Common Types of Personal Injury Accidents in Las Cruces, NM
Accidents happen every day across New Mexico, but when someone’s negligence causes serious harm, the law allows victims to seek compensation. Personal injury accidents take many forms, from car crashes to unsafe property conditions. Understanding the most common types of personal injury accidents and how they are handled under New Mexico law can help you protect your rights after being injured.
Car Accidents
Car accidents are among the most frequent causes of personal injury claims in New Mexico. Many result from distracted driving, speeding, fatigue, or impaired driving. Victims can face significant medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term recovery needs.
New Mexico follows a comparative negligence system, which means that even if you are partially at fault for the accident, you may still recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault. An attorney can help ensure the insurance company does not unfairly assign blame or undervalue your claim.
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists face unique risks on the road because of their exposure and limited protection. Even a low-speed collision can cause severe injuries such as fractures, road rash, or spinal trauma. Many motorcycle accidents occur when other drivers fail to see a rider or turn in front of them.
Legal claims often focus on proving the other driver’s negligence, analyzing crash reports, and working with accident reconstruction experts to establish liability.
Truck Accidents
Collisions involving commercial trucks or 18-wheelers can have catastrophic consequences due to their size and weight. These cases are often complex, involving multiple parties such as the driver, trucking company, maintenance contractors, and insurers.
Investigating truck accidents requires reviewing driver logs, maintenance records, and compliance with federal trucking regulations. Because the stakes are high, victims should seek legal representation as soon as possible.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents
Pedestrians and cyclists are especially vulnerable when drivers fail to yield, speed through intersections, or drive while distracted. These accidents often lead to severe head injuries, broken bones, or internal trauma.
In many cases, the driver’s insurance may dispute liability or claim that the pedestrian or cyclist was partly at fault. A local attorney can help gather evidence, such as surveillance footage or witness statements, to support the victim’s case.
Slip-and-Fall or Premises Liability Accidents
Slip-and-fall accidents occur when property owners fail to maintain safe conditions. Common causes include wet floors, uneven pavement, poor lighting, and unsafe stairways.
Under New Mexico premises liability law, property owners and businesses have a duty to keep their premises reasonably safe for visitors. When they fail to do so, they can be held responsible for resulting injuries.
Workplace and Construction Accidents
Injuries on construction sites and other workplaces can be severe, especially when heavy equipment or unsafe conditions are involved. While workers’ compensation may cover some benefits, additional claims can arise if a third party, such as a subcontractor, equipment manufacturer, or property owner, contributed to the injury.
These cases often require detailed investigation to determine all sources of liability and available insurance coverage.
Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider’s error causes harm to a patient. This may include misdiagnosis, surgical errors, medication mistakes, or failure to provide appropriate treatment.
Proving malpractice requires expert medical testimony and a thorough understanding of New Mexico’s healthcare liability laws. These cases are often complex, but they can provide vital compensation for victims of preventable medical errors.
Dog Bites and Animal Attacks
Under New Mexico law, pet owners can be held liable when their animals cause injuries. Dog bites and other animal attacks can lead to infections, scarring, and emotional trauma, especially for children.
Victims should seek medical attention immediately and document the incident to preserve evidence for a potential claim.
Wrongful Death
When a personal injury accident leads to a fatality, the case becomes a wrongful death claim. Surviving family members can pursue compensation for funeral costs, lost financial support, and emotional suffering. These claims provide accountability and help families secure stability after a preventable tragedy.
Talk to Egan Law Offices Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, contact Egan Law Offices. We can help you understand your rights, file a personal injury claim, and pursue the compensation you deserve. Schedule a consultation today to discuss your case.