Hire The Best Bike Accident Attorneys in New Mexico
"Recomiendo encarecidamente el bufete de abogados de Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C. a cualquier persona que necesite representación legal en materia de lesiones y/o empleo." - Irene M.
New Mexico is one of the most beautiful places in America to ride a bike. Our state's beautiful landscapes and wide-open roads make it a haven for bicycle enthusiasts, but unfortunately, with more bicycles come more collisions. A bike accident can change your life in an instant, potentially leaving you with serious injuries and ongoing medical costs. If that happens, it’s time to start looking for bike accident attorneys.
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New Mexico Bike Accident Stats
While all traffic accidents can pose significant risks, bicycle accidents are particularly devastating due to cyclists’ lack of protection. Bicycle accident rates in New Mexico have been on the rise, fueled by factors including distracted driving, unsafe infrastructure, and increasing SUV use, which can cause more severe injuries to cyclists than smaller vehicles. According to U.S. News & World Report, New Mexico is the fifth most dangerous state for cyclists.
Regrettably, New Mexico has recorded high rates of bicycle accidents. In 2022, the state recorded 2.91 bicyclist deaths per 100,000—23% higher than the national average. At Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C., a central part of our mission is striving to enhance safety for cyclists within our communities and aiding them in obtaining justice following accidents. If you or a loved one has been the victim of a bicycle accident in New Mexico, we aim to ensure the best possible outcome for your claim.
Our experienced legal team in New Mexico and Texas has handled numerous bicycle accident claims. In this article, we discuss the major causes of bicycle accidents, what to do after an accident, important things to know about bicycle accident claims, and how we can help you recover compensation for your injuries.
The Major Causes of Bike Accidents in New Mexico
Bicycle accidents in New Mexico often stem from various hazardous behaviors and situations, with one of the most prevalent causes being distracted driving. Activities such as talking on a cell phone, texting, eating, drinking, engaging in personal grooming, using social media, searching the internet, and fiddling with vehicle instrument controls significantly elevate the risk of accidents involving bicycles. Furthermore, the more vehicle traffic a city or town in New Mexico has, the more likely bike accidents become.
The Role of a New Mexico Bike Accident Attorney in Your Case
If you’ve been involved in a bike accident, the legal labyrinth can be overwhelming, particularly when juxtaposed with recovering from your physical injuries. This is where seasoned New Mexico bike accident attorneys can be of critical assistance.
The bike accident attorneys at Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C. manage all legal aspects of your case, freeing you to focus completely on your health. Your New Mexico bike accident lawyer will handle everything you need to win or settle your case, including but not limited to:
- Collecting evidence that proves fault,
- Accurately calculating appropriate compensation for your claim,
- Handling negotiations with insurance companies,
- Ensuring you receive suitable medical treatment, and
- If necessary, taking your case to court.
Dealing with powerful insurance companies can be a daunting task for unrepresented individuals, with numerous complexities to navigate through. A good bike accident attorney protects your interests and holds insurance companies accountable, helping to ensure you receive the compensation you rightly deserve.
Assigning Fault in a New Mexico Bike Accident
To hold a party accountable for a bike accident in New Mexico, you need to prove they were negligent. This involves proving four elements:
- The defendant had a duty to you,
- They breached their duty,
- The breach caused your injury, and
- You suffered losses as a result.
This process is almost impossible without the help of an attorney. Our legal advisors at Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C. can help guide accident victims through the legal process necessary to obtain justice in a bike accident case.
Compensation After Your Bicycle Accident
Post-accident, a New Mexico bike accident attorney from Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C. can assist you in filing a comprehensive injury claim. As a victim, you’re entitled to compensation for:
- Gastos médicos,
- Lost earnings,
- Diminished earning capacity,
- Physical and emotional suffering,
- Loss of life’s enjoyment, and
- Relationship disruption due to injury.
The first step to obtaining the compensation you deserve is consulting with an experienced attorney.
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New Mexico Bike Accident Attorneys FAQs
What Should I Do Immediately After a Bicycle Accident in New Mexico?
Follow these steps in the immediate aftermath of a bicycle collision to set yourself up for a strong case:
- Seek safety—move to a safe area away from traffic;
- Call the police—it’s crucial to have an official report, especially if there are injuries or significant damage;
- Seek medical attention—even if injuries aren’t apparent, it’s important to be examined by a healthcare professional;
- Document the scene—take photos or videos of the accident scene, your bicycle, any vehicles involved, and your injuries;
- Gather witness information—if anyone saw the accident, get their contact details;
- Don’t admit fault—avoid discussing fault at the accident scene; and
- Consult a New Mexico bike accident lawyer—contact a seasoned bike accident attorney to discuss your legal options as soon as possible.
Even if you don’t follow these steps precisely, don’t worry—a good lawyer can still help you build a strong case.
How Does Determining Fault Work in New Mexico Bike Accidents?
In New Mexico, determining fault involves showing that the other party was negligent and that this negligence led to your injuries. This could include proving the motorist was distracted, violated traffic laws, or was otherwise careless in a way that caused the accident.
Can I Recover Compensation Even if I Was Partially at Fault?
Yes, under New Mexico’s rule of comparative negligence, you can still recover compensation even if you are found to be partially at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to you. For instance, if you are deemed 20% at fault and your total damages are $100,000, you would be eligible to receive $80,000.
What Kind of Compensation Can I Expect From a Bike Accident Claim in New Mexico?
Compensation can cover a variety of losses, including:
- Medical expenses—compensation can cover both present and future medical treatments;
- Lost wages—this is compensation for the time you’ve been unable to work;
- Pain and suffering—you may be entitled to compensation for any physical pain and emotional distress experienced;
- Loss of enjoyment— this is when your injuries prevent you from enjoying daily activities or hobbies; and
- Punitive damages—although rare, punitive damages may be awarded in cases of egregious negligence.
Contact a bike accident attorney to learn more about the compensation you may be entitled to.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a New Mexico Bike Accident Attorney?
At Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C., we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay any upfront costs. We collect attorney fees only if we win your case, and the fees will be a pre-agreed percentage of your settlement or verdict amount.
Why Should I Choose Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C. as My New Mexico Bike Accident Attorneys?
Our team is committed to treating your case with the personalized attention and diligence it deserves. We bring years of experience with personal injury claims, deep knowledge of New Mexico’s traffic and injury laws, and a compassionate approach to each case. We are committed always to assisting our neighbors in Las Cruces and beyond, and our only goal is to ensure you receive the maximum compensation while you focus on recovery.
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We understand the emotional, physical, and financial toll bike accidents can have on victims and their families. Our New Mexico bike accident attorneys are ready to provide the legal support required to navigate through these tough times. Trust in our experience, dedication, and comprehensive services for a smoother path to justice.
Fluent in both English and Spanish, our seasoned bike accident attorneys eliminate common language barriers, making justice accessible to all and encouraging everyone to seek the legal aid they need.
We serve clients from our offices in Las Cruces and El Paso, drawing on our vast knowledge and resources to help ensure you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries and losses. While each case is different, we have a proven track record of securing substantial, six-figure compensation for many of our clients.
At Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C., you will never be just another case. As your trusted neighbors, we advocate for you as we would for our own family. Our dedication to our clients, coupled with a tried and tested record of successful case outcomes, makes us a strong choice for those in need of representation in bike accident cases. If your life has been impacted by a bicycle accident in New Mexico, reach out to us today. Let’s seek justice together!