When you suffer a personal injury, it can be an overwhelming and traumatic experience. Not only do you have to deal with the emotional and physical pain of the injury, but you may also have to navigate a complex legal system to get the compensation you need and deserve. In New Mexico, personal injury laws are in place to protect your rights and help you get the support you need to recover from your injury. In this article, we’ll go over the key facts you need to know about New Mexico personal injury laws.
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Time Limits for Filing Personal Injury Claims
One of the most important things to know about personal injury claims in New Mexico is that there are strict time limits for filing a claim. This is known as the statute of limitations. In New Mexico, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is three years from the date of the injury. This means that if you do not file your claim within three years from the date of the injury, you may not be able to get compensation.
There are a few exceptions to this time limit, such as in cases of medical malpractice where the injury was not immediately discovered. In these cases, the statute of limitations may be extended. It’s important to speak with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after your injury to ensure that you don’t miss any important deadlines.
Comparative Negligence in New Mexico
Another important aspect of personal injury law in New Mexico is comparative negligence. This means that if you are partially at fault for your injury, your compensation may be reduced to reflect your level of fault. For example, if you were injured in a car accident, but you were speeding at the time, you may be found to be 25% at fault for the accident. In this case, your compensation may be reduced by 25% to reflect your level of fault.
It’s important to note that New Mexico follows the doctrine of contributory negligence. This means that if you are found to be more than 50% at fault for your injury, you may not be able to get any compensation at all. It’s important to work with a skilled personal injury lawyer who can help you build a strong case and protect your rights.
Types of Damages Available in New Mexico Personal Injury Cases
In New Mexico, personal injury victims may be able to recover a wide range of damages depending on the circumstances of their case. Some common types of damages include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
It’s important to work with a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer who can help you understand which types of damages you may be eligible for and how much compensation you may be able to recover.
Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer in New Mexico
If you have suffered a personal injury in New Mexico, it’s important to work with a skilled and experienced personal injury lawyer. A good lawyer can help you navigate the complex legal system, protect your rights, and get the compensation you need and deserve. When choosing a lawyer, look for someone who has experience handling personal injury cases in New Mexico and who has a track record of success.
Conclusion
Personal injury cases can be complex and overwhelming, but understanding New Mexico personal injury laws can help you protect your rights and get the support you need to recover from your injury. Remember, you have a limited amount of time to file a claim, so it’s important to speak with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after your injury. By working with a skilled lawyer, you can build a strong case and get the compensation you need to move forward with your life.