Here at Caruso Law Offices, we offer expertise in handling New Mexico motorcycle accident cases. Each Albuquerque motorcycle accident attorney at Caruso Law Offices understands that motorcycle accidents can be life-changing and fatal. Each Albuquerque personal injury lawyer on our team understands the complexities of motorcycle accident cases and works tirelessly to ensure that our clients receive the compensation they deserve.
Contact our Albuquerque law office today for a free case evaluation. Call (505) 883-5000 today to get started on your injury claim.
Why Choose Caruso Law Offices?
Motorcycle accidents have long-term consequences with continuing distress long after the aftermath as victims try to recover compensation from insurance companies that commonly hold a bias against motorcyclists. If you or a close family member suffered injuries from a motorcycle in Albuquerque due to someone else’s careless or reckless actions, you need a lawyer who exclusively represent victims of traffic accidents, including motorcycle accidents, with a track record of success.
We’ll offer the following advantages to your claim for compensation:
- Two decades of experience: Our team of car accident attorneys in Albuquerque has spent over twenty years navigating insurance claims and lawsuits for clients injured on the Albuquerque roadways in accidents caused by someone else’s actions.
- Motor-vehicle accident focus: We take no other types of personal injury cases so our team spends all day, every day, in a deep dive into the state’s traffic laws and insurance policies. We are the legal team with the power to win.
- Proven track record: We have a long history of success in securing multi-million dollar settlements and jury awards for our clients but we work just as inexhaustibly for clients with fewer losses. We understand that even a single large hospital bill and a missed paycheck can quickly cause financial hardship.
- No fees unless you win: With our contingency-based payment system, you pay nothing until after we secure your compensation.
- Full dedication: At Caruso Law Offices, we take the time to get to know each client and learn about the extent of their injuries and the impacts on their family and finances so we can tailor the best strategy for recovering the maximum compensation for their damages. We have deep compassion for our injured clients and make every case our own as we argue aggressively for full compensation.
Understanding Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents are often severe and can lead to life-changing injuries. They may result from various causes, such as reckless driving, adverse weather conditions, or manufacturing defects. Our knowledgeable Albuquerque motorcycle accident lawyers at Caruso Law Offices understands the different factors that contribute to motorcycle crashes and will work to build a solid case on your behalf.
How Our Albuquerque Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help
When involved in a motorcycle crash, navigating the legal process can be daunting and stressful. This is where the experienced Albuquerque motorcycle accident attorneys from Caruso Law Offices can be your greatest ally. Here are several ways we can assist:
Thorough investigations: We begin our assistance right from the scene of the accident. Our team conducts thorough investigations to establish who was at fault. Through careful examination of police reports, witness statements, road conditions, and other details, we efficiently gather the necessary evidence.
Gathering and preserving evidence: There is a wide range of evidence that can strengthen your case, such as medical reports, accident reports, eyewitness accounts, photos, and video footage. Our motorcycle accident attorneys are experienced in identifying, gathering, and preserving this critical evidence.
Negotiations with insurance companies: Negotiating with insurance companies can be challenging and stressful, especially when insurance companies often try to minimize their payouts. We are adept at dealing with insurance adjusters, ensuring your rights are protected, and working towards a fair settlement.
Representing you in court: If a settlement cannot be reached, your case may go to trial. Our team of attorneys will prepare a strong case and represent your interests in court effectively. We will strive to prove the defendant’s liability and the extent of your damages to the court.
Ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve: We understand the life-altering impact a motorcycle accident can have on you. Our team works tirelessly to ensure you receive compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and any other applicable damages.
When you engage Caruso Law Offices after your motorcycle accident, rest assured that you have a suitably qualified and compassionate team ready to help you seek justice and the compensation you rightfully deserve.
What Our Clients Say
“They always kept me update with my case and always answered any questions…I would highly recommend and I will be using Caruso law firm from here on out” – Joe S.
Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident in Albuquerque
A motorcycle accident can be an overwhelming and traumatic experience. To best position yourself for a legal claim and protect your well-being, follow these crucial steps.
- Seek medical attention immediately: The first priority after a motorcycle accident is to receive medical treatment, even if your injuries seem minor. They could lead to severe complications if unchecked. Seeing a healthcare provider immediately also provides proof that your injuries resulted from the accident.
- Move to a safe location if possible: If you’re able, move to a safer location off the road to prevent further accidents. Be mindful not to interfere with crucial evidence at the scene.
- File a police report: Always call the police, regardless of the accident’s severity. A formal police report plays a critical role in establishing the facts about the accident and generally strengthens your claim.
