Were you or someone close to you hurt in a motorcycle accident in Las Cruces, New Mexico? You may have grounds to file a personal injury claim against the responsible party with help from an experienced Las Cruces motorcycle accident lawyer
Cal Mundell Law Firm, PLLC is the right law firm for the job. We have years of experience in the field and have recovered millions for our deserving clients to date, giving us a track record you’ll be able to count on as your case moves forward.
Call (915) 348-5326 today to schedule a free consultation. We can advise you on your legal rights and options at that time.
Why Should I Hire Cal Mundell Law Firm, PLLC After a Motorcycle Accident in Las Cruces, NM?
Attorney Cal Mundell spent years representing insurance companies and major corporations before dedicating his practice to helping injured people. He understands the tactics adjusters rely on to chip away at motorcycle claims and knows just as well where those strategies break down.
Our motorcycle accident attorney in Las Cruces, NM, can assist you by:
- Pinpointing who caused the crash and building a case around the evidence
- Totaling every damage you have suffered, from medical costs to lost earning power
- Partnering with accident reconstruction professionals and medical experts to strengthen your position
- Shielding you from unfair blame the other side may try to assign
- Handling negotiations directly with the insurance company
- Filing a lawsuit and preparing for trial if the other side refuses to be reasonable
Reach out to our law offices today to learn more. We’re ready to get to work on your case as soon as you are.
New Mexico Motorcycle Laws That Could Affect Your Claim
New Mexico gives adult riders the freedom to choose whether to wear a helmet. Under NMSA § 66-7-356, only riders and passengers under the age of 18 are required to wear DOT-approved helmets. For adults, the choice is entirely personal.
Beyond helmet rules, there are a few other regulations riders should be aware of:
- Eye protection such as goggles, safety glasses, or a face shield is required whenever the motorcycle lacks a windscreen
- Lane splitting is prohibited statewide, and a violation can weaken your claim if the insurer ties it to the cause of the crash
- All motorcyclists must carry minimum liability insurance of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $10,000 for property damage
Violating any of these rules will not automatically bar you from recovering compensation, but it can give the defense ammunition to argue shared fault. A qualified motorcycle accident attorney can help you navigate these issues.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Las Cruces
Motorcycle crashes happen for many reasons, but the majority stem from another driver’s carelessness at the end of the day. Riders are harder to spot than passenger vehicles, and too many motorists simply do not look before changing lanes, turning, or pulling out of a parking lot.
Frequent causes of motorcycle accidents in the Las Cruces area include:
- Drivers turning left across a rider’s path at intersections
- Motorists drifting into a motorcycle’s lane without checking mirrors
- Tailgating and following too closely behind a motorcycle
- Running red lights and rolling through stop signs
- Driving while distracted by a phone or other device
- Speeding, particularly on open stretches of I-10 and I-25
- Operating a vehicle under the influence
No matter what triggered the collision, you may have the right to pursue damages. Contact our motorcycle accident lawyer today for guidance.
How Much Money Is My Las Cruces Motorcycle Accident Claim Worth?
Motorcycle crash claims vary considerably. Riders tend to suffer more severe injuries than occupants of enclosed vehicles, which often drives the value of these cases higher. Some of the factors our legal team will look at include:
- How severe your injuries are and whether a full recovery is expected
- The total amount of your medical expenses, both past and projected
- How much work you have missed and whether your ability to earn has been permanently affected
- The extent of your physical pain and emotional suffering
- Whether fault is being shared or contested
- The limits of the applicable insurance policies
Our legal team will conduct a thorough investigation so that we can pursue every dollar available to you. Learn more by scheduling a free initial consultation with us today.
What Kinds of Damages Can I Receive After a Motorcycle Crash in Las Cruces?
Two categories of compensatory damages are available to motorcycle accident victims in New Mexico: economic and non-economic. Punitive damages may be awarded as well in rare circumstances.
Examples of the damages you can recover include:
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Medical bills
- Diminished earning capacity
- Emotional distress
- Trauma and mental anguish
- Loss of quality of life
Punitive damages require a showing that the at-fault party’s behavior was especially reckless or outrageous, such as causing a crash while driving drunk.
What if the Opposing Party Tries To Blame Me for My Motorcycle Accident?
You can still pursue compensation even if the other side claims you share fault. New Mexico applies a pure comparative negligence standard, which means there is no percentage cutoff that disqualifies you from recovering damages. Your award will simply be reduced by whatever share of blame is assigned to you.
Insurance adjusters know that juries sometimes harbor bias against motorcyclists, and they will try to exploit that. A skilled motorcycle accident attorney can counter those tactics and protect the value of your claim.
What Is the Filing Deadline for Motorcycle Accident Claims in New Mexico?
Generally speaking, you have three years from the date of your crash to file a personal injury lawsuit under NMSA § 37-1-8. Claims involving a government entity require a 90-day tort claim notice and carry a shorter two-year statute of limitations deadline.
Since there are exceptions to these time limits in some cases, the best way to confirm the exact timeline for your situation is to speak with a personal injury lawyer as soon as you can.
Contact Our Las Cruces Motorcycle Accident Attorney for a Free Case Review
Riders face enough risk on the road without having to worry about whether the legal system will treat them fairly after a crash. If another driver’s negligence put you in this position in Las Cruces, NM, Cal Mundell Law Firm, PLLC will make sure your side of the story gets the attention it deserves.
Call our Las Cruces motorcycle accident attorney today at (915) 348-5326 to schedule a free consultation. We’ve won millions of dollars for our clients and will work just as hard for you.