New Mexico driving accidents have been on the rise over the past few years for many reasons, one of the biggest reasons being an uptick in drunk driving. In fact, New Mexico has experienced more deaths per people attributed to alcohol than any state in America. At 51 people’s lives lost in accidents per 100,000 people, these rates are terrifying. With driver inattention and young drivers also taking the lead for accidents, many people wind up with catastrophic injuries every year in New Mexico in car accidents.
When You Have Been Injured: Damages Available
Have you been injured in a serious New Mexico car accident and sustained injuries as a result? After your car accident takes place, one of the first thoughts on your mind should be contacting emergency services if there are injuries involved, because it helps to be safe rather than sorry. Not only will it help assist you in your time of need, but it will also help later on down the road when you are asked to show evidence of your injuries so that you can be compensated. If you have been injured in a car accident, you may be able to receive damages on an economic and non-economic level.
Economic Damages: Economic damages, also known as special damages, include any compensation that is a monetary loss to you. This means that you could be compensated for past and future medical treatments related to your accident, or past and future lost wages if you have been unable to return to work due to your serious injuries.
Non-Economic Damages: Non-economic damages, on the other hand, are known as “general” damages, and cover non-monetary losses. They may be a bit more difficult to account for, as there is usually no way to price them efficiently. These damages cover aspects like pain and suffering for the discomfort and emotional distress you’ve experienced, or loss of consortium when your accident and injuries have had an effect on you and your spouse’s physical companionship with one another.
Who Was Liable for Your Car Accident?
One of the most important steps in your case is showing who was liable for your injuries. You must be able to show four elements related to your case: that the defendant owed you a duty of care, that they breached this duty, that the accident was the cause of your injuries, and that you have suffered harm in some way due to their negligence. Once you can show the insurance company, judge, and other individuals involved in your case that the other party without a doubt acted negligently, you will be able to compensate for your injuries.
Accidents happen all the time in New Mexico, from rear-end collisions when drivers take their eyes off the road to drivers making left-turns in front of other vehicles. With many drivers sharing the roadways at any given time in these highly-populated states, there is certainly room for accidents and you must always be prepared in the event that it happens to you.
How Can I Preserve My Rights After a Serious Car Accident?
If you have been injured in a car accident due to the negligence of another party, you may have a claim for compensation for your serious injuries. Speak to a trusted attorney as soon as possible so you can get started on gathering evidence and documentation related to your case. Work toward the compensation you deserve and get a fresh start today!