The open road is a motorcyclist’s favorite spot—and there are plenty of opportunities to ride in Santa Fe. While the road and weather conditions may be fitting for riders, there are still negligent drivers who can create dangerous situations. If you were riding your motorcycle and an accident happened, it could have been because of another driver’s careless decision. You can seek your legal options with a Santa Fe, NM motorcycle accident lawyer from Buckingham Barrera Vega Law Firm.
While a motorcycle wreck can result in injuries and losses, these don’t need to fall solely on your shoulders. Our lawyers will fight for you to receive compensation for your damages and hold the negligent party responsible for their actions. We know that this time can be difficult, but we’ll be at your side every step of the way. As our attorneys take care of your legal matters, you can work on getting the treatment you need. Your focus can be on your recovery and regaining your health.
Santa Fe Motorcycle Laws
One of the unspoken issues that motorcyclists have to deal with on the road is how other motorists view them. Drivers may think that bikers have no business being on the road. This can lead to drivers behaving differently around motorcyclists than they would around other motorists. But the law is on the motorcyclists’ side.
According to Santa Fe traffic laws, that isn’t true. Section 12-7-2 Part A. states that motorcycles are entitled to the following:
- Full use of a lane
- No other motor vehicle can prevent a motorcyclist from using the lane
It’s also important for motorcyclists to know that passing a vehicle in the same lane or lane splitting is not allowed. This law is so each vehicle has the space they need to drive safely and reduces the chances of vehicles colliding in the same lane.
While motorcyclists have the right to use the roads just as other motor vehicles, this doesn’t always stop others from making reckless decisions near riders. Even the most cautious biker may not expect a driver to cut them off or pass in the same lane. When these actions cause an accident, our attorneys are there to stand up for you.
What Causes Motorcycle Accidents in Santa Fe?
As your Santa Fe, NM motorcycle accident lawyer investigates your case, we’ll find out how the other driver caused your accident. While reasons like drunk or distracted driving can occur, there are other situations that can happen when a driver is near a motorcyclist.
- Dangerous Driving. A driver that is weaving through traffic could cut off a motorcyclist or hit the back tire if they’re following too closely. When this happens, the motorcyclist can easily lose balance and crash.
- Misjudging Distance. Some drivers may not be used to motorcyclists and don’t know how to gauge the distance between them and the biker. If they think they have more space but they don’t, they can hit the motorcyclist.
- Left-Turn Accidents. Intersections where a car is turning left can result in an accident if they believe the lane is clear, but they do not see a motorcyclist approaching or think they have enough time to cross the lane safely.
Once we know how your accident occurred, we’ll know how the driver acted negligently and caused your injuries and other damages. However, after an accident there may be other obstacles that can hinder you from getting the compensation you deserve. That’s where your motorcycle accident lawyer can help.
How Can a Santa Fe, NM Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Fight for You?
The insurance company involved in your claim may try to reduce your compensation by undervaluing your claim or placing some of the blame on you. While undervaluing a claim can occur with anyone dealing with their insurance company, motorcyclists are usually generalized as being more likely to take risks, and could have had something to do with their crash. Our lawyers know how unfair this is and we’ll use the evidence we gathered to show that you were a victim in this accident.
While the insurance company may try to give you less than you deserve, your motorcycle accident lawyer will fight for you to recover full and fair compensation. One of the main parts of your compensation will be damages for your medical expenses so you can treat your injuries. You may be dealing with serious injuries like:
- Brain Injuries
- Lower Extremity Injuries
- Road Rash/Burn Injuries
- Broken Bones/Fractures
- Internal Injuries
When you’re handling the consequences of these injuries, you shouldn’t have to worry about how you’re going to pay for the care you need and maintain your other financial responsibilities. Our lawyers will include your financial and nonfinancial losses in your compensation so you can recover physically, emotionally, and financially.
Your compensation can include:
- Lost Wages
- Medical Bills
- Property Damage
- Mental Anguish
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life
- Pain and Suffering
You can count on your Santa Fe, NM motorcycle accident lawyer to find the full extent of your injuries and how they have affected you and how they will continue to affect you. We’ll calculate compensation that will allow you to cover past expenses and cover future ones. Our lawyers are experts in evaluating the costs of nonfinancial, or noneconomic damages. While these damages may not come in the form of a bill, they do significantly impact your life and you deserve fair compensation for the suffering you’ve endured.
Learn More About Your Legal Options with Our Law Firm
Our lawyers at Buckingham Barrera Vega Law Firm will help you fight for your rights. While motorcycle accident cases may be complex, we’re prepared to carefully investigate and build you a strong case so you can get justice. If your case needs to proceed to court, our New Mexico trial lawyers will be at your side. We’ve fought for our clients in the courtroom countless times and we’re ready to do the same for you if that’s the best option to provide you with the outcome you deserve.
To get started on your case, call our office today. You can schedule a free case evaluation with one of our motorcycle accident attorneys who will go over your case, ask questions, and get your side of the story. We can also answer your questions about your case, the legal process, and address any concerns you may have.
Our lawyers know how overwhelming taking legal action can be and we’re here to clear up any confusion and help you as best we can. Then, we can work together to go over the options available to you and find the best way for you to move forward.
