Albuquerque Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Aggressively Seeking Justice for Injured Motorcyclists in Bernalillo County

While any motor vehicle accident can result in serious injuries, motorcyclists' stakes are significantly higher. Without the protection of a vehicle's safety cage and airbags, motorcycle accidents can lead to severe harm and even fatalities for riders. All it takes is one crash to inflict physical and emotional wounds that last a lifetime. Fortunately, Law Office of Nathan Cobb is committed to pursuing the justice you deserve.

If you or a loved one was harmed in a motorcycle crash in Albuquerque, you deserve compensation for medical expenses, lost earnings, and other losses. Our motorcycle accident lawyer is well-versed in the complexities of these cases to vigorously protect your rights and advocate for a fair settlement. When your health and financial security are on the line, turn to a firm with a proven track record of results. Attorney Nathan Cobb can fight tirelessly to hold negligent parties accountable while you focus on healing.

Injured in a motorcycle crash in Albuquerque? Have questions about your legal options? Call Law Office of Nathan Cobb today at (505) 225-8880 or contact us online for a free consultation!

Do I Need a Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Albuquerque?

A wrongful injury can not only inflict physical and emotional harm but also impose significant financial burdens on victims and their families. While cutting costs by waiving your right to legal representation may be tempting, partnering with a qualified attorney can mean the difference between recovering maximum compensation and walking away with less than you deserve.

Here are some significant reasons to work with a trusted lawyer after a motorcycle accident:

• Navigating the claims process: From speaking to insurance adjusters to filing your claim within the correct deadline, your lawyer can apply their in-depth understanding of New Mexico law to help you navigate the legal intricacies of the claims process and make informed decisions throughout your case.
• Building a strong case: A motorcycle accident attorney can help you build a robust case by strengthening your claim with relevant evidence, obtaining crucial documents like medical records and police reports, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with specialists if necessary.
• Establishing liability: Proving liability is one of the most complex parts of any personal injury claim. A seasoned lawyer can investigate the accident with a practiced legal eye to identify all possible negligent parties and help you meet the standard of proof in your case.
• Protecting your rights against insurers: Insurance companies have a reputation for pushing lowball offers to protect their bottom line. An experienced advocate can fight against these unfair tactics to pursue a fair settlement and prevent you from settling for less than you deserve.
• Pursuing a fair settlement in litigation: While many claims are settled outside of court, litigation may be necessary when insurers try to avoid just payouts. A skilled litigator can aggressively pursue justice by protecting your rights and representing your best interests at trial.

Another crucial aspect of working with a motorcycle accident lawyer is their ability to offer emotional support and guidance during a challenging time. Legal processes can be daunting, and having someone who understands your situation can offer immense relief. Lawyers often have networks of professionals, including counselors and financial advisors, to support clients in need. They can provide more comprehensive support through their connections, making the recovery process more manageable.

Were you or a loved one involved in a motorcycle accident in Albuquerque? Let our Albuquerque motorcycle accident lawyer guide you through the legal process and help secure the compensation you need to recover. Contact us today.

Common Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents often lead to catastrophic injuries for victims due to the lack of protection between the rider and their surroundings. Some common injuries resulting from motorcycle accidents include:

• Amputation: This is a frequent injury in motorcycle accidents. Limb loss may occur when a rider gets caught under their bike or is crushed by another vehicle during a collision.
• Spinal cord injuries (SCIs): Trauma to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis and lifelong disabilities. Riders can suffer SCIs after being thrown from their motorcycle or hit by other vehicles.
• Brain injuries: Even if they were wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, motorcyclists often suffer traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) after being ejected from their bikes, potentially leading to long-term cognitive and physical impairments.
• Internal injuries: The extreme force involved in motorcycle collisions can result in serious internal injuries for riders, such as organ damage and hemorrhaging.
• Broken bones and fractures: Broken bones are another common injury in motorcycle accidents. The impact between the rider and other objects can result in broken arms, legs, ribs, or skull fractures.
• Road rash: This occurs when a motorcyclist's body slides along the pavement after being thrown off their bike, causing severe skin abrasions and potential infections.

In addition to the physical injuries, motorcyclists often endure psychological trauma, such as PTSD, following an accident. The sudden and violent nature of crashes can leave lasting emotional scars. Riders often need counseling or therapy to help process and overcome these intense experiences.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

While motorcyclists are often stereotyped as reckless or careless, most accidents involving motorcycles are caused by negligent drivers. Some common causes of motorcycle accidents include:

• Distracted driving: Operating a motor vehicle while distracted, such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, or adjusting controls, can cause accidents when drivers fail to notice nearby motorcyclists.
• Failure to yield: Motorcycle accidents commonly occur when drivers fail to yield the right of way at intersections or while changing lanes.
• Driving under the influence (DUI): Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can impair a driver's judgment and reaction time, making them more likely to cause an accident.
• Traffic violations: Not using a blinker or making illegal turns can cause drivers to overlook motorcyclists in oncoming traffic, potentially leading to severe injuries.
• Hazardous roads: Poor road conditions, such as debris, potholes, and other hazards, can lead to crashes when motorcyclists swerve to avoid obstacles or lose control of their bikes.

Additionally, environmental factors often contribute to motorcycle accidents. Sudden weather changes, such as rain or fog, can reduce visibility and traction, increasing the likelihood of an accident. Understanding these risks can help motorcyclists prepare adequately, ensuring their safety gear is adequate and their bike is maintained correctly.

What Are the Most Dangerous Roads for Motorcyclists in Albuquerque?

Staying vigilant near dangerous roads and intersections in our local area is essential to prevent serious accidents. Some of the most hazardous roadways include:

• Central Avenue (Route 66): Known for its heavy traffic and numerous intersections, this busy stretch is notorious for accidents, especially around the University of New Mexico.
• Coors Boulevard NW: Due to its high-speed limits and constant merging traffic from side streets, this boulevard is very dangerous for motorcyclists, especially near the I-40 interchange.
• Montgomery Boulevard NE: This roadway is frequently crowded and has impatient drivers, particularly near the Winrock Town Center.
• Paseo del Norte Bridge: Heavy commuter traffic and frequent lane changes along this busy route can increase the risk of collisions, especially during rush hours.
• I-25 and I-40 Interchange (the "Big I"): The confluence of two major interstates makes the "Big I" interchange a high-risk zone for accidents due to sudden lane changes and high speeds.

Important Albuquerque Motorcycle Laws

In Albuquerque, understanding local motorcycle laws is essential for riders to ensure they are legally protected and aware of their rights. Here are some key laws and regulations that motorcyclists in New Mexico should be aware of. Abiding by these laws helps protect both riders and other road users:

• Eye protection: Motorcyclists must wear protective eyewear unless their motorcycle has a windscreen.
• Helmet laws: Riders under the age of 18 must wear a helmet at all times. While adults are not required by law to wear helmets, it is strongly advised for safety reasons.
• Handlebar height: The maximum height for handlebars is 15 inches above the seat-level post.
• Lane splitting: Lane splitting, or riding between lanes of traffic, is not legal in New Mexico.

Compliance with these laws keeps riders safe and ensures they retain complete legal protection should an accident occur. Staying informed can help motorcyclists reduce their risk of accidents and navigate legal challenges, reinforcing the importance of understanding and adhering to local laws.

Were you or a loved one involved in a motorcycle accident in Albuquerque? Let our Albuquerque motorcycle accident lawyer guide you through the legal process and help secure the compensation you need to recover!