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Car Accidents Your Injury, Our Fight

Gallup Car Accident Lawyer

Injured in a Car Accident in Gallup, NM? We're Ready to Fight for You.

Car accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, but their consequences can last a lifetime. If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident in Gallup, NM, you may be facing medical bills, lost wages, vehicle damage, and emotional distress. The legal team at Buckingham & Vega Law Firm is here to guide you through the process of filing a claim and pursuing the compensation you deserve. As experienced Gallup car accident lawyers, we understand the intricacies of New Mexico’s car accident laws and are committed to fighting for your rights.

For a free consultations, call (505) 388-0066 or contact us online .

Have You Been Injured?

We Are Ready to Passionately Advocate For Your Rights
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Our Results Make a Difference

Explore How We Have Helped Our Clients
  • $73.21 Million Verdict Birth Injury

    The Buckingham & Vega legal team secured a $73.21 million verdict on behalf of a baby who was catastrophically injured due to the negligence of their doctor and medical team.

  • Record-Setting $72 Million Verdict Birth Injury

    The Buckingham & Vega team obtained a $72 Million verdict in a birth injury case when an OB/ GYN failed to properly monitor the mom during pregnancy.

  • $16 Million Truck Accident

    Buckingham & Vega obtained a $16 million settlement in a truck accident case. The truck driver was speeding and inattentive (texting) and crashed into the rear of a pickup truck stopped at a stoplight.

  • $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.

  • 13 Million Work Injury

    Buckingham & Vega represented an oilfield worker who was killed when their company failed to properly train its employees on how to safely move waste bins. Our client was killed when he became trapped between two bins.

  • $13 Million Truck Accident

    Our team secured a 13 million settlement in a truck accident case. An eighteen-wheeler made an unsafe turn in front of a car driven by a grandmother and her family. The grandmother was killed and the family suffered severe injuries.

New Mexico Car Accident Laws

New Mexico operates under a comparative negligence system, meaning that each party involved in an accident can be assigned a percentage of fault. If you are found partially responsible for the accident, your compensation may be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. For example, if you are 20% at fault and are awarded $100,000, your compensation would be reduced to $80,000.

In New Mexico, the statute of limitations for filing a car accident claim is three years from the date of the accident. This means you must initiate legal proceedings within this time frame or risk losing your right to pursue compensation.

Additionally, New Mexico law requires drivers involved in accidents that result in injury, death, or property damage to report the accident to law enforcement. Failing to report an accident can result in legal penalties and may harm your claim.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Car accidents in Gallup and across New Mexico occur for various reasons. Identifying the cause of the accident is critical in determining liability and strengthening your claim. Some of the most common causes of car accidents include:

  • Distracted driving: Using a phone, eating, or any other activity that diverts attention from the road.
  • Speeding: Driving over the speed limit or too fast for road conditions is a major contributor to accidents.
  • Driving under the influence (DUI): Alcohol and drugs impair a driver's ability to react and make safe decisions.
  • Reckless driving: Tailgating, weaving between lanes, and aggressive driving endanger everyone on the road.
  • Weather conditions: Rain, snow, fog, and ice can make driving treacherous, especially when drivers fail to adjust their speed.
  • Failure to yield: Not obeying traffic signals or failing to yield the right of way can result in serious collisions.
  • Fatigued driving: Drowsy drivers are just as dangerous as those under the influence, with slower reaction times and impaired judgment.

Why You Shouldn't Accept the Insurance Company's First Settlement Offer

After a car accident, it is common for the at-fault party’s insurance company to quickly offer a settlement. While it may be tempting to accept this offer, it is rarely in your best interest to do so without consulting a Gallup car accident lawyer. Insurance companies are in the business of making money, and their goal is to settle claims for as little as possible.

Here are a few reasons why you shouldn't accept the first settlement offer:

  • Lowball offers: The initial offer is often far less than what your claim is truly worth. It may not cover all of your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
  • Uncertainty of future expenses: If you accept the first offer, you may miss out on compensation for future medical expenses related to your injuries.
  • Waiving your rights: By accepting a settlement, you may be waiving your right to pursue additional compensation if new injuries or complications arise.
  • Pressure tactics: Insurance companies may pressure you into accepting a quick settlement before you fully understand the extent of your injuries or damages.

At Buckingham & Vega Law Firm, we negotiate aggressively with insurance companies to ensure you receive the full compensation you are entitled to.

Contact us today at (505) 388-0066 to learn how we can help you.