From historic Route 66 to winding roads through the high desert, Gallup offers many popular rides for motorcyclists. However, there are also accident risks connected to careless and reckless drivers, poorly maintained roads, and dangerous weather.
If you get injured in a motorcycle accident or the surrounding area, the Gallup injury lawyers at The Fine Law Firm are prepared and ready to help you with every step of the recovery process. We can connect you to the right doctors, explain your legal rights and represent you during negotiations with an insurance company.
Start with a free, zero-obligation case consultation with a local attorney. Contact us today to schedule your meeting and find out how we can help you get through this difficult time.
Why Motorcyclists in Gallup Can Trust The Fine Law Firm
- Our team has more than 50 years of experience in personal injury law. The Fine Law Firm has been dedicated to representing the injured in New Mexico since 1975.
- When results matter, we deliver. Our motorcycle accident lawyers have recovered millions of dollars collectively for clients with serious injuries.
- We have plenty of trial experience – we aren’t afraid to go up against powerful adversaries in and out of the courtroom for injured motorcyclists in Gallup.
- Our motorcycle accident lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis, with $0 in fees charged unless and until we win the client’s case.
The Importance of Hiring a Lawyer After a Motorcycle Accident in Gallup, New Mexico
Recovering from a motorcycle accident can feel like an uphill climb. You may be faced with painful and debilitating injuries, uncooperative insurance companies, and inconvenient property damage. When you hire the right attorney to take over your accident claim in Gallup, you are allowed to focus on healing with peace of mind.
Your Gallup motorcycle accident lawyer will carefully investigate your crash to determine causation and name the liable or financially responsible party/ies. Then, with a tailored legal strategy, your lawyer can go after the compensation you deserve. If necessary, this means bringing your case all the way to trial in McKinley County.
A lawyer can preserve evidence, build a strong claim, hire experts and work hard to secure results while you rest and relax. At The Fine Law Firm, you won’t pay us anything if your motorcycle accident claim doesn’t result in a settlement or judgment award for your damages. You won’t take on any of the financial risk of pursuing a claim.
How Do Motorcycle Accident Claims Work in New Mexico?
New Mexico is a fault state, not a no-fault state. This means you have the ability to file a claim with the insurance company of the at-fault driver rather than only relying on your own policy for coverage.
If a motor vehicle driver was negligent and caused your motorcycle crash, you can file a claim against his or her insurer for benefits. You will have to prove that the driver is at fault using evidence. The burden of proof is a “preponderance of the evidence,” or more likely to be true than not true.
A Gallup motorcycle accident lawyer from The Fine Law Firm can help you collect evidence that supports your claim against a driver or another party, such as a manufacturer for a defective motorcycle part or the government for a dangerous road hazard. Then, we can craft a strong narrative around the evidence to tell your story.
Common Reasons Behind Motorcycle Accidents in Gallup
Understanding the cause of your Gallup motorcycle accident is one of the first steps toward recovering compensation for your bills and losses. One or more parties may have contributed to your crash – permitting you to access their insurance coverage and hold them liable.
Top causes of motorcycle wrecks in New Mexico include:
- Speeding or unsafe driving
- Distracted motorists
- Texting and driving
- Failing to watch for motorcycles
- Misjudging the speed or distance of an oncoming motorcycle
- Running a red light or stop sign
- Driving while intoxicated
- Dooring
- Motorcycle part failures
- Road hazards or bad weather
- Unsafe lane changes
Fault is not always 100 percent allocated to one party; multiple parties can share fault. In this situation, each party will be responsible for paying an amount equivalent to their percentage of liability.
Motorcycle Accident FAQs
What Types of Compensation are Available?
The compensation awarded to an injured motorcyclist is determined according to the specific losses or damages the victim suffered. Common examples include past and future medical bills, lost wages, diminished capacity to earn, permanent disability or disfigurement, pain and suffering, and property damage.
Can I still Recover Compensation if I’m Partially at Fault?
Yes. Under New Mexico’s comparative negligence law, injured accident victims are still eligible for financial compensation even if they are allocated a percentage of the blame. However, their settlements are diminished by a matching percentage.
What if I Wasn’t Wearing a Helmet? Can I still Recover Compensation?
Helmets are only mandatory in New Mexico for motorcyclists under the age of 18. If you were within your rights not to wear a helmet, an insurance company generally cannot reduce your recovery for failing to wear one. If you were legally required to wear a helmet, however, this may affect your financial recovery.
How Long Do I have to file a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Gallup?
In general, you have three years from the date of your motorcycle crash to file a related personal injury lawsuit in Gallup. This is the time limit under New Mexico’s statute of limitations. You should always take legal action immediately; however, as deadlines can be shorter in special circumstances.
What Should I Do Immediately after a Motorcycle Accident in Gallup?
After a motorcycle accident, you should immediately move to a safe place and check for injuries. Call 911 to file an accident report and request paramedics, if necessary. If you can, document the scene before leaving. Take pictures of the crash scene, your damaged motorcycle, your injuries and the roadway.
Exchange information with the other parties involved. Do not admit fault. Call your own insurer to notify them of the crash. Then, contact The Fine Law Firm to learn your legal rights before engaging in settlement negotiations with an insurance company.
Contact Us for a Free Motorcycle Accident Case Review in Gallup
If a motorcycle ride in Gallup turns into a trip to the hospital after a serious accident, you don’t have to handle the injury claims process on your own. Contact us today for a free legal consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We will help you understand your rights and choose the best route forward. Call (505) 494-1646 today.