ABQ Car Accident FAQs

Long after a car accident has occurred and the wreckage is cleared, its effects remain, impacting multiple aspects of a victim’s life. From injuries and medical bills to emotional trauma and financial loss, there’s a lot to recover from and you may be unsure of how to move forward in filing a claim and attaining compensation. The Albuquerque car accident attorneys at The Dinelli Law Firm are here to guide you through the process, providing you with expert consultation and representation to ensure you’re awarded all that you’re entitled to!

Below, our team has compiled answers to the most commonly asked questions of car accident victims. If you’re seeking compensation after a car accident, call The Dinelli Firm at (505) 582-2157!

What you choose to do or not do immediately after a car accident will impact your claim, so it’s important to act quickly and accurately. Begin by calling 911 and addressing the health and wellness of everyone involved. Even if no one appears to be hurt, everyone should be examined by medical personnel, as some injuries are not instantly visible. Report the accident to the police with as much detail and information as possible. Photos and videos of the scene, road conditions, signs, damages, injuries, and any other prevalent documentation should be taken, as they will be crucial in building a personal injury case. If possible, get the name, insurance company, and contact information of any other involved parties and witnesses. Try to avoid contacting any insurance company, yours or theirs, before speaking with an attorney, and if possible, avoid providing the other party’s insurance with a statement, because oftentimes they’ll use what you say against you. Instead, call an Albuquerque car accident lawyer at The Dinelli Law Firm so we can immediately take over your case.

Obtaining as much information as possible will help you file a reputable, comprehensive case. Much of the information you collect at the time of the car accident will be needed, such as photos of the scene, and the name, contact information, and insurance of the driver and witnesses. Ask the police for their contact information as well as your case number, and request a police report once it’s available. Get records from medical personnel such as an assessment of injuries, procedures, medications, etc. It may also be helpful to write down or record an explanation of the accident as soon as you can, while the incident is still fresh in your mind. Keep records and receipts of any expenses connected to your accident, as they can be put towards your compensation. Upon obtaining this information, you’ll want to hand it over to your car accident lawyer at The Dinelli Law Firm. From there we’ll construct a case and inform you if any other information is needed.

Some accidents aren’t always caused by the drivers, some may be in part to dangerous road conditions or faulty products or repair. To determine who will be held accountable for your car accident and damages, you must first hire an Albuquerque car accident lawyer to determine the cause of the crash. In Albuquerque, the majority of accidents fall into one of the following categories: distracted driving, drunk driving, product liability, driving conditions, and reckless driver behaviors. Each of these encompasses a wide range of conditions and circumstances. It is best to present your attorney with as much information as possible, and from there, let them conduct a full investigation, carefully examine the details, and come to a conclusion.

Even if the party responsible for your car accident has no insurance, you may still be able to collect damages. New Mexico law requires that all insurance companies offer uninsured motorist coverage when liability coverage is purchased on a vehicle. Meaning that if you’re involved in an accident and the at-fault party doesn’t have insurance, you may be able to obtain compensation through your own uninsured motorist coverage. The same is true if you’re involved in a hit-and-run accident. Your insurance company will process your claim through the same process it would for an opposing insurance company, except the claim will be against your uninsured motorist coverage as opposed to another driver’s. To make sure your insurance company accurately assesses the damages and awards rightful compensation, it’s important to hire an Albuquerque car accident attorney to look over and guide the process.

Yes, you should hire an Albuquerque car accident attorney, and here’s why: Insurance companies are more interested in protecting their bottom line than they are about paying you rightful compensation. Insurers have multiple ways to avoid paying you the full amount or reducing your amount. In New Mexico, drivers are expected to operate their vehicle with a minimum of liability insurance, however, many don’t. If you have uninsured motorist coverage on your insurance, this is where it will come into play, but if you don’t, this is where things can get messy. Even if the other party is insured, their insurance company may attempt to reverse the blame onto you so that they don’t have to pay out. Having the experienced attorneys of The Dinelli Law Firm on your side will not only give you better opportunity to get maximum compensation, but will also give your case the proper attention and consideration it deserves.

To claim damages in an Albuquerque car accident case, you must first prove that it was caused by another’s negligence. In doing so, there are two types of damages that may be recovered; compensatory and punitive. Compensatory are the most common types of damages claimed in a car accident case, as they are awarded to compensate for property damage, present and future medical bills, present and future lost wages, emotional distress, mental anguish, and more. Punitive damages are not as common in car accident cases, as they are only awarded to hold the at-fault party at blame for serious negligence or illegal activities related to the crash. To ensure you receive the maximum amount of damages, it’s crucial to hire an Albuquerque car accident attorney. In doing so, your case will be professionally assessed, constructed, and represented, increasing your chances of attaining maximum compensation.

If you’ve been involved in a serious auto accident and aren’t sure what next steps to take in order to get the compensation you deserve and justice from the other party, contact The Dinelli Law Firm today!