New Mexico is an at-fault state for car accidents, so the driver found at fault for an accident is responsible for paying for the damages they cause. Car collisions in Albuquerque and throughout New Mexico can result in significant expenses for victims, including medical bills, lost wages, and property damage—not to mention damages that are harder to quantify, such as pain and suffering.
This is why all motorists are required to maintain at least the minimum amount of liability coverage, which pays for these damages.
New Mexico’s Minimum Liability Insurance
New Mexico law prohibits operating a motor vehicle on any roadway in the state unless the vehicle is insured with minimum amounts of liability insurance. In case of a car accident, victims can file a claim with the at-fault driver’s liability insurance provider. The minimum amounts required by law are:
- $25,000 in bodily injury coverage per person
- $50,000 in bodily injury coverage per accident
- $10,000 in property damage per accident
Bodily injury coverage helps pay for damages such as medical bills, disability, and pain and suffering, while property damage coverage helps pay to repair or replace a damaged vehicle after a car accident.
Keep in mind that these are just the minimum amounts of insurance. Many people choose to purchase higher limits to protect their personal assets in case they cause an accident.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
New Mexico law also requires auto insurance companies to offer Uninsured Motorist Coverage to customers. In the event that the at-fault driver broke the law and did not maintain liability insurance on their vehicle, this type of insurance can help pay for the damages they caused.
Legal Options Following a Car Accident That Wasn’t Your Fault
After a car accident that wasn’t your fault, you may have various legal options. An experienced injury lawyer can help you explore if one or more of these are options in your case:
- Filing a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance policy: You can file a claim with the insurance provider for the at-fault driver, up to their policy limits.
- Using your own insurance: You may have uninsured motorist, collision, or other insurance that can help pay for your damages. In this situation, you would file a claim with your own insurance provider.
- Filing a lawsuit against the at-fault driver: You could file a personal injury lawsuit against the party responsible for your injuries to hold them personally liable for your damages.
- Identifying other at-fault parties: If the primary at-fault driver does not have sufficient insurance, you might be able to identify other parties who contributed to the accident, such as another motorist who was also negligent, the at-fault driver’s employer, or a bar that overserved a patron.
Contact an Experienced New Mexico Car Accident Lawyer to Discuss Your Legal Options
Even though you have the right to seek compensation from the at-fault driver, their insurance company will not make the process easy. Insurance adjusters are trained to deny and minimize claims as much as possible. Fight back with legal support from Caruso Law Offices by calling (505) 883-5000 or scheduling a free consultation.