Las Cruces Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Bicycle Accident Attorney in Las Cruces, NM

Bicycling is a popular and eco-friendly way to get around Las Cruces, but it also comes with serious safety risks. A moment of inattention by a negligent motorist who fails to share the road or yield to a cyclist can lead to a life-altering accident. If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, you have the right to seek justice. You can obtain full and fair compensation when you hire an experienced Las Cruces bicycle accident lawyer.

Bicycle crashes can cause serious injuries, increase expenses, and lead to long recovery times. Whether your crash occurred on University Ave., Main St., or a residential street, it is within your power to protect your future. With legal representation, you can focus on recovery while your Las Cruces personal injury lawyer investigates the crash, negotiates with insurance companies, and develops your case strategy.

Hire a Bicycle Accident Lawyer

At Berenson & Associates, PC, we’re proud to represent injured cyclists throughout Las Cruces and southern New Mexico. With over 25 years of legal experience, our firm has the knowledge and dedication to handle complex bicycle accident claims. Our founder, Rachel Berenson, is certified in crash reconstruction. She has also been named to Super Lawyers multiple times and is AV Preeminent® Rated by Martindale-Hubbell®.

Bicyclist deaths in America have risen 87% since an all-time reported low of 623 bicyclist deaths in 2010, and each of the last two years (2023-2024) of available data is an all-time record for the most deaths.

We understand just how traumatic a bike crash can be for you and your family. It is never safe to ride your bike on busy roads like Main Street or University Avenue. At Berenson & Associates, PC, you won’t just have a lawyer; you can have a team of people who care and can fight for your future.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Las Cruces

Bicyclists in Las Cruces can face serious dangers from careless drivers. Many accidents result from motorists turning without signaling, opening doors into bike lanes, or attempting to pass too closely on narrow streets.

Collisions often occur near New Mexico State University, on Main Street, and along University Avenue, where bike and vehicle traffic frequently mix. Drivers may be distracted by cell phones or simply unaware of cyclists sharing the road. Poor lighting or a lack of bike lanes can exacerbate the problem. If a negligent error causes an injury, it’s important to know how and why the crash happened. That way, your attorney can hold the driver accountable and recover your damages under New Mexico law.

Injuries and Long-Term Effects of Bicycle Crashes in Las Cruces

When a bicycle accident occurs in Las Cruces, the rider often bears the brunt of the damage. Bike accidents can cause devastating injuries that leave victims permanently disabled. Common injuries include traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and deep lacerations. Treatment can be painful and costly, requiring hospitalization, rehabilitation, and long-term care.

Some victims may even experience permanent mobility problems or emotional trauma that affects their quality of life. Not only can these injuries have a physical impact, but they can also affect a person’s ability to work, provide for their family, and enjoy life. Fair compensation is critical for victims to recover and rebuild their lives after such a life-changing event.

If a loved one dies in an accident, families may file a wrongful death claim, per the state’s bicycle accident laws. 4.0% of all 2023 bicyclist crashes in New Mexico ended in fatality.

FAQs About Las Cruces Bicycle Accidents

Q: Can I File a Claim If My Loved One Was Killed in a Bicycle Accident?

A: Yes, it may be possible to file a wrongful death claim on behalf of your family member. These are possible if they were killed in a bicycle accident caused by negligence or wrongdoing by another person. Surviving spouses, children, and parents of the victim can generally bring a wrongful death claim. Damages may include funeral expenses, loss of income, loss of companionship, and emotional pain and suffering, among other losses.

Q: What Role Does Comparative Negligence Have in Bicycle Accidents?

A: New Mexico is a pure comparative negligence state, meaning that the cyclist and the driver can both be at fault. If you are determined to be partially at fault, the amount of compensation you are awarded will be decreased.

The rule permits injured cyclists to obtain damages when they fail to fully comply with safety rules if driver negligence can be established. You need qualified legal representation to challenge excessive fault claims and defend your recovery rights.

Q: Can I Recover Damages If a Parked Car Doored Me While I Was Riding?

A: Yes, you may be eligible for compensation if someone opened their car door into your path, causing a crash. The dangerous action of car doors opening into cyclists’ paths happens frequently enough to earn its name “dooring” as one of the leading causes of injury among urban cyclists. Drivers and passengers have a duty to check for oncoming traffic before opening a door. If they don’t, they can be held responsible for your injuries, bike repairs, and other damages.

Q: Can I File a Claim If I Was Hit by a Driver Making a Left Turn?

A: Yes, you can file a claim if you were struck by a driver turning left across your path. These types of accidents often occur at intersections, and they may be the result of a driver not yielding or misjudging a cyclist’s speed. Traffic laws in New Mexico state that a driver must yield before it is safe to make a turn. If that duty was breached, the driver can be held responsible for your injuries and other damages in a bike accident claim.

Contact a Las Cruces Bicycle Accident Attorney

A bicycle accident can leave you struggling with unforeseen medical bills, missed work, and long-term physical and emotional consequences. If a driver’s negligence has left you with such upheaval in your life, you can turn to the legal system and seek accountability. Filing a claim can be an effective way to pursue compensation and take back control of your life.

Whether your crash occurred near campus, downtown, or along a Las Cruces roadway, we care about your story, and we care about your recovery. To learn more about how we can help if you’ve been injured while riding a bicycle, contact Berenson & Associates, PC, today to schedule your consultation.