If you were injured in a motor vehicle accident in New Mexico that was someone else’s fault, you have the right to pursue compensation for the losses you’ve experienced because of the accident, known as your damages. The value of your damages and other factors can determine how much compensation you can receive after an accident. An experienced car accident lawyer from Caruso Law Offices can help document your damages and demand fair compensation for them.
Types of Damages in New Mexico Motor Vehicle Accident Cases
New Mexico courts have three different types of damages that they may award in a car accident case. The first type is economic damages, which represent direct financial losses an accident victim experienced because of the accident, such as medical bills.
The second type of damages is non-economic damages, which are difficult to quantify but just as real as those more tangible losses. Pain and suffering is a common type of non-economic damages in New Mexico car accident cases.
The third type of damages that may be awarded is punitive damages. Unlike economic or non-economic damages, these damages are not intended to compensate the victim. Instead, they are designed to punish the wrongdoer. Because they are reserved for cases involving intentional actions or conduct demonstrating a blatant disregard for safety, they are rare and not typically awarded in motor vehicle accident cases. However, there are situations when a jury may award punitive damages in a car accident case, such as when the accident was caused by drunk driving.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are the monetary losses you experience as a direct result of the accident, such as:
Medical Expenses
After a car accident, you may incur medical bills for your treatment, including:
- Emergency room visits
- Surgeries
- Hospital stays
- Diagnostic tests
- Medical equipment
- Medication
- Follow-up care
- Visits with specialists
Your personal injury award can compensate for these losses and also provide compensation for future medical expenses.
Lost Income
You can recover compensation for lost wages you incurred to seek medical treatment and recover from your accident injuries. You can also seek compensation for any reduction in your long-term earning capacity.
Property Damage
Your personal injury claim may seek compensation to pay to repair your damaged vehicle. If the cost to repair your damaged car exceeds its value, you can seek compensation for its fair market value.
Other Financial Losses
You may have suffered other financial damages due to the accident, such as having to pay someone for replacement household services or home renovations to accommodate a disability. You can seek compensation for these monetary losses.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages that may be awarded in motor vehicle accident claims could include:
- Pain and suffering
- Disability and impairments
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Decreased quality of life
- Depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other adverse effects on your mental health
Our experienced legal team can help document your losses.
Contact an Experienced New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyer Today
At Caruso Law Offices, our Albuquerque-based personal injury lawyers only handle motor vehicle accident claims. We understand the impact these accidents can have on victims and know how to recover maximum compensation for damages. Call us today at (505) 883-5000 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation to discuss your legal rights and options.