CALL (800) 863-5312 TO SPEAK WITH ALBUQUERQUE ACCIDENT LAWYERS FOR FREE
If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident in Albuquerque, Zinda Law Group is here to help you recover. We know that automobile accidents can be stressful and the road to recovery can be long. If you were injured in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, call our Albuquerque Car Accident Lawyers. You may be entitled to compensation.
At Zinda Law Group, we know you have many choices when it comes to who handles your claim, but our Albuquerque Car Accident Lawyers are here to help guide you through the legal process. We will work with you to not only help you recover the maximum compensation for your injuries, but we will also handle everything from the insurance companies to ensuring you get the proper medical care. Call (888) 972-7560 for a free consultation with an Albuquerque car accident attorney today. You pay nothing unless we win your case. Hablamos Español.
Why should you hire our Albuquerque Car Accident Lawyers for your car accident case?
Car accidents in Albuquerque can be stressful experiences for anyone. Once you begin the legal process, however, a whole new set of concerns kicks in. While the aftermath of a car accident may be new and scary for you, the experienced Albuquerque car accident attorneys at Zinda Law Group. Our car accident lawyers can help you navigate the legal process by explaining your options, dealing with insurance companies, and pursuing maximum compensation in your case. Here are a few reasons why you should consider hiring our experienced car accident lawyers in Albuquerque:
1. Personal injury lawyers have experience with car accident cases and can answer your questions.
You should never have to go through the legal process alone, especially if this is your first time dealing with personal injury law. Car accidents range in severity, and your case may have several nuances that only an attorney will understand. Plus, you probably have several questions about your claim, including if you have one. The car accident lawyers at Zinda Law Group will answer all of your questions so that you can focus on your recovery.
Experience Evaluating Claims
First, an attorney will be able to tell you whether you have a claim that is worth pursuing. If you are unlikely to win your case, it’s best to know immediately whether it is worth your time and effort. Zinda Law Group’s personal injury lawyers will help you explore your options to help you make the best decision moving forward.
Learn More: Why hiring a personal injury lawyer will help your case.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
Next, although insurance companies seem friendly and trustworthy, it is important to remember that they are a business and prioritize their financial bottom line. Insurance adjusters are skilled in drawing you into conversations and getting you to say things that may damage your case. An Albuquerque car accident attorney will know how to communicate and negotiate with insurance companies in a way that does not hurt your claim.
2. Albuquerque car accident attorneys handle investigations.
Personal injury lawyers know how to conduct investigations, and they have access to investigative techniques that the average person doesn’t. For example, car accident lawyers and their investigators can use cutting-edge technology to demonstrate who may have been at fault. Oftentimes, these techniques can help you build your case and have a successful lawsuit.
Additionally, car accidents typically come with tons of paperwork and evidence, including photos, medical records, videos, police reports, witness testimony, and more. To non-lawyers, these things often become overwhelming. However, a car accident lawyer and their investigators will know what to look for when they receive the materials involved in your case.
3. Personal injury lawyers know legal strategy.
In an ideal scenario, your claim would take little time to resolve and you would continue with your life as if the car accident never happened. Unfortunately, personal injury claims can often get very contentious, and some result in trial instead of settlement. If your case goes to trial, arbitration, or mediation, it is important to have an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side.
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Send Request NowTrial Preparation
Your Albuquerque car accident attorney will spend hours and hours prepping your case for trial. They will piece the evidence together into a cohesive, persuasive story to help you pursue maximum compensation. In trial, this includes the opening statement, questions for witnesses, and lessening the impact of evidence that doesn’t work in your favor.
Rules of Evidence
People who do not practice law are surprised to learn how complicated the rules of evidence can be. An experienced car accident attorney knows how to argue for good evidence to help your case. Plus, they can prevent bad evidence from being presented in front of the judge and jury.
Knowledge of Local Rules
With every car accident case, there are certain procedural rules in your city that must be followed. Zinda Law Group’s car accident lawyers understand the rules within your jurisdiction and will know the next steps in your case. Don’t try to figure out the legal process without an experienced professional by your side.
