Drunk driving accidents in Albuquerque, New Mexico, can leave individuals with severe injuries and badly damaged vehicles. Fortunately, you can seek compensation if an impaired driver strikes you by filing a claim with help from an Albuquerque drunk driving accident lawyer.
Our team at Zinda Law Group can step in to help you secure fair compensation for all of your losses. We work aggressively to establish liability, track your medical expenses, and provide you with comprehensive support. You can learn more with an Albuquerque car accident lawyer.
You can call or complete our online contact form to begin the process immediately.
Can You File a Drunk Driving Accident Claim?
New Mexico has one of the highest rates of drunk driving and drunk driving deaths. The downtown streets of Albuquerque and the long stretches of interstate in and around the city can make for dangerous conditions when combined with a drunk driver.
You may qualify to file a personal injury claim if you sustained injuries in one of these collisions. A drunk driving accident attorney can review your situation with a free consultation, assessing your eligibility to file a claim.
Generally, drivers qualify for compensation if lawyers show that someone else caused the accident through negligent activity. Lawyers must also show that you experienced injuries or financial losses due to the wreck.
John (Jack) Zinda
Founder / CEO
Over 100 years of combined experience representing injured victims across the country.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationWhat Should You Do After a Drunk Driving Accident?
Accidents with a drunk driver can often leave the victim’s life in pieces. Every story is unique, so there is no way to give broadly applicable advice to fix your situation. Still, the following are a few steps that every drunk driving accident victim should complete as soon as possible.
1. Seek Medical Attention
After your accident, you should seek the attention of a qualified medical professional if you sustained minor or catastrophic injuries. Getting medical care helps establish that the collision directly caused your losses which can help you secure maximum compensation.
These accidents may lead to the following:
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
The insurance company representing the intoxicated driver may have to cover the costs of your treatment, even if the drunk driver only had one alcoholic beverage.
2. Document the Accident
After taking care of yourself, it is essential to document your accident as thoroughly as possible.
Some documents that may be helpful include the contact information for the other driver and any witnesses, any photos or video footage of the accident or injuries, medical records, bills, and paystubs from lost wages that you may have incurred while unable to work.
3. Contact an Experienced Albuquerque Drunk Driving Lawyer
The aftermath of a serious drunk driving accident can be a very isolating experience. It can often seem like all the other parties involved are out to pay you as little money as possible, which may be the reality.
Hiring an experienced law firm gives you someone to take care of all the legal details of your personal injury lawsuit or claim while you focus on your recovery.
Neil Solomon
Partner
Real results matter. We do not get paid unless we win your case.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationHow Can a Drunk Driving Lawyer in Albuquerque Help You?
An experienced lawyer can draw on their training and experience to argue persuasively for your compensation. This assistance may relieve you of the stress of worrying about the legal system. This process will primarily involve three main steps.
Investigation
After you have hired an attorney, they can gather all the information and evidence from the accident scene that they need to handle your claim. They may focus on:
- Conducting interviews and depositions of the other parties
- Analyzing the driving record of the drunk driver
- Contacting whatever expert witnesses may be able to strengthen your claim
Lawyers focus on identifying negligent drivers and pursuing them for full compensation.
Negotiation and Settlement
After your attorney prepares all of the details of your specific case, they can begin negotiating a settlement with the insurance company. Most claims settle before going to trial, allowing you to secure compensation for losses like:
- Your current and future healthcare costs
- Property damage caused by the drunk driving accident
- Your emotional distress, pain, and mental anguish
- Your lost wages and diminished earning potential
- Loss of consortium
- Diminished quality of life
Your Albuquerque drunk driving accident lawyer may be able to draw on their negotiation experience from past drunk driving accident cases to understand what previous cases have settled for and argue on your behalf for a fair settlement.
Trial
If you can’t reach a settlement agreement, going to trial may be your only option. In this case, your attorney can handle the extensive trial preparation and ensure the fair representation of your side.
A trial may also allow you to receive punitive damages from the at-fault party. These damages directly punish individuals who engage in reckless or dangerous behavior.
How does Alcohol Affect Drivers?
All drivers in Albuquerque have a duty of care that requires them to operate their vehicles carefully. Unfortunately, drinking alcohol before getting behind the wheel can result in the following:
- Slow reaction times
- Lack of coordination
- Reductions in concentration
- Impaired vision
These factors can increase the odds of an intoxicated person causing an accident.
Jason Aldridge
Attorney
Standing by 24 hours a day, 7 days a week ready to answer in your time of need.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationHow Long does It Take to Resolve a Drunk Driving Claim?
Every case is different, which means that there is no real way to give an accurate answer as to how long your case might take to settle without knowing the details of your specific claim.
However, it is essential to remember that navigating different schedules in Albuquerque means that it will likely take longer than you may expect for you to receive compensation once you take legal action.
Cole Gumm
Attorney
We are here to ensure you won’t have to face this difficult time alone.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationHow Much Compensation do You Get for a Drunk Driving Wreck?
Your damages generally may be comprised of economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are costs like medical bills and lost wages, while non-economic damages cover the pain and suffering you experience due to your injuries.
Each individual struck by a drunk driver receives different compensation based on the extent of their losses and other factors.
Get Help After a Drunk Driving Accident in Albuquerque
You do not need to fight for compensation for your injuries alone. We believe injury victims should not need to worry about their ability to pay for representation, which is why we use a no-win, no-fee policy—you don’t pay us anything unless we win your case for you.
You can contact an Albuquerque drunk driving accident lawyer from Zinda Law Group for help now. Call or fill out our online form to learn more.
Jason Aldridge
Attorney
We have successfully represented clients in a wide variety of cases across the country.
Available 24 / 7|Free Consultation
