If you or a family member has been struck by a vehicle, our Rio Rancho pedestrian accident lawyers at Shapiro Law Team can help you pursue compensation for your injuries. We represent pedestrian accident victims throughout Rio Rancho, Sandoval County, and communities across New Mexico.
Our team understands how serious a pedestrian collision can be, and we want to help you get the justice you deserve. Our goal is to provide personal support and superior representation while protecting your right to fair compensation.
Why Rio Rancho Pedestrian Accident Victims Choose Shapiro Law Team
When you’re recovering from an accident, you need a legal team that understands your rights and makes getting help easy. Rio Rancho residents choose us because we offer:
- Local Support in Rio Rancho and Sandoval County: Our pedestrian accident lawyers represent injury victims throughout Rio Rancho and Sandoval County. We handle serious motor vehicle claims and help clients understand their options after life-changing accidents.
- Leadership you can verify: David C. Shapiro, founder of Shapiro Law Team, earned his law degree from Arizona State University College of Law and has been admitted to practice in New Mexico since 2022. His practice areas include pedestrian accidents, motor vehicle accidents, brain injuries, and wrongful death.
- No fees unless we win: You shouldn’t have to take on another financial burden to pursue justice. Shapiro Law Team offers free consultations, and you pay no legal fees unless we recover compensation for you.
- English and Spanish support: We offer bilingual legal support in both English and Spanish. This makes legal guidance more accessible to families throughout Rio Rancho and the broader New Mexico community.
Pedestrian Accident Legal Services in Rio Rancho, NM
The right pedestrian accident lawyer in Rio Rancho will handle the legal and insurance process while you focus on recovery. Our attorneys at Shapiro Law Team investigate what happened, determine who may be responsible, and pursue compensation available under New Mexico law.
New Mexico uses a comparative fault system. If an injured pedestrian shares responsibility for an accident, that person’s percentage of fault can reduce the damages they recover. Our team will evaluate the evidence and respond when an insurer tries to place an unfair share of the blame on the pedestrian.
Types of Pedestrian Accidents We Handle in Rio Rancho
Pedestrian crashes can happen on busy roads, at intersections, in parking lots, and anywhere vehicles and people share space. Our pedestrian accident lawyers in Rio Rancho are ready to assist with claims involving:
- Crosswalk and intersection accidents: Drivers who fail to watch for pedestrians or yield when required can cause devastating injuries.
- Parking lot accidents: Low-speed collisions can still seriously injure an unprotected pedestrian.
- Hit-and-run accidents: We can investigate available evidence and explore potential sources of insurance coverage when a driver leaves the scene.
- Rideshare accidents: Pedestrians struck by Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare vehicles may face additional insurance questions.
- Commercial vehicle accidents: Delivery vans, work vehicles, and large trucks can cause catastrophic injuries.
Injuries Covered in Rio Rancho Pedestrian Accident Claims
Unlike vehicle occupants, pedestrians have no seat belt, airbag, or vehicle frame to absorb the force of a collision. For this reason, a pedestrian accident can result in injuries that require emergency treatment, surgery, rehabilitation, or long-term care.
Common injuries we see include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord and back injuries
- Broken bones, including leg and lower-extremity fractures
- Internal organ injuries
- Road rash and soft tissue injuries
- Fatal injuries resulting in wrongful death claims
The severity of your injuries can significantly affect your claim’s value and complexity. Before giving an insurer a recorded statement or accepting a settlement, consider speaking with a pedestrian accident attorney about your rights.
What a Rio Rancho Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Does for You
A pedestrian accident lawyer can manage your claim from the first investigation through settlement or trial. At Shapiro Law Team, we offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no legal fees unless we recover compensation for you.
We help protect your rights by:
Investigating Your Rio Rancho Pedestrian Accident
A strong claim begins with evidence. Our Rio Rancho pedestrian accident lawyers will obtain the available police crash report, interview witnesses, preserve relevant video footage, review medical documentation, and work with qualified experts to build your claim.
Negotiating With Insurance Companies After a Rio Rancho Crash
Serious pedestrian injuries can lead to costly medical bills and lost income. New Mexico generally requires liability coverage of at least $25,000 for bodily injury or death to one person and $50,000 for bodily injury or death to two or more people in one accident. If damages exceed the at-fault driver’s available coverage, our team will investigate other potential sources of compensation.
Taking Your Case to Sandoval County District Court
If negotiations don’t produce an appropriate settlement, filing a lawsuit may be the next step. Our attorneys will prepare the lawsuit, manage filings and discovery, negotiate throughout litigation, and take your case to trial if necessary.
New Mexico Pedestrian Laws Drivers and Walkers Must Know
Understanding New Mexico’s pedestrian laws can help determine who was responsible for a collision. Here are a few key laws to be aware of:
- Crosswalk right-of-way: Under NMSA § 66-7-334, when traffic signals are absent or not operating, drivers must yield to pedestrians crossing within a crosswalk. Pedestrians also cannot suddenly leave a curb and enter the path of a vehicle that’s too close to stop safely.
- Pedestrian responsibilities: NMSA § 66-7-335 addresses crossing outside crosswalks. Pedestrians crossing somewhere other than a marked or unmarked crosswalk at an intersection generally must yield to vehicles on the roadway.
- Jaywalking: Jaywalking generally refers to crossing a roadway unlawfully, such as failing to follow pedestrian signals or crossing outside permitted areas. If a pedestrian is jaywalking at the time of the accident, this can seriously impact their liability.
Statute of Limitations for Pedestrian Accidents in Rio Rancho
In New Mexico, you generally have three years from the date of an accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing the applicable deadline can prevent you from pursuing compensation regardless of the strength of your underlying claim.
However, there are two main exceptions to this rule:
- Government claims: Claims involving a New Mexico government entity may be subject to a much shorter notice requirement, including notice within 90 days in many circumstances.
- Minors and incapacitated people: Different timing rules may apply in certain cases involving minors or incapacitated individuals.
Who Can Be Sued for a Pedestrian Accident in New Mexico?
The driver who struck you may not be the only party responsible for a pedestrian accident. Depending on how the crash happened, our team can investigate multiple parties and sources of compensation, including:
- Negligent drivers: A driver may be liable for speeding, distracted driving, impaired driving, failing to yield, or other negligent conduct.
- Employers and businesses: If someone hits a pedestrian while performing job duties, the driver’s employer may share responsibility in certain circumstances.
- Government entities: A government entity may potentially be responsible if a dangerous road condition or another actionable government-related issue contributes to an accident. These claims can involve special requirements and shorter notice deadlines.
- Vehicle or parts manufacturers: When a defective vehicle or component contributes to a collision, a manufacturer or another party in the distribution chain may potentially be liable.
Every accident is different. Identifying all potentially responsible parties is especially important if one insurance policy isn’t enough to cover a victim’s losses.
Call a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Rio Rancho, NM
If you were hit by a vehicle in Rio Rancho, Shapiro Law Team is here to help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact our team today for a free consultation and no legal fees unless we win your case.