4. We work with you to pursue maximum compensation.
There are a lot of factors that determine how much you can recover in a personal injury case, and a personal injury lawyer can work with you to help you receive maximum compensation for your injuries and suffering. We can help you recover:
- • Lost wages
- • Medical bills
- • Losses due to pain and suffering
CASE RESULTS
Car accident checklist
Accidents can happen in a blink of an eye, so it is important to know what to in the event of a crash. Below are recommended steps on what to do when you are involved in a car accident in Albuquerque.
At the Time of the Accident
1. Try not to block traffic — move if safe to do so.
Some people believe that you must stay at the exact spot of the collision until the police arrive. However, if the accident did not result in a serious injury or death, pulling to the side of the roadway can prevent additional accidents. Make sure to tell or signal to the other party that you are moving out of the way of traffic and that you are not leaving the scene. Failing to stop or render aid in an accident is a criminal violation.
2. Check for injuries.
Airbags do not have to be deployed before you call the ambulance. If you or anyone involved has sustained serious injuries, contact 9-1-1 or emergency services immediately. Make sure to follow any given instructions from emergency services to prevent further injury. Under New Mexico law, the involved drivers have a duty to give reasonable help to a person injured from the accident.
3. Call the police.
To make sure a record or report of the accident is made, call the Albuquerque police department by dialing 9-1-1; if it is a minor accident, you can call the non-emergency number. New Mexico law requires a driver involved in an accident that results in an injury, death, or damage to a vehicle that appears to be $500 or more to immediately call the police. Some 9-1-1 emergency centers may have Spanish speakers or a translation service available.
When you call emergency services, the location of the accident and your current location (if different) are key to prevent delays from getting you help. Most emergency centers do not have GPS tracking capabilities to know your exact location. If you do not remember what road you are on, look for helpful markers that can give a more precise location, such as cross-streets, restaurants, retail stores, or exits on the highway. If you do not know which direction you are going, it may be helpful to tell the dispatcher where you were coming from and where you were headed.
4. Exchange information with the other driver.
Under New Mexico law, both drivers have a duty to give their names, addresses, and registration number of the vehicle driven when the accident results in an injury, death, or damage to a vehicle. Drivers should also be ready to show their driver’s license if asked. If you hit a vehicle that is not occupied, you have a duty to either find and tell the vehicle owner or driver or leave your information in an obvious place.
In a hit-and-run accident or in the case of an uninsured motorist, it is important to pay attention to the details of the other vehicle, such as the make, model, license plate, and color. These details can be useful to the police and insurance agencies, but you should not put yourself or others at risk to get this information.
After the Accident
Documentation is crucial after being involved in an accident. Having your papers in order keeps the process as smooth as possible. However, knowing what receipts or documents are needed for proof later can be difficult, so consulting with an accident lawyer from Zinda Law Group as soon as possible can help you avoid misplacing or throwing away important documents. If you speak Spanish, our Spanish-speaking car accident attorneys in Albuquerque can help.
1. Seek Medical Attention If Needed.
If you have been injured in a car wreck, seek medical attention immediately. Do not ignore any symptoms you may be experiencing, as they may increase over time. First and foremost, be safe!
2. Document Any Damage.
Take photos of the damage to your vehicle as well as the other cars involved. If possible, take photos of the location where the accident took place.
3. Get a copy of the police report.
The city of Albuquerque police department offers electronic and in-person options to receive the police report of your accident. If the accident location was not within Albuquerque’s city limits, the county sheriff’s office or state police might respond to your accident. It is important to know which department you filed the police report with to avoid any issues.
4. Contact your insurance company.
New Mexico uses a fault-based system for car accidents, meaning that the person who is at fault is responsible for the losses of the other person, which can include medical bills and vehicle repairs. The state also requires everyone to carry minimum insurance coverage in order to register their vehicle:
- • $25,000 for bodily injury or death of one person
- • $50,000 for bodily injury or death of two persons
- • $10,000 for property damage in any one accident
5. Keep medical and vehicle repair bills.
Keep a record of all your related medical and vehicle repair bills. Even if you did not call or need the paramedics at the time of the accident, contact your primary physician for an appointment. Examples of related medical costs that can be covered are appointments, medication, treatment, and physical therapy sessions.
