Liability in New Mexico Car Accidents

Even though New Mexico has strict licensing, registration, and insurance requirements, hundreds of car accidents still happen across the state every day. In fact, a crash was reported in New Mexico every 13 minutes in 2022. These auto accidents can be serious, leaving victims to struggle with painful injuries, costly medical bills, and, in many cases, an inability to work. 

When you’re in a car accident in New Mexico because someone else is negligent, you do not have to bear the costs of the crash on your own. Under New Mexico’s liability laws, you’ll have the right to seek compensation from an at-fault party. An auto accident lawyer in Albuquerque can help you do this.

How is Liability Determined For a Car Crash in New Mexico?

Most New Mexico car accidents happen because someone is negligent.

Some of the most common causes include:

• Speeding
• Distracted driving
• Road rage
• Drunk driving, and
• Failing to yield the right of way.

In New Mexico, anyone whose negligence contributes to a car accident will be liable for resulting damages. 

Liability isn’t limited to negligence, though. There are times when factors beyond a motorist’s control can cause or contribute to a wreck. For instance, vehicle defects - like faulty brakes or hazardous tires - can cause auto accidents. In these situations, the company that designed, manufactured, and/or sold the defective vehicle or component can be strictly liable for crash-related damages. 

Is New Mexico a Fault-Based State?

Yes. Since car insurance will be your primary source of compensation after a wreck, you’ll need to know whose insurer will be responsible for paying your damages. Under New Mexico’s fault-based system, you’ll have the right to seek benefits from the at-fault party’s insurance provider.

State minimum insurance requirements require drivers to purchase at least $25,000/$50,000 in bodily injury coverage and $10,000 in property damage coverage. However, it is advisable to have coverage greater than the state minimums and not to waive your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to better protect yourself in the event of an accident.

Benefits can be paid to help you cover the costs of medical treatment, lost wages, disability, pain and suffering, vehicle repairs, and other costs related to your auto accident. 

If your damages are higher than the at-fault driver’s policy limits, you can file a car accident lawsuit to seek additional compensation from the at-fault driver and/or other liable parties.

Trust Singleton Schreiber to Help You Leverage Compensation From a Liable Party After a New Mexico Car Accident

Don’t stress out about how to recover compensation - or from whom - after a car accident in New Mexico. Focus on your recovery and leave the details of your car accident claim to our New Mexico car accident lawyers.

We’ll investigate your case, gather key pieces of evidence, determine liability, and work to recover the best settlement or jury award possible.

Crash victims in New Mexico choose Singleton Schreiber because we’re nationally acclaimed, award-winning trial lawyers with an undeniable track record. Our local lawyers and national resources have helped clients win over $2.5 billion in damages.

Now, we’re here to help you get compensation from a liable party after your car accident. Call one of our New Mexico law offices, conveniently located throughout the state in Albuquerque, Clovis, Hobbs, Las Vegas, Los Lunas, Mora, and Ruidoso - to set a time for a free consultation now.