- Gather essential information about the accident: Gather as much information as possible, including the license plates of all vehicles involved, driver’s license and insurance details of other parties, contact information of witnesses, and pictures or videos from different angles if possible. This information can be invaluable in building your case.
- Avoid admitting fault or discussing accident details: Avoid discussing the details of the accident with anyone other than your attorney. Remember, what you say can be used against you. Never admit fault, regardless of the circumstances. This determination is made later, based on a complete evaluation of the facts.
- Contact an attorney: As a critical step, reach out to a knowledgeable Albuquerque motorcycle accident attorney at Caruso Law Offices. Our attorneys will guide you through the entire legal process, assertively represent your interests, and strive to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
How Long Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Albuquerque, NM?
Potential Damages to Recover in a Motorcycle Accident
Victims of motorcycle accidents may be entitled to recover various damages. At Caruso Law Offices, we ensure that our clients receive the compensation they deserve. Here, we will elaborate on the types of damages that can be recovered in motorcycle accident cases.
- Medical expenses: these are one of the most significant damages to recover in a motorcycle accident. This includes emergency room fees, hospitalization costs, doctor’s appointments, physical therapy, medications, assistive devices such as wheelchairs or crutches, and in-home care services.
- Lost wages: sometimes your injuries will cause you to miss work. You can receive compensation for the income you lost during your time away from work as well as decreased earning capacity if you are unable to perform the same job as before the accident.
- Pain and suffering: this category refers to the physical pain and emotional distress caused by a motorcycle accident. This may include chronic pain, discomfort from injuries, and mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD resulting from the accident.
- Emotional distress: motorcycle accidents can result in sleep disturbances, emotional instability, relationship difficulties, and diminished enjoyment of life
- Property damage: this will cover the cost to repair or replace your motorcycle and any other damaged property resulting from the accident such as replacement of helmets, clothing, or other personal items damaged in the accident
Proving Liability After a Motorcycle Accident in Albuquerque
New Mexico’s fault-based insurance system requires injury victims to prove the other party’s negligence to recover full compensation. Proving a negligent motorist’s fault for the accident requires documenting evidence showing the following:
- The at-fault party owed a duty of care to the motorcyclist and others on the road to take reasonable measures to avoid causing injury
- They breached their duty through an act of negligence
- Their breach of duty directly caused the accident and injuries
- The injury victim suffered significant damages from the injury
Because New Mexico has a comparative negligence insurance system, you can recover a portion of your damages even if you were the party at fault for the accident. Your compensation will be minus your percentage of fault.
Unfortunately, this sometimes incentivizes insurance companies to assign an undue level of fault to the victim of a motorcycle crash. A lawyer from Caruso Law Offices is ready to protect your best interests throughout negotiations with the insurance company and in a lawsuit in court if necessary to secure the maximum available compensation.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcyclists have little protection in a crash. Although helmets save lives by preventing many types of head injuries, the force of an accident can still cause the brain to bump against the inside side of the skull.
Common injuries in Albuquerque motorcycle accident claims include the following:
- Back injury
- Facial injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Knee injury
- Lacerations and bruises
- Neck injury
- Road rash abrasions
- Shoulder injury
- Single or multiple fractures
- Soft tissue injuries (sprains and torn ligaments)
- Spinal cord damage
- Traumatic brain injury
- Wrongful death
If your loved one died from a preventable motorcycle accident caused by a negligent or reckless driver, reach out to our Albuquerque wrongful death attorney. You may be able to recover compensation and justice in a motorcycle accident wrongful death claim.
Contact Our Albuquerque Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Choosing Caruso Law means partnering with a dedicated attorney who deeply understands New Mexico’s legal landscape. Mark Caruso and his team bring a wealth of experience and a commitment to personalized, compassionate representation. We prioritize your best interests, offering clear communication and robust legal strategies to secure the best possible outcome for your case. If you’re in Albuquerque or anywhere in New Mexico and need a trusted motorcycle accident lawyer, contact Caruso Law Offices to schedule a free consultation.
Additional Resources in Albuquerque, NM
- New Mexico Department of Transportation – Motorcycle Safety: This resource from the New Mexico Department of Transportation provides valuable information about motorcycle safety and proper training. It includes resources and contacts for motorcycle safety programs in New Mexico.
- Motor Vehicle Division NM – Tips for Safer Motorcycling: The Motor Vehicle Division of New Mexico offers a comprehensive guide with tips for safer motorcycling. It covers various aspects of motorcycle safety and is part of the NM Motorcyclist Safety Program.
- Rider Insurance – New Mexico Motorcycle Licensing: This page provides detailed information about the requirements for obtaining a motorcycle license in New Mexico, including age requirements and necessary insurance coverage.