Hire the Best Pedestrian Accident Lawyers in New Mexico
You deserve justice and fair compensation for your losses
While all traffic collisions are dangerous, few are as potentially catastrophic and deadly as collisions that involve pedestrians.
Pedestrian deaths began rising in 2010 due largely to unsafe infrastructure and the prevalence of SUVs, which tend to be more deadly for pedestrians than smaller cars.
When the pandemic arrived, there was an even greater surge as empty roads gave way to speeding and distracted driving. The number of pedestrian injuries and fatalities related to these collisions has kept rising since.
Unfortunately, closer to home, pedestrian accidents are among the nation’s worst. In 2022, for the seventh year in a row, New Mexico was ranked as the most dangerous state for pedestrians, with a rate of 4.4 pedestrian deaths per 100,000 people.
At Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C., a big part of our mission is helping to make our communities safer for pedestrians and helping them obtain justice after an accident. If you or a loved one has been injured or lost their life in a pedestrian accident in New Mexico, we strive to achieve the best possible outcome for your claim.
Because our experienced legal staff in New Mexico and Texas offers counsel in both English and Spanish, we receive a lot of questions from people who have been affected by pedestrian accidents. Here is how we answer them.
We Want to Hear Your Story – and We Want to Help
Major Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in New Mexico
Even when pedestrians obey traffic signs and signals, use crosswalks, and exercise caution while crossing streets, negligent drivers are an unpredictable factor on our New Mexico roadways.
Common causes of pedestrian accidents in New Mexico may include but are not limited to:
- Speeding or reckless driving;
- Negligence in obeying traffic signs;
- Distracted driving;
- Failure to stop or yield to pedestrian right of way, including crosswalks;
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
- Fatigued driving; and
- Improper turns.
The thought of a pedestrian hit by any vehicle is horrifying, and the actual collision can be devastating.
Common Injuries from Pedestrian Accidents
When a negligent driver collides with a pedestrian, bad things happen. We represent injured clients in Las Cruces and beyond because we understand the injuries involved can take a long time to heal or leave permanent damage, leading to life-changing expenses. The most common New Mexico pedestrian accident injuries include:
- Fractured, broken, or crushed bones;
- Dislocated joints;
- Torn tendons, muscles, and ligaments;
- Internal bleeding;
- Organ damage;
- Neck and spinal cord injuries;
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs);
- Limb amputations;
- Loss of mobility;
- Paralysis; and
- Death.
As seasoned New Mexico pedestrian accident lawyers, the team at Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C. can help you explore your financial recovery options if you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident.
Financial Recovery After a Pedestrian Accident
Our partner attorneys in New Mexico and Texas pursue all necessary compensation for our clients and leave no detail overlooked when detailing our demands to the negligent party’s insurance company. This may include costs for:
- Past and future medical expenses,
- Loss of past and future wages,
- Reduced future earning capacity,
- Past and future pain and suffering,
- Mental anguish,
- Physical impairment, and
- Disfigurement.
We focus on delivering real results for our clients, ensuring they speak directly with a pedestrian accident attorney to understand their legal rights and choices from the get-go. We fight for every possible type of financial recovery through negotiations with the negligent party’s insurance company. If necessary, our team will prepare your case meticulously for trial to see that justice is done.
We represent clients throughout the state on a contingency basis, which means you owe no legal fees unless we win or settle your case. If you are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve, we’re ready to stand with you.
FAQs About New Mexico Pedestrian Accidents
What Should I Do Immediately After a Pedestrian Accident in New Mexico?
If you’re involved in a pedestrian accident, first ensure you are in a safe place away from traffic. Call 911 to report the incident, and request medical assistance. Even if you feel fine, it’s crucial to get checked for potential injuries that may not be immediately apparent. Then, as soon as possible, contact a New Mexico pedestrian accident attorney to discuss your legal options.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim for a Pedestrian Accident in New Mexico?
In New Mexico, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including pedestrian accidents, is generally three years from the date of the incident. However, there could be exceptions to this rule, so it’s important to consult with a pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as possible to ensure your claim is filed within the necessary timeframe.
Can I Still Make a Claim if I Was Partially at Fault for the Accident?
New Mexico operates under a pure comparative negligence rule, which means that even if you are found to be partially at fault for the accident, you may still be able to recover compensation. Your recoverable damages would be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to you.
What Kind of Damages Can I Recover in a Pedestrian Accident Case?
In New Mexico, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and more. In the tragic event of a wrongful death, additional damages such as funeral expenses and loss of companionship may also be recoverable.
How Can a New Mexico Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Help Me?
A pedestrian accident attorney can help you navigate the legal process, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if necessary, represent you in court. They’ll gather evidence to support your claim, work with experts to establish the full impact of your injuries, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Will My Pedestrian Accident Case Go to Trial?
Most pedestrian accident claims are settled out of court. However, if the insurance company fails to offer a fair settlement, it may be necessary to go to trial to secure just compensation for your injuries. An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer will prepare your case for trial from the start and represent you throughout the process.
What If the Driver Who Hit Me is Uninsured or Underinsured?
If you’re hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver, you still have options to pursue compensation through your own insurance if you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Your attorney can help you understand and navigate this process.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a New Mexico Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?
Most pedestrian accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. You will not owe any upfront fees, and the lawyer’s fees will be a percentage of your recovery.
For more information or to get answers to specific questions about your case, schedule a free consultation with Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C. today.
Speak to a Skilled New Mexico Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Our legal team is here to help you with your case.
Choose the Seasoned Pedestrian Accident Lawyers at Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C.
Choosing Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C. to represent you in your pedestrian accident case means selecting a firm that goes beyond the standard legal representation.
Our unique combination of personal commitment, comprehensive expertise, and genuine concern for our clients sets us apart. Unlike larger, impersonal firms, we ensure each case receives the individual attention and tailored strategy it deserves.
Our experienced personal injury attorneys, fluent in both English and Spanish, aim to make justice accessible to all, removing language barriers that may discourage seeking legal help.
We work tirelessly, applying our wealth of knowledge and resources to advocate for the maximum compensation for your injuries and losses from our offices in Las Cruces, Albuquerque, and Carlsbad. Most importantly, we regularly secure six-figure compensation for our clients.
At Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C., we will never see you as just another case. You’re part of our community, and we fight for you as we would our own family. This dedicated, client-focused approach, combined with our proven track record of successful outcomes, makes us the wise choice for anyone needing representation in pedestrian accident cases.
If your life has been changed by a pedestrian accident in New Mexico, call us today, and we will seek justice together.