Albuquerque Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Riding a motorcycle provides a great sense of freedom that many crave.

Unfortunately, many drivers look down upon motorcyclists and may drive more aggressively around them.

Or, in some instances, they just simply don’t notice them.

If you get hit while riding a motorcycle, our Albuquerque motorcycle accident lawyers are here for you.

For a free consultation, please don’t hesitate to call (575) 222-1000 or send us an online message today.

Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident in Albuquerque

When you suffer injuries in a motorcycle crash, the moments following the accident can be disorienting and stressful. However, what you do immediately after the collision can significantly impact your safety, recovery, and legal case.

1. Prioritize Your Health and Safety

Always seek immediate medical attention, even if injuries seem minor. Some conditions, including internal bleeding, head trauma, or spinal injuries, may not show symptoms right away. A complete medical evaluation helps protect your health and creates documentation for your case.

2. Call the Police and Report the Accident

Contact the Albuquerque Police Department and request they come to the scene to file an official police report. This report can be a powerful piece of evidence when determining fault and liability.

3. Document the Scene

If you are physically able, collect photo and video evidence of:

  • Vehicle damage;
  • Road conditions, skid marks, or hazards;
  • Traffic signs or signals;
  • Your motorcycle’s position;
  • Visible injuries; and
  • The other vehicle(s) and license plates.

This evidence can be crucial when proving fault and securing fair compensation for your injuries. 

4. Get Witness Information

If any witnesses stop at the scene, ask for their names and contact information. Neutral third-party accounts are incredibly valuable when proving liability during an insurance claim or lawsuit.

5. Report the Crash to Your Insurance, But Be Careful

Notify your insurance company within a reasonable time, but avoid giving a detailed or recorded statement to the other party’s insurance provider until you’ve spoken to a motorcycle accident attorney in Albuquerque.

Insurance adjusters may try to get you to say something that weakens your claim.

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Due to the lack of protection, motorcyclists are often more susceptible to severe or catastrophic injuries. Every part of the body is at risk, and the consequences may be fatal at higher speeds.

Some of the most common motorcycle accident injuries are:

  • Traumatic brain injuries,
  • Internal injuries,
  • Spinal cord injuries,
  • Road rash, and
  • Fractures.

While not all of these injuries may seem severe at first, they often lead to lifelong complications, such as disability or disfigurement. This makes motorcycle accidents some of the most dangerous crashes on the road.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Albuquerque

Understanding the most common causes of motorcycle crashes can be necessary for safety and establishing liability. Albuquerque’s roadways offer unique challenges, and many motorcyclists suffer life-altering injuries due to other drivers’ negligence or risky behaviors.

Some of the most frequent causes of motorcycle-related accidents in Albuquerque include:

  • Driver inattention. Many drivers fail to double-check blind spots or mirrors before changing lanes or turning, especially near intersections or high-speed roads like I-40 and I-25. This inattention is one of the top contributors to motorcycle collisions.
  • Left-turn accidents. A common and deadly crash type occurs when a driver turns left across the path of an oncoming motorcycle. While drivers often blame motorcyclists for the collision, the driver who failed to yield properly is frequently the one at fault.
  • Lane merging and unsafe lane changes. Drivers in Albuquerque traffic often overlook motorcyclists during fast-moving merges. A car that swerves or merges unexpectedly may sideswipe a motorcycle, causing devastating harm.
  • Drunk or impaired driving. According to New Mexico crash data, DUI-related crashes remain a persistent threat. Motorcyclists are at exceptionally high risk due to their exposure and lack of protection. A driver under the influence may misjudge distance and speed or completely overlook a smaller bike.
  • Dangerous road conditions. Poorly maintained roads, like potholes, loose gravel, or uneven pavement, create hazardous conditions for motorcycles, which are more vulnerable to sudden shifts in traction or control.

Establishing what caused the crash is a major part of any injury claim. An experienced Albuquerque motorcycle accident attorney can investigate your case thoroughly and fight to hold the responsible party accountable.

Recoverable Damages in a Motorcycle Accident Claim

There are many damages involved in a motorcycle accident, but all of them fall into two categories: economic and non-economic.

Each of these damage types makes up a major portion of any settlement or judgment. 

Economic Damages

Economic damages are more straightforward and include all of the financial losses associated with your accident. Whether you have medical bills, property damage, or missed paychecks, it may be covered under economic damages.

This includes, but is not limited to:

The simplest way to determine these losses is to keep any bills or receipts related to your injury or damage to your motorcycle.

In addition, it’s a good idea to keep track of how many paychecks you miss during recovery. Our Albuquerque motorcycle accident lawyer can help with this.

Non-Economic Damages

General or non-economic damages are much more difficult to calculate. This is because they usually consist of non-financial losses or losses that can’t easily be put into monetary terms.

Some of the most common examples include:

There are several ways a motorcycle accident attorney in Albuquerque may try to calculate these damages.

One popular method is to multiply economic damages by a whole number. Another involves determining a per-day cost for the victim during recovery.

