Pedestrian accidents in New Mexico have been increasing over the last several years. It has gotten so bad that New Mexico and the City of Albuquerque were ranked as the worst state in the nation.
At Gauthier & Maier Law Firm, P.C., our Albuquerque pedestrian accident attorneys have helped clients successfully file claims that recover the compensation needed to cover medical bills, lost wages, and future treatment costs.
Contact us online or at (505) 226-3205 to schedule a Free Consultation with Shane Maier or Chance Gauthier today.
Comprehensive and Compassionate Legal Support
Why Choose Our Pedestrian Accident Lawyers in Albuquerque?
When you’ve been involved in a pedestrian accident, you deserve a law firm that genuinely understands what you’re going through and will work tirelessly to protect your rights. At Gauthier & Maier Law Firm, we are committed to doing just that. For years, we’ve stood by New Mexico accident victims, offering compassionate representation and a proven record of securing meaningful results.
Being based in Albuquerque gives us a unique understanding of New Mexico’s legal landscape and the challenges faced by its residents. We’re familiar with the factors that frequently contribute to pedestrian accidents, including distracted driving, hazardous road conditions, and reckless behavior. This local knowledge allows us to handle claims with confidence and resolve them in a way that meets your needs.
The feedback from our clients speaks for itself. We’ve supported countless individuals and families, helping them recover compensation that allows them to rebuild their lives. Our client-first approach ensures that your concerns are heard, your questions answered, and your goals prioritized. When you choose Gauthier & Maier, you’re not just hiring a law firm—you’re gaining an advocate who will stand with you every step of the way.
Pedestrian accident claims often involve complex issues, and our team is unwavering in its commitment to pursuing what you’re entitled to under the law. Whether handling negotiations with insurance companies or preparing for trial, we handle the hard work while you focus on recovering. We don’t back down from challenging cases and are prepared to do whatever it takes to support your claim.
What is a Pedestrian Accident?
A pedestrian accident is a collision involving someone on foot and someone in a vehicle. A vehicle can be a passenger car, a motorcycle, or even a bicycle. In these accidents, it is typically the pedestrian who suffers the most injuries simply because the pedestrian bears the brunt of the impact and has no protection at all.
Time is critical in cases like these. New Mexico’s legal deadlines mean you could lose your chance at recovery if you wait too long to act. Contacting an Albuquerque pedestrian accident lawyer immediately ensures that your case is handled properly from the start.
Who Can Be Sued for a Pedestrian Accident in New Mexico ?
Generally speaking, anyone at fault for an accident can be sued. In most pedestrian accidents though, the liable party is the one who hit the pedestrian with a motor vehicle. However, there are also other, less obvious entities who could share in the liability.
If an accident was caused by something like a brake failure, the manufacturer of those brakes or a mechanic who negligently maintained the brake system could potentially be held liable.
It is also possible for a public or private entity to be held liable if an accident is caused by some dangerous condition like poorly maintained roads or insufficient lighting.
When the person at fault caused the accident while working, their employer could be held accountable in a pedestrian accident lawsuit.
Because pedestrian injury claims are not always straightforward, seeking a free case evaluation with a lawyer can help provide insight and clarity about the right legal options.
What Causes Pedestrian Accidents in Albuquerque, Los Lunas, Belen, and throughout New Mexico
Distracted Driving
Distracted drivers are one of the leading causes of pedestrian and traffic accidents. Whether it's talking on the phone, texting while driving, eating, or engaging in any form of cognitive distractions, their negligence can lead to devastating injuries for those they hit with a motor vehicle.
Impaired Drivers and Pedestrians
Intoxicated drivers may sway into pedestrian traffic or come to a stop too late. It isn't just illicit substances and alcohol that may make the driver liable for accident injuries; it's also prescription meds, over-the-counter pharmaceuticals known to impair driving, and even lack of sleep.
Recklessness
A driver who speeds, fails to follow traffic rules, or disregards the presence of potential pedestrians can cause a serious accident. New Mexico courts take reckless driving behaviors very seriously and may apply civil and criminal punishment to the at-fault driver.
