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May 22, 2026
New Mexico car accident laws are not easy on hit-and-run drivers. Anyone who was involved in an accident and left, whether they caused the accident or not, could be facing significant fines and penalties. They may not even realize they caused personal injury to someone else. Regardless, anyone wondering what happens if you leave the scene of a car accident in Albuquerque should talk with an Albuquerque car accident attorney as soon as possible.
Legal Duties After a Car Accident
More often than not, the severity of hit-and-run charges depends on the circumstances of the crash. If there are no injuries and the accident only involved property damage, the defendant could just be facing misdemeanor charges. However, if someone was injured or killed as a result of the accident, felony charges are more likely.
Any driver who is involved in an accident has a duty to stop, give information, and render aid under New Mexico car accident laws. According to these laws, when involved in a motor vehicle accident, a driver must take the steps listed below:
- Stop their car.
- Remain at the scene until police arrive.
- Exchange information with any other involved parties.
- Provide reasonable assistance to anyone who is injured or in need of assistance.
Failing to fulfill these duties can result in criminal charges.
In 2024, 19% of the crashes in New Mexico were hit-and-run accidents. This was 45,042 accidents in which a driver had a collision with another driver and fled the scene. As a result of hit-and-run crashes that year, 46 people died. It’s unknown how many of those lives may have been saved if the other driver had stayed and called 911, and first responders had gotten there sooner. What’s even worse is that 271 pedestrians were involved in hit-and-run crashes.
Because of this, prosecutors do not go easy on hit-and-run drivers. If you left the scene of a car accident in Albuquerque, it’s only a matter of time before you are identified and arrested. If you were hit by a hit-and-run driver, in a car, on a bike, or as a pedestrian, an Albuquerque car accident attorney can help you determine who is liable for your injuries depending on your circumstances.
New Mexico requires drivers to carry uninsured motorist insurance coverage, so your damages may be covered under your own policy.
When Someone Flees the Scene of an Accident?
When someone involved in a car accident flees the scene before proper protocol is carried out, it makes it harder on all parties to collect damages for injuries they suffered. The accident becomes more of an investigation that relies on the police to try to find the hit-and-run party. Eyewitness statements, surveillance camera footage, and evidence left behind at the scene are crucial in determining the identity of a driver who flees the scene of an accident.
When the driver is located, their departure could automatically assume they were at fault for the accident if there was a question regarding liability. Leaving the scene of an accident can result in criminal penalties, such as fines, a license suspension, and even possible jail time if convicted.
Hit-and-run accidents are common in high-traffic areas where accidents frequently occur. When accidents occur, some of the most dangerous intersections of Albuquerque, such as Central Avenue in the East International District, it’s often tempting for drivers to leave the scene and speed away before anyone realizes what actually happened.
Why Choose Berenson & Associates, PC?
Our highly esteemed car accident lawyers have experience with cases involving hit-and-run drivers. For 25 years, we’ve been helping clients navigate personal injury cases in Albuquerque. We can protect your rights and apply New Mexico’s car accident laws to your case in an effort to get an optimal settlement for your injuries.
Hire a Car Accident Lawyer Who Gets Results in Hit-and-Run Injury Cases
There is no better option in Albuquerque for car accident cases than Berenson & Associates, PC. Connect with a local law firm to get the most out of your injury settlement. Contact us to schedule a consultation.
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