What happens when I contact an Albuquerque car accident attorney?
If you wish to pursue legal action following a car accident, contact an attorney. Contacting a car accident attorney before talking with insurance companies helps to protect your legal rights. As part of your initial consultation, a personal injury lawyer may speak with you in- person or over the phone to collect important information regarding your case. For instance, the attorney may want to know how the accident occurred and what injuries you sustained. If necessary, the attorney may then initiate the formal process of filing a car accident claim.
Investigation
The next step in the car accident claim filing process is investigation. During this period, your attorney will work with you to strengthen your claim by taking important measures such as interviewing witnesses, watching traffic camera videos, and searching for other forms of helpful evidence. Investigation may also involve accounting for each of your damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, and property damage.
Negotiation and Case Settlement
The at-fault party or the at-fault party’s insurance company may try to settle your claim. Settlement may involve your attorney and the insurance company communicating back and forth to reach an agreed upon settlement value. During this step, your attorney may act on your behalf by negotiating with experienced claim adjusters. If the insurance company refuses to pay an amount that is in your best interest, it may be necessary to litigate your claim in court. Should your claim go to trial, your attorney may advocate for you in front of a judge and jury.
What are the common causes of car accidents in Albuquerque?
Car accidents have many causes, but some of the most common causes of car accidents in Albuquerque are:
- 1. Speeding
- 2. Impaired Driving
- 3. Distracted Driving
- 4. Failing to Yield
- 5. Driving While Intoxicated
What are the common car accident injuries in Albuquerque?
Car accident injuries range in severity, but some of the most common car accident injuries include:
1. Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries involve damage to the body’s muscles, ligaments, or tendons. One of the most common soft tissue injuries after a motor vehicle accident is whiplash. Whiplash is caused by the rapid motion of the head and neck after a collision. Whiplash can also affect the spine. Some of the common symptoms of whiplash include neck pain, headache, and blurred vision.
2. Broken Bones
Additionally, many car accidents involve broken bones. The impact of the car crashing into other vehicles or stationary objects may propel a crash victim into the dashboard, steering wheel, windows, or windshield. This force can cause mild to severe bone injuries.
3. Cuts and Scrapes
When you are involved in a car accident, you may be struck by a few objects in the vehicle. For instance, your GPS, cellphones, or coffee mugs can cause severe injuries if they hit you with enough force. Though some injuries are minor, other types of injuries may require stitches or even invasive procedures. Plus, even though your airbags are designed to protect you during a crash, they can also cause injuries, such cuts, scrapes, and bruises.
4. Head Injury
Head injuries are perhaps some of the most severe injuries sustained in a car crash. Head injuries often result from your head hitting the window or steering wheel of the vehicle. Head injuries can range in severity, however, so it’s important to seek medical attention immediately if you even suspect that you might have hurt your head.
5. Chest Injury
Chest injuries, like head injuries, range from superficial to life-threatening. On the lighter end, superficial chest injuries may involve bruises or scrapes. However, chest injuries can also indicate internal damage. Broken ribs, for example, are common in catastrophic car accidents. Often broken ribs can occur because the chest hits the steering wheel at a tremendous force.
6. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Car accidents can cause serious physical injuries, but some can cause other types of trauma, leading to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This means that the car accident affects someone so deeply, that they may not function the same way after the accident and may exhibit behavioral changes. For example, some car accident victims feel too anxious to drive, suffer flashbacks, and may require professional help.
7. Burns
Burn injuries are a risk after an accident, especially if the vehicle catches on fire. If a car starts burning with a passenger or driver trapped inside, severe burn injuries are a huge risk.
Learn More: Most common injuries resulting from car accidents
Common New Mexico car accident FAQs
In 2019, almost 30% of New Mexico car crashes resulted in an injury. Car accident victims often have several questions after their accident, and what happens immediately after an accident is just the tip of the iceberg in a claim. Here are a few common questions our personal injury lawyers receive from car accident victims.
