In New Mexico, it is against the law to leave the scene of a car accident without stopping to exchange information with the other driver. Fleeing the scene is a crime known as a hit-and-run. If you are the victim of a hit-and-run, there are certain steps you should take to protect your rights and improve the odds of recovering financial compensation.
One of the most important things to do is to contact an Albuquerque, NM accident attorney early on for advice and assistance.
What Are a Driver’s Obligations at the Scene of an Accident?
Understanding New Mexico’s hit-and-run laws can help you know how to tell when a driver has broken the law by leaving the scene of an automobile accident. This can inform your decisions moving forward, such as whether you should report the other driver to the police. New Mexico Statutes § 66-7-201 states:
“The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to or death of a person shall immediately stop the driver’s vehicle at the scene of the accident or as close to the scene as possible and immediately return to and remain at the scene of the accident until the driver has fulfilled the requirements of Section 66-7-203.”
Section 66-7-203 requires drivers to remain at the scene of a car accident at least long enough to render reasonable assistance to injured parties; give a name, address and vehicle registration number; and (upon request) exhibit a driver’s license. If a driver flees the scene of a crash without stopping or leaves before fulfilling his or her legal duties, this is a hit-and-run.
What to Do After a Hit-and-Run in New Mexico
If you become a victim of a hit-and-run accident in New Mexico, there are important steps that you should take to protect yourself physically and legally. A lawyer can guide you through what to do and what not to do after a hit-and-run.
Call the Police
Pull over immediately in a safe location. Check yourself and others in your vehicle for injuries. Then, call 911 to get in touch with local law enforcement. Explain that you have been involved in a car accident and the other driver did not stop at the scene. They should send an officer out to investigate and create a police report.
When the officer arrives, provide as much information as you can about what happened. Do not admit fault for the accident. Include any information you have about the other driver, such as a physical description; the make, model or color of the vehicle; any identifying vehicle marks or bumper stickers; and partial license plate numbers. The police will document it for the record and start investigating to try to identify the hit-and-run driver.
Seek Medical Attention
Always go to a hospital or urgent care center immediately after an automobile accident. Even if you think you are uninjured, your adrenaline may be masking pain. Get prompt treatment to ensure your injuries are diagnosed and properly cared for. Keep relevant medical records and bills to use as evidence during your car insurance claim.
File a Claim
If the police determine who the hit-and-run driver is, file a claim with his or her car insurance company for medical bill and property damage coverage. New Mexico is a fault state, where the at-fault driver is responsible for paying. Otherwise, contact your own car insurance company to report the accident and file a claim. If you have uninsured or underinsured motorist insurance, this will pay for the accident.
Contact a Car Accident Attorney in Albuquerque
Another legal option as the victim of a hit-and-run in New Mexico is filing a claim against a third party, such as the manufacturer of a defective car part or the government for a road defect. Consult with a car accident lawyer in Albuquerque to explore your recovery options. A lawyer will help you seek fair financial compensation through all available outlets, as well as get appropriate medical care for your injuries. You don’t have to recover from a hit-and-run accident alone. Contact The Fine Law Firm anytime for a free car accident case review.