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Hire the Best Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in Rio Rancho
You deserve justice and fair compensation for your losses
Rio Rancho is a popular destination for motorcyclists drawn to its sunny climate and striking desert landscape. However, with these scenic open roads comes a somber reality.
Each year, hundreds of motorcyclists suffer serious and sometimes fatal injuries in accidents. In many cases, the motorcycle rider is not to blame for the collision.
Unfortunately, they often end up paying a far higher price—physically and financially—than the car or truck driver responsible for the incident.
We Want to Hear Your Story – and We Want to Help
At Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C., we’ve seen firsthand the devastating impact that a motorcycle accident can have on the lives of victims and their families.
When the negligence of another road user causes you serious harm, you need the support of a Rio Rancho motorcycle accident lawyer.
Our skilled injury lawyers in Rio Rancho can help hold the responsible party accountable and fight to receive the compensation you deserve for your recovery.
Contact us today to get started.
Common Rio Rancho Motorcycle Accident Injuries
A motorcycle accident can cause a wide range of injuries to riders. In some cases our attorneys have handled, riders have suffered:
- Broken bones,
- Lacerations,
- Burns,
- Road rash,
- Skull fractures,
- Internal bleeding,
- Amputation,
- Spinal cord injuries,
- Concussions, and
- Traumatic brain injuries.
Unfortunately, motorcyclists often have the most to lose in an accident. Since motorcycle structures expose riders to the road and other vehicles, even minor collisions can result in severe harm.
Recovering physically from a motorcycle accident can be a painful and expensive process. Riders may have to face reconstructive surgeries, occupational therapy, or permanent debilitation due to their injuries.
Psychological wounds are also common, including post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Many different factors can contribute to motorcycle accidents. Frequent crash causes we see in Rio Rancho include:
- Reckless or aggressive drivers,
- Lane weaving,
- Drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs,
- Drowsy driving,
- Distracted driving,
- Road hazards,
- Vehicle malfunctions,
- Failure to check blind spots,
- Weather conditions, and
- Speeding or other traffic violations.
Because motorcycle riders are relatively small and exposed, they’re often incorrectly blamed for causing their injuries. In many cases, identifying the true cause of a crash requires extensive investigation.
Compensation for a Motorcycle Accident in Rio Rancho
Under New Mexico law, motorcyclists injured due to someone else’s mistakes or negligence have the right to recover financial compensation for their harm. The amount of compensation available depends on several factors.
Damages
Rio Rancho motorcycle accident victims can recover compensatory damages for the economic and noneconomic losses suffered in a crash. Economic damages aim to reimburse you for the quantifiable financial costs of the accident, such as:
- Motorcycle repair or replacement,
- Past and future medical expenses,
- Lost wages and employment benefits, and
- Reduced income earning capacity.
Noneconomic damages are more subjective. They’re awarded to compensate for the intangible toll of a crash, including:
- Pain and suffering,
- Mental anguish,
- Loss of enjoyment in life,
- Disfigurement, and
- Permanent debilitation.
Determining the value of these losses can be challenging since they will vary depending on the case and severity of the injuries.
Motorcycle accident victims can also recover punitive damages in some cases. These damages are generally for cases of extreme or intentional disregard for others’ safety on the road.
Unlike compensatory damages, they aim to punish the party at fault and deter others from acting similarly.
Degree of Fault
To be eligible for compensation after a crash, someone else must be liable, or at fault, for your injuries. Generally, the way to prove liability is to show that another driver failed to exercise reasonable care on the road.
In legal terms, this is called negligence. Some behaviors that can be grounds for negligence include:
- Speeding,
- Driving while under the influence of drugs and alcohol,
- Texting while driving,
- Following too close (i.e., tailgating),
- Failure to yield,
- Reckless or aggressive driving, and
- Other violations of New Mexico traffic law.
When these behaviors cause someone harm, the driver at fault is liable for the cost of the damage they caused.
Comparative Negligence
If you played a part in causing the crash, you may also have some legal and financial responsibility. Under New Mexico’s pure comparative negligence law, accident victims can have their compensation reduced according to the percentage of fault they hold for the incident.
For example, imagine a motorcycle driving just over the speed limit on a one-lane road when a car attempts to pass illegally, sideswiping the rider and causing a crash.
A court finds the car driver 80% at fault for violating traffic rules, but they also give 20% of the fault to the motorcyclist for speeding.
The motorcyclist was entitled to $10,000 in compensation, but they can only recover $8,000 because of their comparative negligence.
How a Rio Rancho Motorcycle Accident Attorney Can Help
Recovering compensation after an accident is not always an easy process for victims—at least not without help. A Rio Rancho motorcycle accident lawyer can provide valuable guidance and legal insight throughout recovery.
With the support of a legal professional at Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro, accident victims are relieved from the stress of negotiating with insurers and other parties and can focus on healing after a crash.
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Investigating the Accident
We will conduct an independent investigation into the accident and help determine who was at fault. Our team knows how to identify, gather, and preserve the valuable evidence that can help support your claim for compensation.
This may include photos, videos, police reports, cell phone records, medical assessments, and eyewitness testimony.
Proving Liability
Identifying who is at fault is critical in a successful accident claim. We will use the evidence we’ve collected to determine the party or parties at fault for the crash.
With legal research and the results of our investigation, we will build a compelling argument for another party’s liability for your injuries.
Navigating Insurance and Legal Claims
An attorney can help lessen the stress of managing an accident’s legal and administrative aftermath. Your lawyer can help file all insurance claim paperwork and manage communications with your and other parties’ insurers.
With the knowledge and experience of our attorneys, you can avoid the common pitfalls that accident victims fall prey to in insurance dealings.
If an insurance company refuses to pay what your claim is worth, your lawyer can prepare to take legal action to recover the compensation you deserve.
In court or settlement proceedings, your advocate will negotiate for you to receive the best possible outcome for your case.
Speak to a Skilled Rio Rancho Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Our legal team is here to help you with your case.
Connect with a Rio Rancho Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today
Motorcycle accidents are some of the most life-altering and traumatic incidents we see. When someone else’s mistake alters your life forever, you shouldn’t have to pay the price for their negligence.
Taweny, Acosta & Chaparro P.C. are dedicated advocates ready to fight for your right to fair compensation.
Our top-rated team has extensive experience helping New Mexico motorcyclists get back on their feet after an accident with compassionate and aggressive legal representation.
If you’ve been hurt in a motorcycle accident, contact our office to schedule a free consultation. We charge no fees unless we’re able to win you compensation.
We handle cases in Rio Rancho, Albuquerque, Carlsbad, Las Cruces, Hobbs, Farmington, Deming, Roswell, Lovington, Clovis, and Artesia.