Taos Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Taos Motorcycle Accident Attorney

From the majestic peaks of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to the unique adobe architecture of the town itself, Taos, New Mexico, offers beautiful roadside views for motorcyclists. Although riders often take great care on the road, any collision involving a motorcyclist can lead to serious injuries. If someone else caused your collision, a Taos motorcycle accident lawyer can hold the at-fault driver accountable.

Berenson & Associates, PC, proudly serves clients in Taos. Our attorneys understand the unique injuries and challenges that result from a motorcycle accident. We can help injured parties from the claims process through litigation and trial if needed.

Common Injuries from a Taos Motorcycle Accident

Motorcyclists are afforded little protection in the event of an accident. Beyond a helmet, jacket, and other protective gear, riders have little between them and the road in the event of a collision. Often, motorcyclists are forced off the road or have to put down their own bikes in order to avoid a more serious collision. Even when riders have their helmets on, they can sustain long-lasting or even fatal injuries like:

• Traumatic brain injury
• Broken bones
• Burns (road rash)
• Nerve damage
• Injured muscles
• Loss of limbs

Motorcycles have a much smaller profile than vehicles. Drivers who do not carefully check their blindspots can force a motorcyclist off the road. Any driver who causes a motorcycle collision may be held accountable for their actions.

If reckless driving or another serious infraction was involved, the driver who caused the accident may face criminal charges. Even when someone causes serious bodily injury to another person on the road but avoids criminal charges, the injured party can hire a personal injury attorney to hold the driver accountable.

How an Attorney Can Help Following a Motorcycle Accident

Once you have attended to your medical needs and are safely and comfortably able to do so, begin searching for a Taos motorcycle accident lawyer who has experience representing injured riders. Your Taos accident lawyer can help you receive a fair settlement from the at-fault driver’s insurance company.

Medical expenses can be significant for any motorcycle rider caught in an accident. Broken bones, head injuries, and road rash can require urgent medical treatment and long recovery periods. Companies that provide insurance for drivers are in the business of making profits. They do not have your interests at heart.

Without a personal injury lawyer to protect your rights, the insurance company may try to offer you a settlement that doesn’t fully cover your medical expenses. Your personal injury lawyer can negotiate for a fair settlement on your behalf.

What a Fair Settlement Offer Should Cover

Your settlement offer should cover all of the expenses that you incurred as a result of the accident. Time missed from work is another financial loss that your attorney can work to have you reimbursed for.

You do not have to accept an inadequate settlement offer, and it may not be in your interest to accept a settlement offer from an insurance company without consulting with an attorney directly. Insurance companies may try to extract information from you that could be used against you later. Letting an attorney handle the negotiation process is one way you can protect your rights.

Some car insurance policies are inadequate for covering all the medical expenses incurred by someone who was harmed in a motorcycle accident. When the other driver’s insurance cannot cover your medical expenses and other costs that you incurred, your attorney can file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver or the driving company they work for.

FAQs

Q: What Is the Average Settlement for a Motorcycle Accident in New Mexico?

A: The average settlement for a motorcycle accident in New Mexico is difficult to identify, as every accident is unique and based on several factors. Motorcycle accidents tend to have larger settlements than vehicle accidents because the injuries are often much more severe.

One way you can increase the chances that you will receive a fair settlement is by hiring an attorney who has experience holding insurance companies accountable for accident claims filed by their clients.

Q: What Should You Do if You Are a Victim of a Motorcycle Accident?

A: If you are the victim of a motorcycle accident, you should tend to your medical needs first. Once you are safely able to do so, you should consider hiring an attorney to represent you through the insurance claims process. Having legal representation can improve the chances that you receive a fair settlement that covers your medical costs and other expenses that you incurred as a result of the negligent driver.

Q: Do 80% of Motorcycle Accidents Result in Death?

A: No, 80% of motorcycle accidents do not result in death, but they made up 14.6% of traffic-related fatal injuries in 2022. However, they only represent 3% of all registered vehicles. The main reason that motorcycle accidents frequently cause bodily injury or death is that motorcyclists are not enclosed in a protective metal car frame.

Q: Who Is Responsible for Most Motorcycle Accidents?

A: When a motorcycle is forced off the road or collides with another vehicle, the driver of the vehicle or truck is usually responsible for the motorcycle accident. Motorcyclists have a lot to lose if they are involved in a collision. This is why the riders are extra cautious on the road. Even the most careful motorcyclist cannot anticipate every negligent driver they may come into contact with.

Q: Can I Sue the Negligent Driver After a Motorcycle Accident?

A: Yes, you can sue the negligent driver after a motorcycle accident, but the first step will likely involve working with the at-fault driver’s insurance company to maximize your settlement. Litigation in court is not a fast process, and you will likely have mounting bills to pay following the accident. In some cases, the insurance settlement may not be enough to cover your losses. Your lawyer can explore further legal resources to ensure that you receive fair compensation.

Schedule Your Motorcycle Accident Consultation Today

If you or a loved one was injured in a motorcycle accident, you can trust the attorneys of Berenson & Associates, PC, to handle your case with urgency and dedication. Our lawyers have decades of combined experience representing injured motorcycle riders in Taos, New Mexico. To schedule your consultation, please contact our office today.