Albuquerque Rear End Accident Lawyer

Rear End Accidents In Albuquerque New Mexico

Each year, rear-end collisions account for nearly 2 million of all reported automobile accidents in the U.S., according to the Washington Post. This type of accident results in hundreds of thousands of deaths and injuries annually. The typical rear end accident results from distracted driving and is thus avoidable. If you are the victim of a rear-end accident, seek the advice of an Albuquerque rear end accident lawyer to get the compensation you deserve.

Simply put, when a vehicle strikes your car from behind, no matter the speed, that is considered a rear end accident. These accidents can vary drastically and generally depend on two major factors, speed, and size of the vehicle. In most cases, it is the responsibility of the trailing motorist to be aware when the front car slows down or to a stop. When this does not occur, either due to driver inattention or a decision not to slow down, the fault for the accident, more times than not, lies with the driver behind you. Although many rear end accidents can be cut and dry, that does not mean that is true for your particular incident. It’s recommended that you speak with an experienced Albuquerque rear end accident lawyer as soon as possible to gather all of the facts and begin planning the best course of legal action if needed.

What Are The Most Common Causes Of Rear End Accidents?

Major cities like Albuquerque are especially prone to rear end accidents due to the number of drivers and the close quarters associated with city streets. Major highways in New Mexico are also susceptible to serious rear end collisions and often can create severe personal injury cases. Rear end accidents can happen in the blink of an eye and be caused by a variety of reasons, but below are some of the most common:

Drivers Following Too Closely

New Mexico law requires drivers to maintain a safe following distance. Allowing for a three to four-second trailing distance gives drivers the time and space needed to safely adjust their speed in case of sudden changes in traffic. This distance becomes even more important during bad weather when it can be even more difficult to stop in time and avoid a car accident or truck accident. The faster a vehicle is traveling, the more time is needed to completely stop.

Rubbernecking

Distracted drivers may not realize they’ve stopped for a stoplight, stop sign, or for traffic, especially if the other driver is looking to the left or right of their car and not keeping their eyes front and center. When they fail to recognize slowing or stopped traffic, the driver is more likely to drive into the back of the vehicle ahead of them.

Texting And Driving

As texting while driving has become more widespread, so too has driver inattention. Because of this, New Mexico has passed strict texting and driving laws forbidding any kind of texting when operating a vehicle. If the driver who caused a rear collision was found to be texting when the accident occurred, their consequences will likely become even greater.

Sudden Stops

When a vehicle stops suddenly, the cars behind them must adjust quickly to prevent a collision. However, just because you may need to abruptly stop your car, does not mean that you are at fault for the accident. If the trailing driver is not prepared to stop in time or is simply not paying attention to their surroundings, a rear end crash is likely to occur and that driver may be at fault. This particular cause of rear end accidents is often muddy and can lead to a “he said she said” scenario. That is why it’s so important to have an experienced Albuquerque rear end accident lawyer by your side to help you navigate these tricky legal waters.

Impaired Driving

Drivers who consume alcohol or drugs and decide to get on the road often cause severe and fatal accidents. If you’ve been involved in an accident due to the other driver being under the influence, speak with an Albuquerque drunk driving accident lawyer immediately.

What Are Common Injuries From Rear End Accidents?

Rear-end crashes can contribute to all kinds of wounds, from those related to hitting the steering wheel or windshield to driving underneath raised flatbeds. But by far the most prevalent affliction is whiplash. Whiplash is a neck injury resulting from a sudden, forceful back-and-forth motion of the head resembling the cracking of a whip. It ranges in severity but can lead to lifelong problems, so if you are involved in an auto accident, it always pays to get checked out by a physician. If you hire a rear-end-collision attorney, having a record of medical due diligence can also help your case.

Even in a minor rear end collision, you or your passengers could suffer physical and psychological injuries, such as:

• • Whiplash
  • Spinal damage
  • Head injuries caused by inflating airbags
  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Burns
  • Fear of getting back behind the wheel
  • Chronic pain/suffering

What Is The Payout For A Rear End Accident?

Following an accident, you may be wondering, what is the payout for a rear end accident?

Following this type of collision in Albuquerque, it’s in your best interest to seek the maximum financial compensation to pay your bills and support your loved ones. Unfortunately, insurance companies will not make it easy to get the money you deserve, it’s not always clear how to deal with an insurance adjuster after an accident. Luckily, a dedicated Albuquerque rear-end accident attorney understands how to hold insurers accountable. At Garcia Legal, we can help you seek damages for the following:

• • Vehicle repairs
  • Medical care
  • Hospital bills and medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Reduced earning potential
  • Pain and suffering
  • Scarring
  • Disability
  • Wrongful death

Contact Our Albuquerque Rear End Accident Lawyer Today

The problem is, insurance companies don’t want to pay up when the time comes, and they’ll fight tooth and nail to restrict as much payment as they can. They will likely make lowball offers or try to deny your personal injury claim outright. Having a New Mexico rear end accident lawyer in your corner can make all the difference when it comes to ensuring you receive full and fair compensation for your injuries. Garcia Legal has the resources to take on the big guys, so if we can’t reach a sufficient settlement agreement, we’ll go to trial. Call us today at (505) 297-1222 for a free consultation and case review to get started.