Car accident
Car Accident Attorneys in Albuquerque, New Mexico
The firms in this guide
1. Parnall Law Firm
Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, wrongful death, drunk driving victim cases, personal injury
Case Types Handled: Motor vehicle collisions, commercial truck crashes, motorcycle accidents, intersection crashes, rear-end accidents, drunk driving accidents, hit-and-run accidents, catastrophic injuries
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, free case consultations, demand letter preparation
Background: Bert Parnall is an Albuquerque native who has devoted his legal career to helping residents of his hometown. He serves as a local board member and media spokesman for Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and has represented many New Mexicans injured by drunk drivers. The firm and Bert Parnall support several local charitable and community organizations. Known throughout Central New Mexico for personal injury representation.
Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Contact: (505) 268-6500 | https://www.hurtcallbert.com
Consultation: Free consultation available. Contingency fee basis.
2. Law Office of Matthew Vance, P.C.
Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, bicycle accidents, slip and fall accidents, wrongful death, personal injury
Case Types Handled: Motor vehicle collisions, tractor-trailer and 18-wheeler accidents, commercial truck crashes, motorcycle accidents, bicycle accidents, pedestrian injuries, slip and fall injuries, wrongful death cases
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, mediation services, accident investigation
Background: Matthew A. Vance was born and raised in New Mexico. He earned his undergraduate degree from New Mexico State University and law degree from University of New Mexico School of Law. Member of the New Mexico State Bar since 1998 and actively participates in Albuquerque Bar Association and New Mexico Trial Lawyers Association. Prior experience includes work as a paralegal, public defender, and insurance defense attorney, providing comprehensive understanding of the justice system. Has recovered millions of dollars in verdicts, settlements, and awards throughout New Mexico.
Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico (serving clients throughout New Mexico)
Contact: https://www.mattvancelaw.com
Consultation: Free consultation available.
3. The Fine Law Firm
Practice Focus: Personal injury (exclusive focus), automobile accidents, product liability, medical malpractice, wrongful death
Case Types Handled: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle collisions, commercial vehicle accidents, defective product injuries, medical negligence cases, catastrophic injuries, wrongful death claims
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, accident investigation, expert witness coordination
Background: Albuquerque injury attorneys with over 100 combined years of experience handling personal injury cases exclusively. The firm has a proven track record with multiple multimillion-dollar settlements and verdicts. Reported 99% case success rate. Statewide reputation as leaders in personal injury law with referrals from judges and insurance claims adjusters. Trial experience includes cases against large corporations. The firm reduces fees if necessary to ensure clients receive more than the attorneys.
Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Contact: (505) 889-FINE (889-3463) | https://www.thefinelawfirm.com
Consultation: Free consultation available. Contingency fee basis.
4. Caruso Law Offices, P.C.
Practice Focus: Motor vehicle accidents (exclusive focus), car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, wrongful death
Case Types Handled: Car crashes, commercial truck accidents, semi-truck collisions, motorcycle crashes, pedestrian injuries, wrongful death from auto accidents
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, accident reconstruction, evidence gathering
Background: The firm limits its practice exclusively to personal injury and wrongful death cases from motor vehicle accidents, allowing focused expertise. Many attorneys previously represented insurance companies and are familiar with their methods and strategies. In 2018, settled a commercial truck accident case for $12 million. In 2017, a New Mexico jury awarded their client $5.4 million against FedEx. Receives referrals from attorneys throughout New Mexico and the United States for complex cases. Over two decades of experience navigating New Mexico car accident claims and court litigation.
Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico (serving all of Bernalillo County and New Mexico)
Contact: (505) 883-5000 | https://www.carusolaw.com
Consultation: Free case evaluation available. Contingency fee basis (paid only if you win).
5. Will Ferguson & Associates
Practice Focus: Personal injury, car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, wrongful death, product liability
Case Types Handled: Motor vehicle collisions, commercial truck crashes, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian injuries, defective product injuries, catastrophic injuries, wrongful death cases
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, evidence gathering (accident scene footage, photos, witness statements)
Background: Will Ferguson & Associates is known for aggressive representation of personal injury clients in New Mexico. The firm emphasizes thorough evidence gathering and case preparation. Prepared to take cases to trial if necessary to obtain fair compensation. Attorneys ensure clients are treated fairly throughout the legal process.
Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Contact: https://fergusonlaw.com
Consultation: Free case review available. No pressure consultations.
Several Liability, Tort Claims Act Notice and Leaving the Scene for Albuquerque Car Crashes
An Albuquerque car crash claim in New Mexico is divided by fault: each defendant pays the share of the damages that matches its fault compared with everyone’s, including the injured person’s. A claim against a city, county or state vehicle also needs written notice within 90 days, and leaving an injury crash is a crime.
Several Liability by Share of Fault
Under NMSA 41-3A-1(A) and (B), where comparative fault applies, joint and several liability is abolished and each defendant is liable only for the portion of the damages equal to the ratio of its fault to the total fault attributed to all persons, including plaintiffs, defendants and nonparties. Under (C), joint and several liability still applies to intentional wrongdoers, vicariously liable persons and strictly liable sellers of defective products, among others.
Notice Under the Tort Claims Act
Under NMSA 41-4-16(A) and (B), a person claiming damages from the state or a local public body must present written notice of the time, place and circumstances within 90 days after the occurrence, to the risk management division for the state, the mayor for a municipality or the county clerk for a county. Without notice, no court has jurisdiction unless the entity had actual notice; up to 90 days of incapacity is not counted.
Financial Responsibility Amounts
Under NMSA 66-5-215(A), for purposes of the Mandatory Financial Responsibility Act, judgments are deemed satisfied when $25,000 is credited for injury to or death of one person, $50,000 for two or more persons, and $10,000 for property damage in one accident.
Leaving the Scene
Under NMSA 66-7-201, a driver in a crash causing injury or death must stop and remain until the 66-7-203 duties are met; failing to do so when the crash causes great bodily harm or death is a fourth degree felony, a third degree felony if done knowingly, and otherwise a misdemeanor.
Albuquerque Car Accident Questions
How long do I have to sue after an Albuquerque car crash?
Three years for an injury to the person under NMSA 37-1-8, and three years from the date of death for a wrongful death action under 41-2-2. A claim against a public body also needs notice within 90 days under 41-4-16.
How much can I collect from a driver who shared the blame?
That driver’s share of the total fault. For example, imagine $100,000 in damages and 30 percent of the fault on the injured driver, with 70 percent on the other driver: under NMSA 41-3A-1(B) the other driver would be liable for $70,000.
Is there a limit on claims against the City of Albuquerque?
Yes. Under NMSA 41-4-19, liability under the Tort Claims Act may not exceed $300,000 for medical and medically related expenses, $400,000 to any person for other damages except real property, and $750,000 in total for real property and other damages from one occurrence, with no punitive damages.