Los Alamos Car Accident Lawyer

Los Alamos Car Accident Attorney

Even the most responsible and defensive driver cannot always compensate for the negligent and dangerous behaviors of others on the roadways. The aftermath of a car accident can be traumatizing, especially if another person is at fault for the accident. If another’s actions caused a car accident you were involved in, it is crucial that you reach out to a knowledgeable Los Alamos car accident lawyer.

Working With a Skilled Car Accident Lawyer in Los Alamos, NM

Victims of car accidents in New Mexico have the right to recover compensation for any injuries and losses sustained by the responsible party; however, it is not always an easy process. This is especially true as you and your loved ones attempt to recover physically and emotionally from the accident. Facing the time commitment and stressors associated with a car accident claim can feel daunting, but a personal injury lawyer can help you succeed.

An invaluable resource if you are considering a car accident claim is an experienced car accident lawyer. With years of experience helping members of our community, Youngers Law stands ready to support you through this challenging time. Our trustworthy team can help you understand your options and the potential outcomes of your case if you choose to pursue the claim. If you decide to progress, we can manage your case while you focus on your recovery.

Common Car Accident Causes in Los Alamos

Even if you follow all traffic laws and drive defensively, there are many other drivers who do not hold themselves to the same high standards. Accidents resulting from drivers failing to take the proper precautions can be disastrous. Some behaviors that can cause car accidents in Los Alamos include:

• Distracted driving. When a driver allows behaviors like eating, personal hygiene, phones, or GPS devices to take their attention, they are no longer focusing on the road. This makes them less able to respond to changing road conditions.
• Failure to yield. State law determines who has the right of way in different circumstances while driving. A failure to understand and follow these rules can cause serious accidents.
• Speeding. Exceeding posted speed limits can be dangerous to a driver and those around them. Consequences of speeding include an increased likelihood of losing vehicle control and more severe injuries if an accident is caused.
• Driving under the influence of alcohol. Choosing to operate a vehicle while intoxicated is dangerous for the driver as well as everyone around them. At a BAC of 0.08, the relative risk of being in a crash is 2.69 times higher than the risk at a BAC of 0. The crash risk jumps to five times higher at a BAC of 0.10.
• Driving under the influence of drugs. Some drugs, including prescription, recreational, and illicit, can impair a person’s ability to drive safely.

Injuries Commonly Sustained in a Car Accident

Car accidents can cause devastating injuries, especially when factors like distracted or impaired driving are involved. The immense forces involved when two vehicles crash into each other can result in a wide range of injuries. Some injuries commonly sustained during car accidents include:

• Lacerations
• Crush injuries
• Broken bones
• Severe burns
• Internal organ injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries

Most injured individuals will experience more than one type of injury, complicating recovery and amplifying medical bills. Car accidents can also result in death. New Mexico ranks among the most dangerous states for drivers, with a fatality rate of 0.203 per 1,000 drivers.

For reference, only one state has a higher fatality rate than New Mexico, and the safest state has a fatality rate of 0.48. New Mexico also ranks highly in distracted driving, speeding, and DUI fatalities.

Types of Damages That Can Be Recovered

If you have been involved in an accident that was not your fault, you may be wondering which of your expenses you can seek compensation for through a legal claim. The specific claims you can seek will be impacted by the circumstances of your car accident, but generally include:

• Current medical expenses
• Future medical expenses
• Physical impairment or disfigurement
• Emotional distress
• Pain and suffering
• Property damages
• Diminished vehicle value
• Loss of income opportunity
• Lost wages
• Punitive damages

It is important that you and your loved ones are made as whole as possible through recovered compensation from the at-fault party. A car accident lawyer can help you explore which types of damages you can recover, as well as the total amount of each type of damage that you should be seeking. Not working with an experienced attorney could mean losing out on thousands of dollars in compensation that you are owed.

FAQs

Q: What Is Comparative Negligence in New Mexico?

A: New Mexico uses pure comparative negligence laws. Ultimately, this means the court has the authority to find the victim partially at fault for an accident while still awarding potential compensation. For example, a driver can be found to be 85% at fault for an accident and still recover 15% of compensation. A car accident attorney can help you understand how the determination of fault in your accident can impact your potential claim amount.

Q: What Is the Statute of Limitations to File a Car Accident Claim in New Mexico?

A: The statute of limitations to file a car accident claim in New Mexico depends on the type of claim you will be filing. If injuries result, you have three years to file your case, but you have four years to file if you are claiming only property damage. If a loved one died as a result of the accident, you have three years after the date of their death to file a wrongful death claim.

Q: Do I Need to Retain an Attorney if I Have Been in a Car Accident?

A: If you have been in a car accident, you may need to retain an attorney. Though this is less likely if you are in a minor accident with no injuries, it is strongly recommended that you speak with an attorney if the accident resulted in severe injuries or extensive property damage. They can help you determine an appropriate amount of damages to claim.

Q: Is Los Alamos, NM, a Dangerous Place to Drive?

A: Los Alamos, NM, saw two fatalities that resulted from car accidents in 2024. Though this number is very low and accounts for less than 1% of the total traffic-related fatalities, it must be noted that Los Alamos is the smallest county in New Mexico. Regardless of where you are driving, the most effective way to be safe is to pay attention to the road and drive defensively.

Protecting Yourself After a Car Accident

If you were in a car accident caused by another’s actions, you must protect yourself and your loved ones. It is crucial that you seek appropriate damages from the at-fault party to ensure you receive what you are owed in order to physically and financially recover. Youngers Law understands the importance of resting while healing; we can take over your car accident claim so you can focus your energy on recovering. Reach out to our office today to see how we can help.