Car accidents can affect people’s lives in many ways. If you have been in one of these accidents, you may have to pay for car repair and medical care as well as take time off of your work. In New Mexico, drivers injured in a car accident can collect compensation for some losses related to the crash. Such damages can cover emotional, physical, and financial hardship. To make sure you secure the full compensation you deserve, seek help from an Albuquerque car accident attorney who will calculate all your losses to ensure you are paid for what you have to endure because of the accident.
Car Accident Laws in New Mexico
The fault-based system in New Mexico makes any driver who caused an accident responsible for compensating the damages of the victim. To collect compensation from the at-fault driver, here are your options:
- File a claim with the insurance company of the negligent driver. Under state law, all drivers must carry minimum liability insurance coverage that can be used when they cause a crash.
- File a claim with your insurer. If you can’t file an insurance claim with the negligent driver, you can use your uninsured motorist coverage.
- File a lawsuit. A personal injury lawsuit can be filed against the at-fault driver in civil court.
Kinds of Damages You Can Pursue
Whether you file an accident claim or injury lawsuit, you want to secure a reasonable settlement or verdict that can pay for your losses. The kinds of damages you can recover are the following:
- Economic damages. These damages are the tangible monetary losses you suffered because of the accident. To recover these damages, you must provide evidence like medical bills, paystubs, employer correspondence, proof of purchases, and repair invoices.
Often, your medical expenses will include most of your economic damages. They include surgeries, hospitalizations, mobility equipment, prosthetic devices, rehabilitation, medication, doctor’s visits, and in-home care. Also, you can collect compensation for the wages you were unable to earn as you get treatment for and recover from your injuries.
- Non-economic damages. These damages include both the physical and emotional losses you suffered because of the crash. They include chronic pain, loss of quality of life, permanent disability, emotional distress, disfigurement and scarring, depression and anxiety, as well as a post-traumatic stress disorder.
It is important to know the damages you are eligible to recover to make the most out of your accident claim. Also, you must understand the amount of compensation you should secure, so you don’t just accept a lowball settlement offer from an insurance company.
