Comparative Negligence in New Mexico Car Accident Cases
Whenever any sort of accident occurs, drivers will have to consider the legal process so they can decide the correct course of action to take next. Car accidents result in significant amounts of damage to everyone involved, and the victim of the collision will likely walk away with a lot more than a few dents in their vehicle.
The good news is that in almost all cases, a person will be able to claim more compensation if they suffered more serious injuries and damages. If a person takes their case to court and the jury decides the other driver caused the accident, but they also decide that the victim contributed to the collision, the rules of pure comparative negligence will come into effect in New Mexico. What this means is that a person can still recover damages for the harm they suffered, but the amount they are awarded is reduced based on their percentage of fault.
Even if the court deems that a person is more at fault for the collision than the other driver, they can still collect damages, but they may also be responsible for the losses incurred by the other party. A person can increase their chances of a favorable outcome by negotiating properly with a claims adjuster and persuading the judge and jury to hear their side of the story.
This can be done through the help of a qualified accident attorney. Anyone who finds themselves in a situation where they have to deal with a car accident claim, should not hesitate before reaching out to an attorney; who specializes in dealing with such cases.
Reporting car accidents in New Mexico
Drivers who get into accidents should report the crash if the damage was above $500 and if the accident caused injuries or the loss of life. The accident must be reported in time, or a person can face serious legal repercussions for failing to fulfill their legal obligations.
The accident should be reported to the police, and also reported to the New Mexico Department of Transportation, within five days of the collision occurring. Anyone who gets into an accident should make sure they follow these rules and that they file everything through the help of a lawyer who specializes in the field so there are no unnecessary complications along the way.
Far too often, drivers make the mistake of taking everything into their own hands, and the words they say and the steps they take end up causing them significant losses in their car accident claim. Get in touch with a car accident attorney as soon as possible at The Law Office of Brian K. Branch to get assistance filing an accident claim.
Reach them at:
715 Marquette Ave. NW
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87102
Tel: 505.764.9710
Toll-Free: 888.972.1212
Fax: 505.764.9722
