New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyer

Prioritize safety by moving out of traffic, calling 911, and accepting medical evaluation even if you feel okay. Exchange information, photograph damage, license plates, skid marks, and road conditions, and gather names of witnesses and responding officers. If possible, note nearby businesses that may have cameras capturing the collision or the moments just before impact.

Report the crash to your insurer, but be cautious about giving statements to the other driver’s carrier until you understand your injuries and coverage. Keep a file with claim numbers, medical records, and receipts, and follow all treatment recommendations. A quick call to Pofahl Law Firm, P.C. can help you understand next steps and important New Mexico deadlines.

In many New Mexico personal injury cases, the statute of limitations is three years from the date of injury. However, claims involving public entities often have shorter timelines and advance notice requirements, so it is wise to act quickly.

Because medical treatment, investigation, and negotiations can take months, tracking deadlines from the start helps avoid last-minute decisions. If you believe a government employee or agency may be involved, ask about Tort Claims Act requirements as soon as possible. Speaking with a lawyer early can help identify all deadlines and preserve key evidence.

You must cooperate with your own insurer, but you are not required to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s company. Early statements can be incomplete and may be used to minimize your injuries.

It is reasonable to provide basic information like your name and contact details while requesting that further questions be sent in writing. Before discussing symptoms, treatment, or fault, consider obtaining guidance so your comments accurately reflect the facts and medical records.

Fault is evaluated through evidence such as police reports, photographs, crash data, witness statements, and medical records that link the incident to the injuries. Traffic laws and safety rules help define the duty of care and whether it was breached.

New Mexico applies pure comparative fault, which assigns percentages of responsibility to everyone involved. Your recovery is reduced by your share of fault, so careful investigation and consistent documentation are important to present a fair and accurate assessment.

Recoverable damages may include medical expenses, rehabilitation, prescriptions, mileage, and lost income. In appropriate cases, you may also pursue compensation for pain, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and diminished earning capacity.

Property damage, towing, rental costs, and other out-of-pocket expenses can also be part of a claim. The value depends on liability, the severity and duration of injuries, and how well records connect the incident to your losses. Organized documentation strengthens your case.