Proven Motorcycle Injury Attorneys
Motorcycle accident cases can be challenging for some firms to handle. They often involve catastrophic injuries and complex matters related to dangerous roadways, defective bike parts, or negligent motorists. Our New Mexico motorcycle accident lawyers have extensive experience with these cases, as well as the resources to thoroughly investigate what caused the accident and who should be held accountable. We build clear, compelling cases that pave the way for verdicts and settlements that help our clients rebuild and move on with their lives.
Our motorcycle accident case results include:
- $8.5 million settlement for a severely injured motorcyclist.
- $5.9 million settlement after a serious motorcycle crash.
- $4.5 million settlement for a man injured in a motorcycle accident.
Take this opportunity to learn how we can help you by requesting a free consultation. We are standing by to answer your questions and help you understand your legal rights and options at this critical time.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics & Info
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) collects data that explores the risks motorcyclists face. In doing so, the NHTSA hopes to increase awareness surrounding motorcycle accidents. 2021 data reveals:
- 5,932 riders lost their lives in traffic accidents across the country.
- Motorcycles accounted for 14% of fatalities, despite being only 3.5% of registered vehicles.
- Motorcyclists accounted for 0.6% of total traveled miles but were 6 times more likely to be in an accident.
These statistics reveal that, though motorcycles account for a minority of vehicles on the road, they are involved in a disproportionately high amount of motor vehicle accidents. While insurers and awareness campaigns typically hold motorcycle operators responsible for these accidents, four-wheel drivers play a major role in the motorcycle crash rate.
Types of Motorcycle Accidents in New Mexico
Riders in Albuquerque and across New Mexico are at an increased risk of injury in traffic accidents. They are also more prone to being involved in specific types of collisions than drivers of cars, trucks, or SUVs.
The following are types of motorcycle crashes and their potential causes:
- Left-Turn Accidents: When motorists are yielding to make a left turn, they may fail to notice approaching motorcycles or misjudge the speed at which they are traveling. When a larger vehicle turns left directly in front of a motorcycle's path, the considerable force of impact is often devastating for the motorcyclist.
- Blind Spot Collisions: Motorcycles are small and easily hide in the blind spots of cars. When a driver is not observant, they may attempt a maneuver that places a motorcyclist they do not see at risk of collision.
- Lane Splitting Accidents: Though lane splitting has not been made legal in New Mexico, some motorcyclists still practice it. Drivers should always be on the lookout for motorcyclists, no matter where they are.
- Road Hazard Crashes: Cars can drive over many road hazards with minimal danger. However, many obstacles are devastating to motorcyclists. These hazards include potholes, gravel, roadkill, water, snow, and ice.
Motorcycle Crashes & Catastrophic Injuries
Given how unprotected the typical motorcycle rider is, average injury severity is high. As a result, motorcycle operators end up suffering long-term injuries more frequently. Medically and legally, long-term or permanent injuries are classified as “catastrophic” because they lower a person’s quality of life, either through loss of mobility or the financial burden of getting adequate care and accommodations. Some injuries may leave a rider unable to work and earn a living.
The following injuries may be sustained in a motorcycle accident:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Paraplegia or quadriplegia
- Loss of limbs
- Severe friction burns from skidding (road rash)
Recovering Compensation After a New Mexico Motorcycle Accident
The severity of your injuries and their impact on your life (both now and into the future) will directly impact the potential value of your motorcycle accident case. A life-changing injury like the loss of a limb, for example, may affect your ability to return to work in the same field and your ability to perform certain activities. A brain or spinal cord injury may require ongoing therapy and care. A verdict or settlement should cover all of this—and more.
Depending on the circumstances, a person who was injured in a motorcycle accident in New Mexico may be able to seek compensation for:
- Medical care, including ongoing treatment and therapy
- Medical supplies, assistive devices, and medication
- Lost earnings, including loss of potential/future wages
- Emotional trauma, including pain and suffering
- Punitive damages, if the accident involved gross negligence or wrongdoing
Our Albuquerque motorcycle accident lawyers have won more than $20 billion in verdicts and settlements for our clients. Without an advocate fighting for you, a motorcycle crash could haunt you for the rest of your life. For us, it’s vital to get you the best medical care possible while holding at-fault parties accountable for everything you’ve lost.
Determining Fault After a Motorcycle Collision
One of the key parts of any New Mexico motorcycle accident case is the determination of fault. This involves finding out what party is legally responsible (liable) for the harm that the injured person (the plaintiff) has experienced.
There are many factors that go into investigating a motorcycle collision:
- Photographs of the scene, skid marks, the vehicles involved, and more
- Videos of the incident, caught on surveillance cameras, dashcams, or personal devices
- Witness accounts of the accident
- Police reports
- Medical records and toxicology reports
We work with investigators, accident reconstruction specialists, and expert witnesses to determine fault and build compelling cases that give us the best opportunity to secure the level of compensation our clients need—and deserve.
After an Albuquerque Motorcycle Accident: What You Should & Shouldn't Do
The steps you take in the minutes, days, and months after a motorcycle accident can have a tremendous impact on your ability to file a claim and seek fair compensation for your injuries. Although every situation is different, and you should use your best judgment based on the circumstances of your crash, we've compiled some helpful dos and don'ts.
If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident in New Mexico:
- DO remain at the scene. In New Mexico and nationwide, you are required to remain at the scene of any traffic accident that has caused property damage or injury. Stay at the scene and render aid to others, if it is safe to do so. Call 911 to report the accident, particularly if someone was seriously injured or it is blocking traffic.
- DO document the incident. If you can, take pictures of the scene with your phone or other device. Take photos of your bike and your injuries. Get the contact information of any witnesses who saw what occurred. Their accounts could prove useful. Gathering information and evidence early on can help with your case.
- DO seek medical attention. You should always seek medical care after an accident, even if you feel that you were not severely injured. Some injuries, like whiplash or a brain injury, may not be apparent at first, only to cause significant harm. Seeking medical attention is important for your well-being and your ability to file a claim.
- DO NOT apologize or say that the accident was your fault. Only a thorough investigation will reveal what caused a crash. Do not give a statement to anyone, even your own insurance company, that makes it seem as though you were at fault. This could be used against you, hindering your ability to secure fair compensation.
- DO speak with an attorney. Try to seek legal counsel as soon as you can after a motorcycle accident. By finding an attorney who has experience with motorcycle accident cases in particular, you can rest assured that your legal rights and interests will be protected. You can also focus on healing while your attorney handles your case.
Call Our New Mexico Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Today
If you have been injured while riding a motorcycle due to the negligence of others, recovery is possible. Contact Arnold & Itkin today to find out how our Albuquerque motorcycle accident lawyers may be able to help you recover lost wages, medical costs, and other damages caused by your accident. When you contact our firm, you are enlisting the help of a legal team that has won billions in life-changing compensation for our clients. We understand how hard these times are and will seek to provide the service you deserve to make the process simple.
Call our New Mexico motorcycle accident attorneys today at (888) 493-1629 for a free consultation. A member of our legal team is ready to talk to you 24/7.
