New Mexico Motorcycle Accident Laws and Statistics
Riding a motorcycle is an inherently risky activity. Consider the following motorcycle accident statistics: in New Mexico, there were 49 motorcycle accident deaths in 2007 alone*. If you, too, have suffered personal injury or lost a loved one in a crash, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries or loss. It is crucial that you understand your rights; Proner & Proner can help. Our motorcycle accident attorneys serve clients from throughout New Mexico, providing the exceptional legal representation crash victims need and deserve. When you enlist the services of our team, we will work diligently to obtain whatever damages to which you are entitled.
Motorcycle Accident Law
When someone suffers an injury in a motorcycle collision, and the crash was caused by another person’s negligent or deliberately wrongful actions, the injured party may seek compensation for his or her injuries through the court system. Since motorcycle accident laws (and victims’ rights) vary from state to state, it is imperative that crash victims understand the laws in their state. With a proper understanding of one’s rights – and the help of an experienced motorcycle accident attorney – a victim can increase his or her chances of obtaining compensation.
Learn more about motorcycle accident laws in New Mexico.
Types of Injuries
A motorcycle accident can cause a number of different injuries, ranging in severity from relatively minor (including road rash and broken bones) to catastrophic (including burn, spinal cord, back, and brain injury). Most tragically, a motorcycle accident can cause wrongful death. Whatever the injury a victim suffers, he or she may be entitled to damages and should hire an experienced attorney.
Motorcycle Accident Compensation
The size of a motorcycle accident settlement or jury award depends on a number of factors, including the severity of the victim’s injuries, the circumstances surrounding the crash, state motorcycle accident laws, and the skill of the victim’s attorney. The settlement or jury award may include compensation for the victim’s medical and rehabilitation expenses related to the crash, lost income, decreased earning potential, loss of enjoyment of life, and additional losses and expenses.
Filing a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit
Filing a motorcycle accident lawsuit involves investigating the accident, proving the fault of the responsible party or parties, filing the proper paperwork within the time limits established by state law, and other steps. The process of filing suit can be overwhelming without the help of an attorney with experience handling motorcycle accident claims.
If you have suffered an injury in a crash, contact Proner & Proner to schedule a consultation with one of our motorcycle accident attorneys. Our law firm serves clients from throughout New Mexico.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics
The following motorcycle accident statistics indicate accident trends in New Mexico and throughout the nation since 1998*:
- In 1998, there were 2,294 motorcycle accident deaths and 3,879,450 registered motorcycles in the U.S. – a fatality rate of 59 percent.
- In 1999, there were 2,483 motorcycle accident deaths and 4,152,433 registered motorcycles in the U.S. – a fatality rate of 60 percent.
- Between 2004 and 2006, the number of motorcycle accident deaths in New Mexico decreased (from 9 to 4), as did the number of total motor vehicle accident fatalities (which decreased from 521 to 484).
- In 2005, there were 8 motorcycle accident fatalities in New Mexico – 8 percent of all motor vehicle accident fatalities in the state that year.
- Of the 488 highway traffic accident fatalities in New Mexico in 2005, 35 percent (172 deaths) involved motorists driving while impaired. Of these fatalities, 38 were motorcyclists – 16 percent of whom were helmeted, nine of whom had a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of .01 or higher, and 29 of whom had no BAC.
- Of the 49 motorcycle accident deaths in New Mexico in 2007, 18 percent were wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, 41 percent were driving with a BAC of .08 or higher, and 49 percent of which had a BAC of 0.01 or higher.
- New Mexico is one of 21 states that includes motorcycles in its highway engineering planning. The state has an active motorcycle advisory committee, a motorcycle safety plan, and rider training and education programs.
Contact Our Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
If you have suffered personal injury in a motorcycle crash, you need all the information you can get – and an experienced lawyer on your side. Our firm can help. Contact Proner & Proner to learn more about your rights and about motorcycle accident statistics. Our attorneys serve clients from throughout New Mexico.
*Motorcycle accident statistic references: the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation Bureau of Transportation Statistics, and Governors Highway Safety Association websites.
We serve motorcycle accident victims throughout New Mexico, including the following cities:
- Albuquerque
- Las Cruces
- Rio Rancho
- Enchanted Hills
- Santa Fe
- Roswell
- Farmington
- South Valley
- Clovis
- Hobbs
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