Welcome to Caruso Law Offices, the leading name when it comes to pedestrian injury accident cases in Albuquerque. Our Albuquerque pedestrian accident lawyer provides unparalleled legal representation to accident victims in Bernalillo County and all of New Mexico.
With years of experience under our belts, each Albuquerque personal injury attorney at Caruso Law Offices has mastered the art of upholding justice in pedestrian accident cases. We combine our expansive knowledge and tactical strategies to help you acquire the justice you deserve.
Call our Albuquerque law office today so we can begin prompt action on your claim at (505) 883-5000. Free consultations are available.
Why Choose Caruso Law Offices For Your Case?
Unlike typical personal injury lawyers, at Caruso Law Offices, our entire team exclusively represents victims of traffic accidents such as motorcycle accidents or car accidents in Albuquerque, including those injured in pedestrian accidents in Albuquerque and the surrounding area.
This policy means we are the team with the power to win your case. Every day is a deep dive into the state’s traffic laws and insurance claim legalities, making us the premiere law firm for pedestrian accidents in New Mexico. We offer each client the following:
- 20+ years of experience: with over two decades of experience representing injury victims in accidents caused by another party’s careless or reckless actions, we’ve earned a reputation for thorough investigation, and documenting evidence to make compelling cases.
- Trial ready: we’ve learned to prepare every case as though it’s going to court because it gives an advantage to our negotiations for settlements for our client while also ensuring we are fully prepared for a lawsuit when required.
- Complete dedication: we value our attorney-client relationship and treat each client’s case as though we are representing family members. We dedicate both personalized attention from an attorney on the case and the collaborative efforts of our entire team to each injured client.
- Proven results: we have a reputation for securing multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts for our Albuquerque injury victims, including recent notable jury verdicts for $5.4 million and $7.8 million.
However, we treat every client’s case with the diligent attention and assertive action it deserves, even when their damages are as simple as a large hospital bill, one or two missed paychecks, and compensation for their pain and suffering. Every client deserves compensation and a sense of justice.
How Can Our Albuquerque Pedestrian Accident Attorney Help?
Going through a pedestrian accident can be arduous and the legal process that follows just as daunting. That’s where a trained Albuquerque pedestrian accident lawyer from Caruso Law Offices come into play. Here’s how our team can be of support:
Case evaluation: every case is unique. Our pedestrian accident attorney in Albuquerque kick off the process with a comprehensive review of your case, scrutinizing every detail and circumstance associated with your accident. This helps us understand not only what happened but also the potential strengths and weaknesses in your case.
Evidence collection: after initial evaluation, our Albuquerque pedestrian accident lawyer is dedicated to gathering substantial evidence which includes procuring police and medical reports, collecting any existing surveillance video, taking photos of the scene and your injuries, and finding eyewitnesses to testify.
Expert consultation: our pedestrian accident lawyers consult with medical professionals, financial advisors and other industry experts as needed to understand the full impact of your injuries. This allows us to better estimate the compensation you’ll need to cover medical costs, lost wages and other damages.
Negotiations with insurance companies: insurance companies often try to pay out as little as possible. Our experienced attorneys are skilled in negotiating with insurance companies. We ensure they understand the full extent of your injuries and their impact on your life and strive to ensure you are granted a fair settlement.
Court representation: if it’s necessary to take your case to court, you’re in competent hands. Our pedestrian accident attorneys in Albuquerque have extensive courtroom experience. We prepare meticulously for court proceedings, ensuring your case is compellingly presented.
Simplicity and convenience: we understand that dealing with the legal aftermath of a pedestrian accident can cause additional stress to victims already suffering. Our attorneys help simplify the process, handling every legal aspect of your claim leaving you to focus on recovery.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Albuquerque
Pedestrian accidents are unpredictable, potentially devastating incidents often resulting from the reckless driving of motorists. They can occur anywhere, from busy city streets to suburban neighborhoods, and can lead to severe and sometimes fatal injuries. Pedestrian accidents are most commonly caused by factors such as:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving (e.g., texting while driving)
- Failing to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks
- Ignoring traffic signals or signs
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Common Injuries After a Pedestrian Accident
Given the lack of protection a pedestrian has compared to a motorist, accidents often result in serious injuries. Common injuries include the following:
- Back injuries
- Bone fractures
- Facial injuries
- Internal organ injuries
- Knee injuries
- Lacerations, abrasions, and contusions
- Shoulder injuries
- Soft-tissue injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Traumatic brain injuries
Injuries quickly cause financial consequences to the victim as well as the consequences of their physical injuries. A pedestrian accident often impacts the victim’s family as well as the victim.
Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident in Albuquerque
Should you unfortunately find yourself involved in a pedestrian accident, below are the steps to take:
- Ensure safety: your immediate priority should be your safety and the safety of anyone else at the scene.
- Seek medical help: obtain immediately medical attention, even if you don’t seem severely injured. Some injuries may not be immediately obvious. Either call an ambulance or go to the emergency room for a medical evaluation.
- Report the incident: contact law enforcement to get an official record of the incident. Be sure to provide a detailed, truthful account of the event.
- Document the accident: take photos of the scene, your injuries, and any damage to vehicles. Also, gather contact information from witnesses.
- Contact legal help: reach out to a professional law firm like Caruso Law Offices and speak with an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer in Albuquerque to guide you in navigating the complexities of the pedestrian accident claim process.
Are There Time Limits for Filing a Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit in Albuquerque?
Potential Damages to Recover in a New Mexico Pedestrian Accident
In the aftermath of a pedestrian accident, victims are often left with various damages to recover, both tangible and intangible. Below are several types of damages individuals may be eligible to claim:
- Medical expenses: this includes costs that have been incurred for medical treatment, future anticipated medical treatments, physical therapy, and more.
- Lost wages: if the accident results in an inability to work, either temporarily or permanently, you are entitled to recover the wages lost during the period.
- Emotional distress: pedestrian accidents often cause severe emotional trauma. Compensation for emotional distress is meant to alleviate this pain and suffering.
- Punitive damages: in cases where the driver’s actions were reckless and intentional, punitive damages may be awarded as a form of punishment.
Our Albuquerque pedestrian accident lawyer can review your case and provide more information on what potential damages you may be eligible for.
Proving Liability for a Pedestrian Accident in Albuquerque
New Mexico injury law operates under a pure comparative negligence system, allowing injury victims to recover a portion of their damages even if their actions contributed to the damages. Their compensation is then minus their percentage of fault.
For example, if a pedestrian was wearing earbuds at the time of the accident, the insurance adjuster on the case may assign the pedestrian 25% of the fault for the accident even if the driver hit the pedestrian in a crosswalk because they were distracted. If the injury victim’s damages amounted to a $100,000 claim, the insurance company would only have to pay $75,000.
Sadly, this incentivizes insurers to assign an undue percentage of fault to injury victims. An Albuquerque pedestrian accident attorney from Caruso Law Offices will protect your interests by documenting compelling evidence of the at-fault driver’s liability.
Proving liability in an Albuquerque pedestrian accident case includes showing the following:
- That the at-fault party owed a duty of care to pedestrians and others on the road to take reasonable measures to prevent causing injuries
- They breached this duty through negligence or recklessness
- The breach of their duty caused serious injuries
- The injury victim suffered significant economic and non-economic damages from their injuries
It’s always best to hire an experienced Albuquerque pedestrian accident lawyer after a serious accident like a pedestrian accident. Then, direct all communication with the insurance company of the at-fault party to your lawyer.
Contact Our Albuquerque Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today
Our attorneys at Caruso Law Offices will guide you through every step of the claim process, presenting strong legal arguments aimed at optimizing your chances of recouping a fair level of compensation.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and begin your journey to justice.
Additional Resources in Albuquerque, NM
- Walk Safely to School – National Center for Safe Routes to School: This resource from the National Center for Safe Routes to School offers practical safety tips and information for families and children walking to school. It’s a great resource for promoting pedestrian safety awareness among younger community members.
- League of American Bicyclists – Bicycle Friendly State Program: The League of American Bicyclists provides information on how states rank in terms of bicycle friendliness, which often includes measures related to pedestrian safety. This link allows users to view New Mexico’s profile and initiatives related to pedestrian and cyclist safety.
- Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center – This resource offers a wealth of information on pedestrian and bicycle safety, including best practices, research, and data that can help individuals understand and prevent pedestrian accidents.