Motorcycle Accident Lawyers In Santa Fe Serving All NM

New Mexico is no stranger to motorcycles. Many people in Santa Fe enjoy a ride on a regular basis. But most bikers know that riding a bike on the open road comes with some very real risks. Those risks in no way preclude you from getting compensation if you were in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence.

At Clark & Ruyle, Attorneys at Law, LLC, our personal injury attorneys fight for people across Santa Fe who have suffered injuries from motorcycle accidents. Our team has more than 45 years of combined experience in fighting for people in criminal court. They bring that experience to people fighting to get back on their feet after an accident. Our trial-tested advocates are not going to back away from a difficult legal challenge.

Causes Of Motorcycle Accidents

While there are any number of baked-in hazards to motorcycles, the number one hazard to bikers on the highway is driver negligence. The people we fight for are those who have been struck by other cars in such incidents as:

• Left-turn accidents: When making left turns, many drivers don’t take the step to check for bikers, and that leads to major accidents.
• Distracted driving: Sharing the road requires paying attention to other vehicles around you, but motorcycle riders are often victims of a loss of attention.
• Drunk driving accidents: Inebriated drivers in larger vehicles pose a major hazard to unprotected bikers when they make poor and reckless decisions.
• Road hazards: Motorcycles have to take extra care around road hazards, and if other vehicles don’t, that can lead to injuries.
• Unsafe lane changes: Much like left-turn accidents, these are accidents that come from a lapse in attention or simply having your mirrors set up incorrectly.
• Speeding accidents: Higher speeds mean less control and more difficulty avoiding bikers.

These situations put bikers in the hospital with bills that can overwhelm and devastate a person. But we can partner with you to pursue the compensation that you need.

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

In a motorcycle accident, the small mistakes that can happen in a car accident are more serious because bikers have far fewer safety devices protecting them. Even at low speeds, the injuries a biker sustains are quite painful. The most common types of injuries for motorcycle crashes are:

• Road rash
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Spinal cord injury
• Broken bones
• Amputations

Any one of these injuries can become a long-lasting medical recovery and extensive treatment requiring expensive intervention. In some cases, wrongful death is a likely outcome of a motorcycle accident. But even beyond the injuries and pain caused are the legal challenges put in front of you by the insurance company.

Overcoming Legal Challenges And Protecting Your Rights

Insurance companies like to imply a considerable motorcycle bias to accident victims. The goal of that bias is to make you think that because you rode a motorcycle, you are less likely to get support or be successful in litigation. This makes their first offer seem much more fair in comparison to the uphill battle you may have in court.

They’ll imply that your lack of helmet use makes you less likely to recover; however, in New Mexico, helmets are only recommended, not required by law. Your insurance claim will face many obstacles like this, but you have rights. We will do what it takes to pursue what you deserve, which can include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering damages.

New Mexico Motorcycle Accident & Injuries FAQs

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in Santa Fe, you likely have a lot of questions. At Clark & Ruyle, Attorneys at Law, LLC, we understand the confusion and uncertainty you are facing. To help you through this challenging time, we have compiled a short list of frequently asked questions.

While these answers provide general information, remember that every case is unique, and the best way to get personalized legal advice and counsel is to contact our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys for a free consultation.

Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault for the motorcycle accident?

Insurers love to play the blame game, but do not let them scare you off. Fault in a motorcycle accident can be complex. If you were at fault partially for your accident, by splitting lanes or by not having proper maintenance on your bike, your claim may be reduced. New Mexico follows a pure comparative negligence rule established in the New Mexico Supreme Court ruling of Scott v. Rizzo, 96 N.M. 682. A plaintiff can recover damages even if partially at fault, but their award is reduced by their percentage of responsibility, unless they were entirely at fault for the accident.

Insurers may imply that any blame means no claim; we’re here to tell you that’s not how it works. While past results do not guarantee future outcomes, we will fight to minimize any blame unfairly placed on you and maximize your potential recovery.

What should I do immediately after a motorcycle accident in Santa Fe or elsewhere in New Mexico?

Depending on the nature of your injuries, the first step is to be mindful of getting to safety and checking yourself for injuries. If you can, call 911 to report the accident. Even if you think you feel fine, request medical assistance. Some injuries, including internal organ injuries and spinal cord or traumatic brain injuries, have latent or delayed symptoms. Get contact information from people who saw what happened.

Exchange insurance details with the other driver, but be careful not to talk about who was at fault or talk about the crash. Gathering evidence will also be necessary. Take photos or a video of the scene, road conditions, vehicles and injuries. Inform your insurance company about the incident quickly, but think carefully before giving any recorded statements or signing documents with them until you’ve spoken to a lawyer.

How long do I have to file a claim after a motorcycle crash in New Mexico?

In New Mexico, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim due to the statute of limitations. It is best to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights. It is a good idea to call your insurance agent as soon as possible after the accident.

What if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured in a New Mexico motorcycle crash?

If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, you can pursue a claim under your own Uninsured Motorist (UM) or Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage, if you have it. UM/UIM coverage compensates you for damages caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver, up to the limits of your policy.

In New Mexico, you may be able to stack coverage limits from multiple vehicles or policies to significantly increase the total compensation for bodily injuries available to you. It is recommended to consult with an attorney to navigate the UM/UIM claim process.

Get A Free Consultation With An Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one is the victim in a motorcycle accident, we are here to hear your story and fight for you. Drivers tend to act aggressively or dismissively toward motorcycles, and insurers certainly try to ignore you, but we won’t. We’ll be on your side to the very end of your case.

We will listen to you in a free consultation and provide you with the insights and representation you need to get your questions answered and your case heard. We will be your voice when you need it and your staunch advocate and ally. You can trust in our lawyers’ 45 years of combined dedicated, trial-tested service. Call now at 505-819-0493 or send an email using this online form.