1. Should I hire a car accident lawyer after a crash?
Your decision to hire an attorney should account for a few factors. First, determine if anyone was injured. If no one was hurt, you may be able to settle the claim without an attorney. If you were injured in a car accident, however, an attorney can help you recover medical expenses, the cost of vehicle repairs, and money lost due to time off work. A car accident attorney will work with you to seek compensation from insurance companies who operate to pay you as little as possible.
2. Do I need to see a doctor if I am not hurt?
Doctor’s appointments can be time-consuming, but it’s best to seek a medical evaluation after a crash even if you don’t think you’ve been hurt. Sometimes, injuries don’t present themselves until days after a car accident, so it’s important to know what you can expect physically.
3. How much can I recover after a car accident?
After a car accident, you may be able to seek recovery of medical bills, rehabilitation expenses, and pain and suffering. You may also be able to recover the costs for car repairs and rental car expenses during this time. If you had to take time off from work due to your injuries, then you may be able to recover the wages you missed during that period. In order to pursue maximum compensation, hang on to receipts and bills related to your car accident to strengthen your claim.
4. How much does it cost to hire an attorney?
If you are injured after a car wreck, you’re probably wondering how much it costs to hire a personal injury lawyer. At Zinda Law Group, we believe that the last thing you should worry about after an injury is paying for quality representation. That’s why we offer a 100% free consultations and only get paid if we win your case through a contingency fee. This is our No Win, No Fee Guarantee.
Learn More: Common car accident FAQs
How much is my Albuquerque car accident case worth?
When people endure a car crash and contact a personal injury lawyer, one of the first questions they ask is, “What is my case worth?” After a car accident, an attorney can help you seek compensation for medical costs, missed work, car repairs, car rental services, and property damage. The value of your case ranges with severity, but an experienced car accident lawyer in Albuquerque can walk you through what you may be entitled to.
Learn More: How to calculate the value of a personal injury claim
How long does it take to settle a car accident claim?
Time from injury to settlement varies from case to case. Some cases resolve in a matter of months, while others can take years. Settlement time typically depends on how soon you hire a personal injury lawyer, how long investigations take, the length of time it takes to gather relevant information from opposing parties, and more. An experienced car accident lawyer at Zinda Law Group can provide more information during your first free consultation.
Learn More: How long does it take to settle a personal injury case?
How much time do I have to file a lawsuit?
The amount of time to file suit for your car accident claim varies from state to state. In New Mexico, you typically have three years from the date of a car accident to file suit. An attorney will work with you to make sure you meet legal deadlines in the legal process.
Contact Zinda Law Group today for a free consultation
At Zinda Law firm in Albuquerque, our Spanish-speaking personal injury lawyers have a wealth of resources and experience in handling many types of personal injury cases. After your first confidential consultation, we can determine whether you should be able to seek the maximum compensation available for both economic and non-economic damages in cases like yours.
For a free legal consultation with a car accidents lawyer serving Albuquerque, call 800-863-5312
The cost of legal services is a legitimate worry and a common reason many people hesitate to reach out to a lawyer. That is the reason we offer 100% free consultations and a “No Win, No Fee Guarantee.” Our No Win, No Fee Guarantee means you do not have to pay unless we successfully obtain a favorable settlement, judgment, or verdict for your case.
If you or a loved one has been injured in Albuquerque, call Zinda Law Group at (800) 863-5312 for a 100% free case evaluation with our personal injury attorneys.
Meetings with attorneys are available by appointment only.
Our Awards
AWARDED TO JOHN C. (JACK) ZINDA BY THE NATIONAL TRIAL LAWYERS ASSOCIATION (2016-2020)
AWARDED TO JOHN C. (JACK) ZINDA (2009, 2011-2012, 2014-2021), JOE CAPUTO (2019-2021), BURGESS WILLIAMS (2019-2020), & NEIL SOLOMON (2020-2021)
AWARDED TO JACK ZINDA (2016-2020), JOE CAPUTO (2016 – 2020) & BURGESS WILLIAMS (2016-2017)
LIFETIME MEMBERS JOHN C. (JACK) ZINDA & JOE CAPUTO
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