The moments immediately after a car accident can be confusing. You may be in shock and confused about what to do. However, the steps you take now and in the coming days can directly impact the outcome of your case. The Albuquerque car accident injury attorneys at Caruso Law Offices have prepared this checklist to explain what to do after an Albuquerque car accident. Call them at (505) 883-5000 today for a free consultation.
Get to Safety
The most important priority is for you to be safe. Pull your vehicle over to a nearby location that is out of the path of danger. Check yourself and your passengers for any injuries. Check on the occupants of the other vehicle, too, in case you need to call for an ambulance.
How To Report the Accident in Albuquerque
New Mexico law requires that you report any accident that you are involved in that results in bodily injury, death, or apparent property damage of $500, which is practically any accident. The law requires that you report the accident “immediately, by the quickest means of communication.” Call 911 to report the accident. Request an ambulance if anyone needs it.
When police respond to the scene, stick to the facts. Do not admit fault or try to theorize how the accident happened. Ask how you can get a copy of the police report. You will need it to file an insurance claim.
You are also required to file a written report of the accident within five days and file it with the Department of Transportation.
Exchange Information After an Accident in Albuquerque
While you are waiting for the police to respond, ask for the following information from the other driver:
- Name
- Phone number and address
- Driver’s license number
- A description of their vehicle, including make, model, and color
- License plate number
- Insurance information
How to Document the Scene in Albuquerque
The accident scene will be quickly cleaned up, so it’s essential that you do what you can to document it. Use your cell phone to take pictures of the following:
- The accident scene, including wide shots and close-ups
- Damage to all vehicles
- Other property damage
- Skid marks or debris in the roadway
- Nearby traffic signs and lights
- Weather and road conditions
Note any nearby cameras that may have captured the accident, such as a red light camera or surveillance camera. If you have a dash cam, save your footage in a safe location. Ask any witnesses for their names and contact information.
Seek Medical Attention in Albuquerque, New Mexico
The ambulance may take you immediately to the emergency room. If not, seek medical attention soon after the accident. Your medical records can help establish the link between the accident and your injuries.
File a Claim in New Mexico
You can start the process of filing an insurance claim for compensation by contacting the at-fault driver’s liability insurance provider. Again, stick to the facts. Don’t admit fault. Don’t agree to a recorded statement. Be careful what you say to the insurance company because their adjusters are trained to find anything possible to use against you. If you need help or want to feel safe, call an experienced Albuquerque car accident attorney to guide you.
Contact an Experienced Albuquerque Car Accident Lawyer
You can learn more about your legal rights and options by working with an experienced Albuquerque car accident lawyer from Caruso Law Offices. We can investigate your case, determine who was at fault, and negotiate for fair compensation on your behalf. Contact us for a free consultation.