Road Construction
Road construction is a real hazard. When Drivers don't follow posted signs in construction zones, they risk hurting those walking in, on, or around the area. Even at the slower speeds of a construction zone, these can create fatal pedestrian accidents.
Road Conditions
How a road is engineered, designed, or otherwise constructed can make life difficult for both drivers and pedestrians. A pedestrian may not be viewable by a driver around certain bends in the road or on hilly roads. Wet road conditions, rundown roads, and the like can also make it dangerous for both drivers and pedestrians.
Common Traffic-Related Pedestrian Injuries
Accidents always have the potential to result in ]catastrophic and fatal injuries. Emergency room analysis indicates the following are some of the top injuries pedestrians sustain when in a traffic-related accident:
- Head and traumatic brain injuries
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Musculoskeletal injuries
- Bone fractures
- Lacerations
- Contusions and bruising
Children and older adults are most at risk of serious, complicated, and/or fatal injuries. The extent of the injuries is determined by multiple factors, including but not limited to age, gender, location, speed the of vehicle, type of vehicle, and weather conditions.
How Much Is My Pedestrian Accident Claim Worth?
The central motivation behind awarding monetary damages to pedestrian accident victims is to make them as whole as possible, or to restore them to the financial position they were in before the accident. As such, there are a number of pedestrian accident injuries you could receive compensation for.
For example, injured pedestrians could receive compensation for accident-related medical expenses. They may also be able to recover transportation costs to and from the doctor's office for required treatments.
Furthermore, if a serious injury prevents those harmed from working, the injured party may also be eligible to receive compensation for the wages that they weren't able to earn. These are all known as economic damages.
A pedestrian accident case may also see monetary damages to compensate for the physical pain and mental or emotional suffering they experience. These are known as non-economic damages and can significantly increase the total amount received in a personal injury claim.
Why Hire a New Mexico Pedestrian Accident Attorney?
Pedestrian accident cases can be complex, often involving multiple parties, conflicting evidence, or uncooperative insurance companies. A knowledgeable lawyer will investigate the circumstances of your case to identify all liable parties, whether it’s the driver, a vehicle manufacturer, or a municipality responsible for unsafe road conditions.
Your lawyer will also handle gathering and analyzing critical evidence, such as police reports, accident scene photographs, medical records, and witness testimonies. This strengthens your case and ensures you have the proof needed to demand fair compensation.
Insurance companies are notorious for offering low settlements or attempting to minimize payouts. An experienced attorney will negotiate aggressively on your behalf, ensuring that your losses—both economic and non-economic—are fully accounted for. If fair compensation cannot be reached through negotiation, your attorney will be prepared to take your case to trial.
Albuquerque Pedestrian Accident Lawyer FAQs
How much does it cost to hire a pedestrian accident lawyer?
We understand that after a catastrophic accident, finances can be a major concern. That’s why we operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t pay legal fees upfront. Our payment is only due after we successfully secure compensation in your case, allowing you to focus on recovery without added financial stress.
Do I really need a lawyer if the insurance company has already made me an offer?
Insurance companies often offer low settlements that don’t fully account for your injuries or long-term needs. A lawyer can evaluate the offer, calculate the full value of your claim, and negotiate on your behalf to ensure you’re not shortchanged. Having legal guidance can be critical in achieving fair compensation.
Can hiring an Albuquerque pedestrian accident lawyer increase the amount of compensation I receive?
While we can’t guarantee an outcome, studies have shown that plaintiffs with legal representation tend to recover more compensation than those who go it alone. A knowledgeable lawyer brings the experience needed to uncover losses you might not have accounted for, such as future medical expenses or pain and suffering, and fights to maximize your payout.
Contact a Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Albuquerque, Los Lunas, Belen, and throughout New Mexico Today
Hiring an Albuquerque personal injury attorney from Gauthier & Maier Law Firm, P.C. gives you experienced legal support who can more accurately assess the value of your case and then fight for fair compensation. To schedule a Free Consultation about your accident, contact a pedestrian accident lawyer in Albuquerque, Los Lunas, Belen, and throughout New Mexico either online or by calling (505) 226-3205.