Immediately after a traffic accident in Rio Rancho, you are expected to seek medical care and report the accident. The ideal step is to call 911, which will also alert the police. When at the accident scene, make sure that you don’t engage in arguments or admit fault to anyone. Following that, you are required to inform the insurance companies in due time and must consult a Rio Rancho car accident attorney. This post includes a few essential details that will come in handy as you deal with the aftermath of the mishap.
- New Mexico is a tort state. If a driver is responsible for causing a car accident, they are also liable for the losses and injuries caused to others. You will have to file a claim with the other party’s insurance company to recover compensation for your injuries.
- You may need to go to court. While car accident cases are usually “settled” through discussion, some lawsuits have to go through the trial process. this is also one of the primary reasons to have an attorney on your side.
- There is a three-year deadline for car accident injury lawsuits. New Mexico, like most states, has a statute of limitations, which sets a time cap of three years to file a civil lawsuit. The deadline is for lawsuits and not issuance claims. If you want to sue for property damage, there is an extended deadline of four years to file a lawsuit.
- The state follows the pure comparative fault rule. If you were also at fault for the traffic accident, that would impact your settlement. However, because of the claimant-friendly laws, you can expect to recover compensation even if you have a higher fault share. Talk to your attorney and let them know the facts so they can advise on the matter.
- Not all lawyers are the same. Personal injury lawyers often deal with a wide range of cases, and you need to find an attorney who specializes in handling car accident lawsuits. Ask the attorney if they have time for your claim and whether they can go to court if necessary. The lawyer should also explain the legal options and expenses related to the case.
Most car accident lawyers will take a contingency fee, which allows victims to seek legal representation without paying an upfront fee. Get an attorney on your side before you file the claim or talk to the insurance adjuster.
