Rio Rancho Side-Impact Accident Lawyer

Side-Impact Accident Attorney in Rio Rancho, NM

Side-impact accidents happen across Sandoval County, especially on busy roads like Route 550 and State Road 44. These accidents can be dangerous, resulting in serious injury or death because they involve a direct hit to the passenger or driver’s side of the vehicle. A Rio Rancho side-impact accident lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of the legal system and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Legal representation is critical to understanding and navigating the claims process and holding at-fault parties accountable. A Rio Rancho car accident attorney can review your case, answer your questions, and determine if you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.

Why Hire an Experienced Side-Impact Accident Lawyer?

Berenson & Associates, PC, has helped Rio Rancho drivers injured in a side-impact collision for decades. We can help you pursue full compensation after a crash by thoroughly investigating your accident, identifying the responsible party, and aggressively pursuing the compensation you are entitled to.

The firm is led by founding partner Rachel Berenson. Attorney Berenson focuses on personal injury, nursing home abuse, and employment law. She holds certifications in at-scene crash investigation and car accident reconstruction, making her an excellent choice for leading your side-impact case.

Side-Impact Accident Injuries

According to data from the New Mexico Department of Transportation, a motor vehicle crash happens every 12 minutes; an individual is injured in a crash every 28 minutes; and a person is killed in a crash every 20 hours.

The Rio Rancho Police Department collects data on all crashes that occur within its jurisdiction. This data is documented through the New Mexico state Uniform Crash Report form. The Rio Rancho Police Department is located at 500 Quantum Road, Rio Rancho, NM 87124.

Data from the National Safety Council (NSC) indicate that angle or side-impact collisions result in 44.8% of fatal accidents and 42.1% of injury accidents in the United States. Side-impact injuries can be severe and require extensive medical care. Outcomes can include long-term disability, lost income, and emotional distress. The most common injuries suffered in a side-impact collision include:

• Traumatic brain injuries and head trauma
• Traumatic aortic rupture
• Soft tissue back or neck injuries
• Whiplash
• Spinal cord injuries
• Pelvic and lower extremity injuries
• Broken bones and lacerations
• Chest and abdominal injuries

What to Do After a Side-Impact Collision?

• If you are able, move your vehicle to a safe location out of traffic.
• Call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance.
• Check yourself and your passengers for injuries. Seek medical care, even if you don’t feel hurt. You should also monitor yourself for dizziness, headaches, difficulty breathing, neck or back pain, or abdominal pain.Not all injuries are obvious, like internal trauma or bleeding, or a concussion. Adrenaline from the event could be masking pain. An exam will provide a record of the visit and documentation of your injuries.
• Contact the police to ensure a detailed report of the accident is created. It is also important to take pictures or video of the scene, skid marks or debris on the road, vehicles involved, property damage, road conditions, any hazards, and any injuries you have.Include the surrounding area, including road signs and traffic signals. If there are any witnesses at the scene, ask them for their name, contact information, and their statement.
• Minimize speaking to the other driver involved outside of exchanging insurance and contact information. You should avoid discussing the accident, who was at fault, or what caused the crash.
• You will also want to inform your insurance company. Often, individuals involved in a side-impact injury crash will have their attorney handle communication with the insurance company to ensure possible compensation.

Common Causes of Side-Impact Collisions

Side-impact collisions often happen at an intersection and may occur due to a variety of factors, including:

• Failure to yield
• Running a red light or stop sign
• Speeding
• Reckless driving
• Distracted driving

FAQs About Side-Impact Accidents in Rio Rancho

Who Is at Fault in a Side-Impact Collision?

Unless the at-fault driver admits they caused the side-impact collision, fault may need to be determined through the use of video footage and witness statements. Side-impact collisions, also called right-angle collisions or T-bone accidents, involve one vehicle crashing into the side of another. If you are involved in a side-impact collision, you should check for injuries, make sure the other driver is all right, move your vehicle out of traffic if possible, and report the accident.

Is New Mexico a No-Fault State for Car Accidents?

New Mexico is not a no-fault state for car accidents. New Mexico uses a fault-based system or tort-based approach. Under this system, the driver who caused the accident is financially responsible for the damages. Individuals injured can seek compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company, their own insurance company, or file a claim. Drivers are required by state law to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance.

What Not to Say to an Insurance Claim Adjuster?

When speaking with an insurance claim adjuster, there are certain things you should avoid saying. You should not speculate; rather, focus on just presenting the facts that you know. You should also not admit fault or imply liability even if you feel responsible. It is important to refrain from using emotional language.

Try to remain calm and professional and not show anger or frustration. An accident attorney can handle all negotiations with an insurance company, sparing you this interaction.

Can You Get Whiplash if Your Car is Hit From the Side?

Yes, you can get whiplash if your car is hit from the side. Whiplash is an injury of the neck caused by forceful and rapid back-and-forth movement. In a side-impact collision, your neck is snapped from side to side. Other common injuries that occur in a side-impact collision can include broken ribs, internal injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and lower-body injuries.

Contact a Dedicated Rio Rancho Side-Impact Accident Attorney

If you’ve been injured in a side-impact accident, you need an experienced legal team to fight for your rights. At Berenson & Associates, PC, our attorneys have a deep understanding of side-impact accident laws and will ensure your case is handled with care. Contact our office to schedule a consultation to discuss your claim.