However, your attorney should use a calculation best suited for your unique circumstances.

What About Punitive Damages?

In rare instances, victims may have a reason to seek punitive damages in their case.

The court awards these damages only in accidents where the defendant was grossly negligent or malicious.

The jury may award them not to reimburse the victim for specific losses, but to punish the defendant for their behavior.

If you believe the defendant intentionally harmed you, we urge you to contact one of our motorcycle accident attorneys in Albuquerque to discuss your case.

DO YOU THINK YOU HAVE A CASE?

Discuss your case with us during a free consultation.

How Negligence May Affect Your Case

One aspect of New Mexico law that may affect your overall settlement or judgment is negligence.

New Mexico is one of a handful of states that follows a pure comparative negligence doctrine, which means victims may pursue damages even if they have a share of fault.

However, the court reduces their award by their percentage of fault. 

Let’s say a victim gets into a motorcycle accident on a busy road. While traveling in the right lane of the road about 10 mph over the speed limit, they get hit by a car switching lanes. The resulting damages are $100,000 in total.

In court, the jury determines the victim is 10% at fault for their injuries since they were speeding at the time. This means their total award is reduced to $90,000.

Choosing the Right Albuquerque Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Finding the right legal representation can significantly impact the outcome of your case. 

Here’s what to look for when hiring an Albuquerque motorcycle injury attorney:

  • Experience with motorcycle accident claims. Motorcycle injury claims involve more serious injuries, higher damages, and unique liability challenges. Make sure the attorney has specific experience handling motorcycle cases.
  • Local knowledge of the Albuquerque area. Different intersections, traffic patterns, and crash hot spots exist across the city. An attorney experienced with Albuquerque roads, like Central Ave., Coors Blvd, or I-25, will have a valuable perspective on the likely causes of your crash and what local law enforcement or insurance companies may argue.
  • Personal attention and communication. You should never feel like a case number. A quality attorney or motorcycle injury law firm will provide consistent updates, take your calls, and guide you through every phase of the legal process.
  • Demonstrated results. Ask potential Albuquerque motorcycle accident lawyers about past case wins and settlements. Substantial verdicts in complex motorcycle injury cases demonstrate negotiation and trial experience that can benefit your claim.

Choosing a lawyer who understands the negative assumptions motorcyclists often face after an accident is also important. Many insurance companies, even some jurors, wrongly view riders as careless or aggressive. At Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C., we push back against these biases by focusing on the facts, highlighting driver negligence, and presenting strong evidence on your behalf.

Motorcycle Accidents in Albuquerque: Local Stats That Matter

According to the New Mexico Department of Transportation:

  • Nearly 10% of fatal crashes in New Mexico involve motorcyclists;
  • Bernalillo County consistently records more motorcycle crashes than any other county in New Mexico; and 
  • Intersections and high-speed multi-lane roads are common environments for motorcycle-related collisions.

These facts underscore the importance of understanding your rights and seeking legal help after an injury.

What an Albuquerque Motorcycle Accident Attorney Does for You

An experienced Albuquerque motorcycle accident lawyer can handle the many moving parts of a legal claim while you focus on healing. 

Your motorcycle injury attorney can:

  • Investigate the accident and build evidence,
  • Deal with insurance adjusters on your behalf,
  • Assess both short- and long-term damages,
  • Negotiate for the maximum possible compensation, and
  • Represent you at trial, if needed.

Having an Albuquerque motorcycle accident lawyer by your side gives you peace of mind and helps ensure no dollar is left on the table.

Why Choose Our Motorcycle Injury Law Firm?

At Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C., we’ve helped bikers and their families throughout New Mexico reclaim their lives after serious crashes. 

When you work with us, you get:

  • A legal team with real trial experience,
  • Access to top accident reconstructionists and medical experts,
  • Personalized attention from start to finish,
  • Transparent communication, and
  • No recovery, no fee—you pay nothing unless we win.

Don’t take on the insurance companies alone. Work with Albuquerque motorcycle accident lawyers who understand riders and know how to protect them.

How Long Do I Have To File a Lawsuit?

Every state has its own statute of limitations or time limit to file a personal injury lawsuit. This is to help preserve evidence, which degrades over time.

In New Mexico, victims of motorcycle accidents have three years to bring action against the other driver.

If a victim fails to file within this time limit, they forfeit their right to seek damages. This is why it’s incredibly important to consider your legal options following an accident.

Injured While Riding? Contact an Albuquerque Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today

When you get into a motorcycle accident in Albuquerque, you may have trouble managing the claim on your own, especially during recovery.

However, the attorneys at Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C. can help take care of your legal needs. We know that motorcycle accidents are particularly traumatic for victims.

In many cases, it may be difficult to find the care you need while also negotiating with the insurance company. Our goal is to help with the various aspects of your case, so you can get back on your feet.

To schedule a free consultation, send us a message or give us a call at (575) 222-1000 today. We proudly serve clients in Albuquerque and throughout New Mexico.