If you or a loved one suffered a severe injury in a car crash and the responsible party fled the scene, you may have the right to pursue legal action. The Albuquerque hit and run accident lawyers at Ben Crump Law, PLLC are prepared to fight for you. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial impact car crashes can have on victims and their families. We also believe that those who cause harm have a moral and legal obligation to answer for their actions and make just amends.
In the aftermath of a hit and run car crash, you may feel lost and overwhelmed. You may be unsure how to pay for your emergency medical care and ongoing treatments, particularly if you have had to take time off of work to recover. You do not have to go through this dark period alone.
Our team is here to help you. We can help you investigate the crash and locate the responsible party. Then, we will assist you in pursuing compensation so you can recover and move forward.
Call (800) 598-7557 to speak with a staff member from Ben Crump Law, PLLC to speak with a legal advocate.
What You Should Know About Hit and Run Accidents in New Mexico
More than 2 million people are injured in car crashes in the U.S. annually, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While some injuries are mild or moderate, many are severe—even permanently debilitating. Tragically, about 32,000 people lose their lives in crashes every year.
Sadly, statistics show New Mexico is among the worst states in the nation when it comes to driver safety and crashes. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) ranks the state among the highest in drunk driving, careless driving, and speeding incidents.
Most of the time, when an incident occurs, a driver will stop and render reasonable assistance to those involved, even if they were at fault. This is the responsible and ethical thing to do. It is also a legal obligation. Unfortunately, some drivers flee the scene instead.
Usually, this is an attempt to avoid the consequences of their reckless or negligent behavior. Committing a hit and run is illegal. Such drivers must be apprehended and held accountable.
For a free legal consultation with a hit and run accidents lawyer serving Albuquerque, call 800-598-7557
What You Should Know About Traffic Laws and Victim’s Rights
To protect drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists, municipalities throughout New Mexico have traffic laws and protocols. These rules mandate responsible behavior on the roadways and outline consequences for those who do not obey them. Such rules are particularly crucial in densely populated areas like Albuquerque.
In New Mexico, drivers involved in an accident must remain at the scene and offer reasonable assistance if they are able. Drivers should also exchange information with the other involved parties, including providing their name, contact information, driver’s license number, and insurance details.
The only reason a driver may legally leave the scene of an accident without exchanging such information and rendering reasonable assistance is in the case of a life-threatening emergency that requires them to seek immediate medical care.
Otherwise, leaving the scene is a hit and run, a felony crime. An Albuquerque hit and run accident lawyer can help you hold a negligent party accountable.
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You May Be Entitled to Financial Awards for Accident-Related Losses
Victims of hit and run incidents are entitled to just compensation for their losses. This can include current and reasonably anticipated medical bills, long-term rehabilitation costs (such as physical therapy), lost wages, and reduced earning capacity, as well as emotional pain and anguish.
If a loved one died in a crash, your family may be eligible for funeral and burial costs. While no amount of money can take away your suffering or bring back your lost loved one, financial awards may equip you with the resources you need to rebuild and move forward from this traumatic period.
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What to Do After a Hit and Run Accident in Albuquerque
Collecting compensation from another driver following a car accident can be straightforward, particularly if there is no question or contest about liability. However, this is not the case with a hit and run. In these situations, pursuing your rightful compensation is a significantly more complicated task. This is why you may want to have a legal expert on your side.
Immediately after the incident, it is essential to obtain and record as much information as possible about the driver and vehicle. Try to get the license plate number, or at least the car make, model, and color. Note any distinguishing features, such as bumper stickers, custom rims, or dents. You should also do the following:
- Photograph the damage and scene and note the date and time of the incident
- Ask any eyewitnesses for their accounts and contact information
- File a report with law enforcement immediately
- Seek medical attention
- File a report with your insurance company
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How a Ben Crump Law, PLLC Lawyer Can Support You After Your Hit and Run
Once you have done the above and feel well enough to do so, consider contacting an attorney. A lawyer will launch an independent investigation to locate the hit and run driver. They can also help you file an insurance claim and negotiate with your insurance company for a fair settlement if you have an applicable policy.
If the responsible party is apprehended, an Albuquerque hit and run accident lawyer can help you seek compensation from them, whether by communicating with their insurance company or building and bringing a personal injury case against them in civil court.
Why You Should Consider Taking Legal Action
Hit-and-run drivers must not get away with their crimes. Many hit and run drivers flee because they are afraid of being arrested or fined for drunk driving or distracted driving, behaviors that they are likely to repeat if they are not apprehended. Pursuing justice against such reckless or irresponsible parties is the right thing to do for yourself and the greater Albuquerque community.
Get in touch with Ben Crump Law, PLLC to find out how a lawyer can help with your hit and run accident. Call (800) 598-7557 to speak with a staff member to discuss your situation during a free, no-obligation consultation.
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