Farmington Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys

A Seasoned Legal Team Fighting for Drunk Driving Accident Victims in Farmington, NM

Negligent drivers who make the reckless choice to drink and drive not only put their own lives at risk but also endanger the lives of others on the road. A drunk driving accident can wreak havoc on the life of a victim by causing devastating physical injuries, emotional trauma, and significant financial strain.

If you suffered injuries because of the negligent actions of a drunk driver, you deserve justice, including fair compensation to cover your losses. Our Farmington drunk driving accident lawyers have decades of legal experience and understand how to successfully approach these cases in New Mexico. When you entrust your case to Buckingham & Vega Law Firm, you are not simply hiring a team of accomplished attorneys: You are partnering with compassionate and dedicated advocates who will fight on your behalf. By meticulously gathering evidence, scrutinizing every detail, and leveraging our extensive legal knowledge, we are prepared to build a strong case tailored to your specific needs. We strive to ensure that the legal process is as stress-free as possible so that you can focus on your recovery while we work tirelessly to secure the compensation you need to move forward.

If we take your case, you owe nothing unless we win, so call (505) 388-0066 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation today.

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Explore How We Have Helped Our Clients

$14 Million Dram Shop Liability
Our team obtained a $14 million dram shop verdict on behalf of a client who was injured due to negligence.

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How Criminal Proceedings Can Impact Your Drunk Driving Lawsuit in Farmington, NM

Criminal proceedings can in some instances significantly influence the outcome of your drunk driving accident claim. At the same time, it is important to recognize that criminal proceedings and civil lawsuits operate independently of each other. The outcome of a criminal case does not guarantee the result of a civil case, and vice versa.

Criminal charges for DUI are meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future. They can result in penalties such as fines, probation, or even imprisonment. In a criminal trial, the burden of proof is higher than in a civil case. The prosecution must prove the defendant's guilt “beyond a reasonable doubt,” which is a considerably high standard. If the drunk driver is found guilty in the criminal trial, it can substantially support your civil claim, as the criminal conviction can serve as strong evidence of the defendant's negligence.

With that said, the outcome of criminal proceedings does not directly determine the success of your civil claim. Even if the defendant is acquitted in the criminal trial, you may still pursue a civil claim for damages. This is because the standard of proof in a civil case, a “preponderance of the evidence,” is lower. You need to demonstrate that it is more likely than not that the defendant's negligent behavior caused your injuries.

Our Farmington drunk driving attorneys are prepared for every possibility. Whether the negligent driver who injured you was convicted in criminal proceedings or never formally charged at all, we will fight to enforce your rights and get you the just compensation you deserve.

How Dram Shop Liability Works in Farmington, NM

In New Mexico, the law recognizes the concept of “dram shop liability,” which can play a pivotal role in drunk driving accidents. This law holds businesses, including bars, restaurants, or liquor stores, accountable when they improperly serve alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person or a minor who subsequently causes a drunk driving accident. (The term “dram shop” comes from a time when alcohol was traditionally sold by a unit of measure called a “dram.”)

The dram shop law aims to discourage establishments from serving alcohol to visibly inebriated individuals or underage patrons, thereby reducing the risk of alcohol-related accidents. If a business violates this duty and the overserved individual causes an accident, the injured party may bring a lawsuit against the establishment under the state’s dram shop law. This provides another avenue for victims to obtain compensation beyond the potential claim against the drunk driver themselves.

Successfully pursuing a dram shop liability claim requires demonstrating specific elements. First, you must show that the establishment served alcohol to an individual who was visibly intoxicated or underage. Second, you must prove a direct link between this act and the consequent accident that injured you. This entails demonstrating that the overserved person's intoxication was a significant factor in causing the accident.

At Buckingham & Vega Law Firm, we have extensive experience in handling these cases. Our attorneys are adept at investigating these incidents, identifying potential dram shop liability, and building persuasive cases against negligent establishments. By expanding the scope of liability, we aim to maximize the compensation you receive for your injuries and losses.

Types of Compensation Available to Drunk Driving Accident Victims in Farmington, NM

As a victim of an accident caused by a drunk driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to various types of compensation to help alleviate the financial burden that follows these tragic incidents. These are generally categorized into economic damages, non-economic damages, and in certain instances, punitive damages.

Economic damages refer to the tangible financial losses that you incur because of the accident. These include medical expenses, which can be significant in cases involving severe injuries. They encompass costs for hospital stays, surgeries, medication, physiotherapy, and any ongoing medical care that may be necessary for recovery. Another crucial component of economic damages is lost wages. If your ability to work is impacted due to your injuries, either temporarily or permanently, you can seek compensation for the income lost during this period and any future earnings that may be lost due to reduced earning capacity. Additionally, if the accident resulted in property damage, particularly to your vehicle, you can pursue compensation to cover repair or replacement costs.

Non-economic damages refer to the intangible losses that you experience due to the collision. These include pain and suffering, which is a broad category encompassing physical discomfort, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and the psychological impact of the accident. Although difficult to quantify, these damages are significant and are intended to compensate you for the emotional and psychological toll that the accident has on victims.

In cases where the drunk driver's conduct is deemed especially egregious or reckless, you may also be awarded punitive damages. Unlike economic and non-economic damages, which aim to specifically compensate you, punitive damages are intended to punish the offender and deter similar behavior in the future. The awarding of punitive damages largely depends on the specific circumstances of each case. New Mexico does not place a cap on punitive damages in cases involving drunk driving accidents.

Calculating the true value of your claim is not always easy, and you want to be sure you receive the appropriate compensation to cover all current and future anticipated losses. Our Farmington drunk driving accident lawyers are prepared to meticulously analyze every aspect of your case, collaborating with medical professionals, economic experts, and accident reconstruction specialists to ensure that the full extent of your damages is accurately represented and that you receive the maximum compensation you are entitled to. Trust us to aggressively fight for your rights and tirelessly advocate for justice on your behalf.

In New Mexico, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claims in these cases is typically three years from the date of the collision, so do not wait to call (505) 388-0066 or contact us online to speak to our Farmington drunk driving accident attorneys.

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