Drunk driving accidents are preventable incidents that result in severe physical, emotional, and financial losses to the victims and their families. At Genus Law Group, our personal injury lawyers are dedicated to representing those who have been injured or lost their family members in accidents that involve drunk drivers. We know how much harm these accidents can cause and that is why we do everything possible to make sure that the victims get the compensation that they require to get back on their feet.
Drunk driving accidents in New Mexico: What you need to know
DUI is one of the most dangerous actions that a driver can take while behind the wheel of a car. As in many other states, DUI accidents are quite frequent in New Mexico, and the outcomes can be devastating. These accidents can lead to severe injuries or even fatalities, and the victims and their families are left to bear the costs of medical treatment, loss of earnings, and pain and suffering. Drunk driving accidents can involve:
- Cars and trucks: DUI accidents that occur with personal automobiles like cars, trucks, and motorcycles lead to extensive property damage and serious injuries.
- Pedestrians and cyclists: Drunk drivers are dangerous to other road users especially the pedestrians and cyclists who have no shelter in case of an accident.
- Multiple vehicles: DUI accidents can be single vehicle accidents but they can also be multiple vehicle accidents where one accident leads to another and another.
If you or your family member has become a victim of a drunk driving accident, it is crucial to know what legal options are available to you.
Injuries Frequently Sustained in Drunk Driving Accidents
Drunk driving accidents can lead to various injuries, and most of them have severe consequences that affect the lives of the victims. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Head injuries that are severe and are as a result of the collision may lead to loss of memory, change in cognitive ability and other complications.
- Spinal cord injuries: Spinal cord injury can result in partial or complete paralysis, which means that the patient will need medical care and rehabilitation for the rest of his or her life.
- Broken bones: In high impact crashes, there are often fractures and broken bones which may need surgical intervention and a long period of rehabilitation.
- Internal injuries: Internal injuries may not be visible from the outside but they can be fatal if they are not treated.
- Whiplash and neck injuries: A car accident can jolt the neck and lead to soft tissue damage, which results in chronic pain and limited range of motion.
What to Do After a Drunk Driving Accident?
In case you have been involved in a drunk driving accident, it is important to take the following steps after the accident to ensure that you are protected and that you get the compensation that you deserve. Here’s what to do:
- Seek Medical Attention: It is always advisable to seek medical attention even if you do not think that you are badly hurt. There are some injuries that may not be visible at first, such as internal bleeding or concussion.
- Call the Police: It is advisable to report the accident to the police, especially if the driver was drunk. It will be important to have a police report of the incident in case there is a need to take the matter to court.
- Document the Scene: If possible, it is recommended to capture pictures of the accident scene, the damaged vehicles, and any visible injuries. It is advisable to get the contact details of the witnesses since they may be of great assistance to you in your case.
- Contact an Attorney: Drunk driving accidents are usually accompanied by legal complications such as criminal charges against the driver. A professional personal injury attorney will be able to assist you in the legal procedure and assist you in claiming for your damages.
Drunk Driving Accident Victims’ Compensation
In New Mexico, the victims of drunk driving accidents can claim for several forms of damages based on the facts of the case. This can include:
- Medical expenses: Reimbursement for present and future medical expenses such as hospitalization, operations, physiotherapy, and drugs.
- Lost wages: If your injuries have made it impossible for you to work, you may be able to recover for lost wages and diminished earning potential.
- Pain and suffering: Rehabilitation for the physical and psychological injuries sustained in the accident, including for pain and suffering, stress, and loss of quality of life.
- Property damage: Compensation for loss or damage to your car or other personal belongings in the accident.
- Punitive damages: Sometimes, the court may grant punitive damages to the victim in order to penalize the drunk driver for his or her negligence and to discourage him or her from repeating the same mistake.
What Genus Law Group Can Do for You?
At Genus Law Group, we are committed to helping the victims of drunk driving accidents in Albuquerque and New Mexico. Our attorneys have represented numerous clients in personal injury claims arising from DUI accidents and we are dedicated to ensuring that drunk drivers are made to answer for their negligence. We know the difficulties that you may be going through and we shall do all that is possible to make sure that you get the compensation that you require.
From collecting evidence and dealing with insurance companies to standing for you in court if needed, our legal team will manage your case from start to finish so that you can concentrate on getting better. We will stand up for your rights and make sure that the perpetrators are made to answer for the damages they have done.
How Genus Law Helps Albuquerque DUI Victims
Unfortunately, being the victim of a serious DUI car accident impacts more than just your physical well-being. Aside from recovering from your physical injuries, you also have to worry about paying for your medical treatment, repairing or replacing your vehicle, recovering lost wages, and receiving compensation for your paying and suffering. Often victims see their bills piling up and don’t know what to tell the insurance companies about the accident or their lost wages. Once you call the Albuquerque car accident lawyers at Genus Law Group, our experienced legal team will immediately handle all aspects of the case so that you can focus on your recovery without stress or worry. As soon as you choose Genus Law to represent you in your New Mexico car accident case, our team will:
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Immediately Send All Parties a Letter of Representation.
As soon as you engage Genus Law, we will contact the insurance companies, creditors, and medical providers to inform them that we represent you. That means they all have to come through us to get to you. We will stop the phone calls and get the ball rolling on your financial recovery. You can simply respond to any unwanted communication “talk to my lawyer” and let us do the rest.
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Conduct our own investigation to establish the facts of the case.
Insurance companies may try to conduct their own investigation and determine the facts themselves. Genus Law will make sure we collect any and all evidence that will help you maximize your settlement.
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Keep you updated on your case and all developments.
Genus Law will handle almost every aspect of your case, so your involvement will be limited. However, we will keep you fully informed of our progress in the case and the negotiating process. As soon as we have a settlement offer from the insurance company, we will contact you and advise you on whether or not it’s a good deal. We can also advise you on whats types of medical treatments will best serve your claim and recovery.
Negotiate the best possible settlement for you. The Albuquerque car accident lawyers at Genus Law Group handle each case as if we are going to aggressively argue it in court. However, most cases end in a negotiated settlement. We fight for a fair, timely settlement for our clients, however, if this isn’t possible, we are prepared to take your case to a judge or jury.