Pedestrian Accident Lawyers in Albuquerque, NM

Pedestrian Accidents in Albuquerque, NM

Who Is at Fault for Pedestrian Accidents in Albuquerque?

More often than not, pedestrian accidents in Albuquerque are caused by negligent drivers. Unsafe driving is a major issue across the city – from Central Ave. to Montgomery, Coors, and Louisiana. Some of the most common ways drivers cause pedestrian crashes include:

• Failure to yield at crosswalks
• Failure to stop at lights or signs
• Speeding
• Road rage or aggressive driving
• Following too closely
• Illegal or unsafe turns
• Failure to use turn signals
• Drunk or drugged driving
• Distracted driving (texting is a major problem in ABQ)
• Driving while fatigued

Because New Mexico is a fault-based insurance state, you can file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company. You can also pursue a civil lawsuit to ensure you recover the full amount you’re entitled to—not just what the insurer wants to pay.

Other Parties Who May Share Responsibility

Negligent drivers aren’t the only ones who can cause pedestrian accidents in Albuquerque. Some crashes happen because of dangerous roads or defective vehicle parts. Depending on the details of your case, other liable parties may include:

• Safety inspectors
• Auto parts manufacturers
• Auto parts distributors
• Auto designers
• Car dealerships
• The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT)
• City of Albuquerque or other government agencies

Your Albuquerque pedestrian accident lawyer will thoroughly investigate your crash and identify every party whose negligence contributed to your injuries. This ensures you pursue the maximum compensation available.

Can Pedestrians Share Fault in a New Mexico Accident?

Yes. It’s common for pedestrians to share some responsibility in Albuquerque accidents – especially if they:

• Did not use a crosswalk
• Crossed against the signal
• Walked in the roadway at night without lighting or reflective gear

But sharing fault does NOT bar you from recovery. New Mexico follows pure comparative negligence. This means:

• You can recover compensation even if you are 99% at fault
• Your settlement or verdict is reduced only by your percentage of fault

Example:
If you are found 10% at fault and are awarded $100,000, you will still receive $90,000.

Your attorney will work to minimize your percentage of fault, protect your rights, and maximize your financial recovery.

Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents

Common Injuries in Albuquerque Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents in Albuquerque often leave victims with severe, life-changing injuries due to the force of a vehicle impact. Common injuries we see in crashes across the city – from Central Ave. to Louisiana Blvd. and Coors—include:

• Head and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Ranging from concussions to severe, permanent brain damage.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Sometimes resulting in partial or complete paralysis.
• Fractures and Broken Bones: Especially in the legs, arms, ribs, pelvis, and hips.
• Internal Injuries: Damage to vital organs such as the liver, spleen, or lungs.
• Lacerations and Abrasions: Deep cuts, road rash, and torn skin.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Sprains, strains, and torn ligaments.
• Neck and Back Injuries: Including whiplash, herniated discs, and chronic pain.
• Amputations: High-impact collisions can result in traumatic limb loss.
• Facial Injuries: Broken facial bones, dental trauma, eye injuries, and scarring.
• Psychological Trauma: PTSD, anxiety, depression, and long-term emotional distress.

In Albuquerque, these injuries often require extensive medical treatment at facilities like UNM Hospital or Presbyterian, along with long-term rehabilitation.

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Compensation for Albuquerque Pedestrian Accidents

Compensation for Albuquerque Pedestrian Accidents

We understand that the idea of filing a lawsuit after a pedestrian accident can feel overwhelming. But if you were hit by a car in Albuquerque, you have the right to be made whole. When someone else’s negligence turns your life upside down, you deserve full compensation for every way your injuries have affected you.

Economic Damages

Economic damages cover your direct financial losses – costs you’ve already paid and those you’ll face in the future. In an Albuquerque pedestrian accident case, these may include:

• Medical expenses and equipment (hospital bills, treatment at UNM Hospital or Presbyterian, rehab, medication, mobility devices)
• Loss of income if you had to miss work
• Reduced earning capacity if you can no longer work the same job
• Loss of household services you’re no longer able to perform
• Property damage, such as broken phones or personal belongings
• Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages compensate you for the emotional, physical, and personal hardships caused by the crash. These losses don’t come with receipts – but they are often the most significant part of your claim.

Examples include:

• Physical pain
• Emotional suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life, including Albuquerque’s outdoor activities and daily routines
• Loss of companionship, closeness, or love
• Loss of guidance or emotional support
• Nuisance or inconvenience caused by long-term injury
• Damage to your reputation
• Scarring or disfigurement

An experienced Albuquerque pedestrian accident lawyer will calculate both economic and non-economic damages to ensure you pursue the full value of your claim.

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How To Prevent A Pedestrian Accident in Albuquerque

Pedestrians in Albuquerque can reduce their risk of being hit by following simple safety steps:

• Use marked crosswalks and always look both ways, especially at busy intersections like Central Ave., Lomas Blvd., or Coors Blvd.
• Drivers should stay alert for children, particularly near Albuquerque Public Schools, community parks, and during holidays like Halloween, when foot traffic increases.
• Pedestrians should carry a flashlight at night and wear reflective clothing, especially in areas with low lighting such as the North Valley, the Westside, or rural roads near the outskirts of the city.

Still, even when everyone follows the rules, serious pedestrian accidents happen across Albuquerque every day – often because of negligent or distracted drivers. If you were injured in one of these incidents, you deserve full and fair compensation. Our Albuquerque pedestrian accident attorneys fight for justice and the financial recovery your pain and suffering demand.