Did you know that Albuquerque is considered one of the cities with the worst drivers? In 2023, the U.S. News and World Report decided to conduct a study and discovered that this city in New Mexico ranked the second most dangerous city for drivers.
This means that car accidents aren’t new in Albuquerque. The thought of getting injuries, such as broken arms, legs, or cuts is already scary. Now imagine victims who suffer from spinal injuries because of vehicular incidents.
Based on NSCISC’s 2015-2019 data, car accidents are among the leading causes of spinal cord injuries, accounting for almost 40% of these life-changing injuries. These can lead to minor fractures and complete paralysis, which could affect your entire life.
If you’re suffering from spinal cord injuries, the best thing you can do is get medical care, seek compensation, and hold those reckless drivers responsible. Therefore you need to understand the legal process, which we will discuss in this article.
How Serious are Spinal Injuries and How They Can Affect You
Spinal injuries—especially from car accidents—can have a serious impact on your life. You can suffer from minor fractures to severe backbone damage. These injuries will not only give you physical pain, but they can also alter your life.
Doctors can help you know the severity using imaging tools, such as MRIs and CT scans. The seriousness is commonly classified using a medical scale.
Spinal Cord Injuries’ Short and Long-Term Effects
Spinal cord injuries can have short and long-term effects. These include chronic pain, reduced mobility, and complete paralysis. Imagine being in a state where you can no longer do what you love or even simple things, such as standing up.
Those who are lucky can recover through medications and therapies. But, many people have to suffer for a lifetime, relying on medical treatments, physical therapies, and even aid machines.
Now that you know how these injuries can alter your life, it’s time to hold those responsible accountable for their actions. But you need to know the legal framework and laws in Albuquerque first.
Understanding Albuquerque Traffic Laws and Legal Process
If you’ve suffered from spinal injuries in a car accident, you need to understand the traffic laws and legal process in Albuquerque. Having knowledge about them can help you secure fair compensation and file a legal case.
How Fault Works in Albuquerque
In Albuquerque and other parts of New Mexico, a pure comparative negligence law is implemented. This means that the compensation you’ll get depends on your fault level (ex. 20% at fault will let you recover 80% of the damages).
Insurance Coverage Limits
Like in other states, New Mexico requires all drivers to have insurance. The minimum coverage of insurance includes $25,000 for each person, $50,000 per accident for injuries, and $10,000 for property damage. But, insurers usually don’t cover long-term costs for severe spinal cord injuries.
Insurance Claim Deadlines
New Mexico’s statute of limitations allows victims to file a claim or personal injury lawsuit three years from the accident date. But, if you miss this deadline, it could prevent you from seeking any compensation.
How to File an Insurance Claim
Filing an insurance claim can be stressful and overwhelming, especially if you have spinal injuries. No matter what situation you’re in, you must file the insurance claim properly to get the compensation you deserve.
1. Review Your Insurance Policy
Before filing an insurance claim, you need to review your policy. Understanding the coverage and limits can help you make the right decisions and maximize your compensation.
2. Notify Your Insurer
The next step is notifying your insurance company. Give them all the details, such as photos and videos, as well as the police report, medical records, and other documents. You can ask for help from your family or lawyer. If you want to have the best legal expert for your case, call 1-800-ASK-GARY®.
3. Consult a Lawyer
If you don’t have an attorney or lawyer yet, then it would be a good idea to consult one. They can assist you with disputes and negotiate for fair compensation, especially if the at-fault driver’s insurer has low coverage. They can also help you in other legal processes, such as lawsuits.
What Can You Recover for Spinal Injuries?
Since spinal injuries lead to high costs and long-term challenges, you can recover a lot of damage. These include the following:
Medical and Financial Losses
You can get compensation from your insurance and the at-fault driver for economic damages. These include current and future medical expenses, such as surgeries, therapy, and medications. If you can no longer work because of your injury, you can recover lost wages. If your lawyer or attorney is good, you can even get compensation for home modifications and mobility aids you need.
Pain and Emotional Damages
Spinal cord injuries can cause you pain and emotional distress. If the injuries are serious, you could even lose your enjoyment in life. Because of this, you can also recover these non-economic damages.
Punitive Damages
If the at-fault driver is proven to act with malicious intent or extreme negligence, the court can award punitive damages. Aside from the at-fault person’s insurance company, punitive damages will require the defendant to give you compensation out of their pocket. They can even face punishments that will prevent their negligent or malicious actions.
How ASK GARY Can Help You
Dealing with your spinal injuries after a car accident is difficult and overwhelming. But, you don’t have to be alone in this fight. Our team here at ASK GARY is always ready to assist you 24/7. It’s our mission to give you the right medical and legal referrals for your needs.
Get the Medical Care You Need
We understand how important it is to get the proper medical care for your backbone injuries. Our representatives can connect you with trusted licensed medical professionals who are experienced in diagnosing and treating spinal cord injuries.
Get the Legal Assistance You Need
We also have a network of personal injury lawyers and attorneys. Our team will listen to your case, ensuring that nothing is missed. Once we understand your case, we will ensure you’re connected with the right legal expert for your insurance claim needs. They will also assist you in case you decide to file a lawsuit.Again, you don’t have to be alone when dealing with your injuries. Contact us today or visit our website. We’ll wait for you.
