Farmington is a premier destination for motorcyclists, with spectacular mountain views, unique high-desert routes and scenic canyon highways. While many rides are without issue, some end in traumatic motorcycle accidents and serious injuries for the rider.
Motorcycle accidents can cause injuries that alter the victim’s life – either temporarily or permanently. At The Fine Law Firm, our Farmington injury lawyers are passionate about helping motorcycle crash victims rebuild their lives by delivering them justice and fair financial compensation.
If you or someone you love was injured in a motorcycle accident in the Farmington, New Mexico area, contact us to meet with an attorney and discuss your recovery options. Initial consultations are always free.
Why Clients Choose Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Farmington
- We have more than 50 years of experience in the field and a 99 percent success rate. Our team understands the nuances and challenges involved in motorcycle accident cases.
- The Fine Law Firm has a statewide reputation in personal injury law, with exceptional case results and frequent referrals from judges and injury claim adjusters.
- You won’t be charged anything unless we win your motorcycle accident case. Our personal injury lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis, with $0 charged upfront.
What Does a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Do?
While hiring an attorney after any type of harmful accident in Farmington can be beneficial, it is especially important to consult with a personal injury lawyer after a motorcycle crash. These cases have unique issues and complexities that can be difficult to navigate on your own – especially while you’re already dealing with serious injuries.
Since these collisions can cause catastrophic injuries that lead to years or a lifetime of related medical care and expenses, it’s critical to understand how to combat insurance company tactics. Automobile insurance companies are often biased against motorcyclists and try to blame them for the accident or the severity of their injuries.
An experienced motorcycle accident attorney in Farmington can thoroughly investigate your motorcycle wreck, preserve and collect evidence, hire experts, negotiate with insurance claims adjusters, and fight for a fair settlement on your behalf. Most motorcycle accident claims in New Mexico reach settlements, but if not, your lawyer can represent you in court.
Top Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
According to the New Mexico Department of Transportation’s Annual Crash Report, 2024 was a five-year record high in terms of motorcycle accidents. There were 57 motorcycle fatalities and 174 suspected serious injuries. Just 16.4 percent of motorcyclists involved in accidents were not injured.
Common causes of motorcycle accidents in Farmington include:
- Speeding and reckless driving
- Distracted driving/failing to keep a proper lookout
- Driving under the influence
- Drowsy driving
- Failing to yield
- Unsafe left-hand turns
- Dangerous lane changes
- Illegal passing
- Tailgating/following too closely
- Traffic violations
- Dangerous road or weather conditions
Negligence, or the failure to behave with proper care, is behind most motorcycle crashes in New Mexico. If a motor vehicle driver or someone else was negligent, you have the right to file a claim against this person or party in pursuit of financial compensation for your losses.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Farmington
After a motorcycle crash, try to remain calm and get to a safe place, away from the road. Check yourself for injuries. Keep in mind that your adrenaline from the accident may mask pain. Call 911 to report your accident and request paramedics, as needed.
While you wait for the police, talk with the other driver. Do not apologize or admit fault. Get his or her name, contact information and insurance details. Document the scene by taking pictures. Notify your own insurance company of the crash, then file a claim against the at-fault party.
Keep up with your medical care and treatments as you heal. Before engaging in settlement negotiations with an insurance provider, call The Fine Law Firm for a free discussion about your case. We can give you tailored advice you can use to take the correct next steps.
Determining Liability for a Motorcycle Accident
New Mexico is a fault-based car insurance state. This means whoever is at fault for causing a motorcycle accident can be held liable, or financially responsible. You may be eligible for financial benefits from the insurance provider of a negligent motor vehicle driver, employer, business, manufacturing company, government agency or multiple parties.
Determining negligence typically requires a motorcycle accident investigation. You or your attorney will need to build a persuasive claim using evidence or proof against the chosen defendant(s). Examples of evidence are a police report, medical records, eyewitness statements, expert testimony, photographs and video footage.
The Comparative Negligence Rule and Your Case
If you are assigned a percentage of fault for your own motorcycle accident in Farmington, this does not automatically mean you are ineligible for financial compensation. New Mexico is a pure comparative negligence state, which means state law protects an injured victim’s recovery even if they are partially to blame.
Your compensation will be reduced by a percentage equivalent to your degree of fault for the motorcycle crash. Even if you are found to be 99 percent responsible, you will still be eligible for 1 percent of compensation from the other party. It is important to minimize your degree of assigned fault as much as possible to protect your financial recovery.
How Long Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Farmington?
It is in your best interest not to wait to file a claim after a motorcycle crash in Farmington. The New Mexico statute of limitations gives you just three years from the date of your accident to file a related personal injury lawsuit. While this may seem like a long time, the deadline can approach quickly.
Three years is just the time limit on a lawsuit; you should always file an insurance claim as soon as possible after a motorcycle accident. Prompt action is always best, as key evidence in your favor may get lost or destroyed the longer you wait. In addition, the statute of limitations can be shorter in unique circumstances.
Contact The Fine Law Firm for a Free Motorcycle Accident Case Review
If you get hurt in a motorcycle accident in Farmington, you deserve fair treatment from an insurance company and a just case outcome. The dedicated personal injury lawyers at The Fine Law Firm have the experience, skill and resources to achieve the best possible results for your case.
Let us help you through this difficult time with high-quality legal representation. Contact our local Farmington motorcycle accident lawyers for more information. Your initial case review will be entirely free. Call (505) 494-1646 today.