing financial compensation.
Before contacting Albuquerque’s leading car accident attorney for assistance, take some time to learn about car accidents and their complexities to set proper expectations for the steps ahead.
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Most car accidents in New Mexico—along with the remainder of the U.S.—are caused by human error. Below is a list of the most common causes of New Mexico car accidents:
Injured parties can seek financial compensation for two types of damages.
Economic damages include the following financial losses:
Keep a record of documentation for the above financial losses. The liable party’s insurance provider—along with your own—will need these documents to prove fault and award compensatory damages.
Non-economic damages include the following mental and emotional losses:
Knowing in advance what to do when you get in a car accident makes the situation less stressful and increases your chances of receiving maximum financial compensation for damages suffered. Follow this five-step checklist the next time you’re involved in a car crash in New Mexico.
As a fault-based car insurance state, New Mexico requires the negligent driver in a multi-car crash to pay for damages. Since New Mexico has a pure comparative negligence law in place, multiple parties can share a percentage of liability for the accident. This principle of fault states that “if the jury finds the plaintiff at fault, they’re not barred from recovery. Instead, the plaintiff’s damages will be reduced by the proportionate degree of their fault.”
If both parties are at fault for a car accident, the injured party in a New Mexico car accident can still receive compensation. It’s simply reduced relative to how much they’re at fault for causing the crash.
New Mexico motorists are required to either have liability car insurance or deposit $60,000 with the state treasurer to drive legally. If you sustain damages or injuries in a car accident caused by someone else, that person’s insurance company will cover the cost up to their designated policy limit. Minimum liability insurance also ensures you’re covered if you cause a car accident.
The minimum mandatory standards for car insurance in New Mexico are as follows:
Beyond the minimum mandatory standards, New Mexico motorists can pay for the following optional car insurance policies to have additional coverage in the case of an accident:
The first step you should take is to file a claim with your insurance provider for financial compensation, also called compensatory damages. You can file a claim for personal injury, property damage, or both—depending on the type and extent of the damages you sustained. The injured party can recover compensation for car repairs, medical bills, income losses, and more from the liable party or their insurance provider.
If you need an experienced car crash lawyer in New Mexico, look no further than Shapiro Law Team. Our team is committed to providing the Superior Representation you need to achieve the justice you deserve. Schedule a free consultation today to get started.