Motor vehicle crashes are a huge problem in our region.
According to data from the New Mexico Department of Transportation, there were nearly 63,000 accidents reported in 2015. The simple fact is that any driver could have a serious crash at any time.
In the unfortunate event that you are involved in a collision, you need to know how to protect your legal rights and financial interests.
One of the first steps is to get your hands on a copy of the official accident report from the Las Cruces Police Department.
It’s also important that you speak with a Las Cruces car accident attorney to see if you may be eligible for compensation.
how to protect your legal rights and financial interests.
One of the first steps is to get your hands on a copy of the official accident report from the Las Cruces Police Department.
It’s also important that you speak with a Las Cruces car accident attorney to see if you may be eligible for compensation.
What Does the Crash Accident Report Contain and How Will It Benefit My Car Accident Claim?
The police officer investigating your crash must file a written report of the investigation into the accident. Section 66-7-207 of the New Mexico statutes states a preference for officers to finish their investigations at the scene if possible.
Of course, not every accident investigation is simple enough to wrap up immediately.
If the officer needs to conduct witness interviews, perform accident reconstruction duties, or investigate criminal activity, then the statute commands the investigating officer to forward the report to the New Mexico Department of Transportation within 24 hours of completion.
As a motorist in New Mexico, you have an obligation to file an accident report as well in certain circumstances.
The law says that every motorist involved in an accident involving personal injury, death, or apparent property damage of $500 or greater has five days to file a report with the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT).
You should take a copy of your Las Cruces accident report to the police department as well. You should also forward a copy to your insurance company. Be sure to keep a copy for your records and give one to your attorney.
New Mexico Uniform Crash Report
Accident reports in Las Cruces, NM, contain all the same information.
The NMDOT published a form called the Uniform Crash Report, or UCR, that all motorists and police officers must use to document a car crash. That means a police report in Las Cruces, NM, is the same as a report filed in Albequerque.
You might not think that filing a police report has anything to do with your claim. It does.
The simple act of reporting your accident shows that you have nothing to hide. Filing a report also shows that you follow the law.
Since insurance companies use every bit of information to reduce their liability, you can bolster your credibility and show the insurance carrier that you are serious about your claim.
Steps for Obtaining Your Las Cruces, NM Auto Accident Report
The city of Las Cruces has made a commitment to making car reports easier to obtain. There are two general ways to get an accident report. First, you can seek your report from the records window at the Las Cruces Police Department.
Their office is located Downtown, at 217 E. Picacho Ave. When seeking your report, you should have as much relevant information about your crash as possible. Useful information includes:
- Your case number;
- Your name;
- The time and date of the accident; and
- The location of the crash.
Las Cruces police reports are often also available online through the LexisNexis operated Police Reports tool.
You will need your case number, the crash location, or the time of the accident to get a report using this online tool. If you are having any trouble obtaining your report, please do not hesitate to contact a local car accident lawyer for help.
How a Las Cruces Crash Report Can Help You Recover Compensation
Accident reports contain extremely valuable information. Accident reports are the foundation of a personal injury claim.
That’s why it is important to fill the UCR out thoroughly.
Contacting your accident lawyer if you have any questions is a good way to make sure you provide all of the relevant information accurately. Your attorney will use your report to fight for you.
Why a New Mexico Accident Report Matters
If you are required to make an insurance claim for your crash, the accident report could be a particularly important form of evidence. Specifically, if the fault is disputed for your collision, then the report can help bring some clarity to that issue.
New Mexico car accident reports typically contain a wide array of key facts and officer observations.
This includes:
- The time that the accident occurred;
- Officer observations regarding weather and general road conditions;
- Personal information for all parties involved, including witnesses;
- Statements from drivers and witnesses;
- Detailed accounts of vehicle damage and injuries; and
- Any other notable observations from the responding police officer.
Further, in some cases, the police officer will have even issued a citation at the scene of the accident. Perhaps the officer determined that one driver was speeding, that they ran a red light, or that some other type of traffic offense was committed.
Regardless, any traffic citation that was issued will be relevant to your claim.
Contact Our Office Today
Were you injured in an auto accident? We can help. At Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C., our top-rated New Mexico car accident attorneys have helped many victims recover full and fair compensation for their losses.
To request a free review of your case, please call us today at (575) 222-1000. From our office in Las Cruces, we represent injured victims throughout Southern New Mexico.
Alejandro Acosta
Mr. Acosta is a lifelong resident of El Paso. He graduated from Cathedral High School in 2000 and graduated from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio in 2004. Mr. Acosta went on to attend Sandra Day O’ Connor College of Law (Arizona State Law School). He graduated in 2008, receiving his J.D. and his Indian Legal Certificate for his work in Indian Law and dealings with various tribal nations throughout Arizona. Alejandro has been licensed to practice law in Texas since 2008 and has been licensed in the State of New Mexico since 2011.
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