How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help if You’re Being Blamed for an Accident

Being blamed for an accident you didn’t cause can be frustrating, especially when you’re dealing with injuries, medical bills, and lost income. The other party or their insurance company may try to hold you responsible to avoid paying your claim.

However, being accused of causing an accident doesn’t mean you’re legally at fault. An experienced New Mexico personal injury lawyer can investigate what happened, challenge unfair allegations, and help you pursue compensation for your injuries.

In the Article

Investigating the Accident To Establish What Really Happened

Determining who caused an accident isn’t always straightforward. The parties involved may have conflicting accounts, and an initial police or incident report may not tell the whole story.

A personal injury attorney can conduct an independent investigation to establish how the accident occurred. This may involve visiting the scene, examining physical evidence, reviewing official reports, and consulting accident reconstruction specialists when necessary.

An investigation can uncover details that contradict the other party’s version of events and help establish who was responsible.

Gathering Evidence To Challenge Allegations of Fault

When someone blames you for an accident, evidence is essential to challenging their claims. Your lawyer can gather and preserve information that supports your account before important evidence disappears.

Depending on the circumstances, this may include:

• Surveillance or dashcam footage showing how the accident occurred
• Photographs of the accident scene, vehicle damage, or hazardous conditions
• Statements from witnesses who observed the incident
• Police reports and other official records
• Electronic data, phone records, or other relevant documentation

Your attorney can evaluate this evidence, identify inconsistencies in the allegations against you, and use the findings to support your claim.

Identifying Other Parties Who May Share Responsibility

Sometimes, more than one person or entity contributes to an accident. Even if someone claims you were responsible, another party’s negligence may have played a significant role.

For example, a car accident might involve multiple negligent drivers. A commercial vehicle crash could involve a trucking company, while a slip and fall accident might involve a property owner or maintenance contractor.

A personal injury lawyer can examine the actions of everyone involved to identify potential liable parties. This helps ensure that responsibility is assigned based on the available evidence rather than unsupported accusations.

Protecting You From Insurance Company Blame-Shifting Tactics

Insurance companies may attempt to reduce their financial responsibility by arguing that you caused or contributed to the accident. An adjuster might question your account, emphasize statements that appear unfavorable, or request a recorded statement.

Your attorney can handle communications with insurers and respond to allegations that aren’t supported by the evidence. A lawyer can also review settlement offers and help you avoid accepting an agreement that doesn’t adequately account for your injuries and losses. 

Having legal representation can be especially valuable when an insurer disputes liability or pressures you to settle quickly.

Evaluating How Shared Fault Could Affect Your Claim

Being partially responsible for an accident doesn’t automatically prevent you from recovering compensation in New Mexico. New Mexico follows a pure comparative negligence system. Under this rule, an injured person’s compensation is generally reduced according to their percentage of responsibility for the accident.

For example, if your damages total $100,000 and you’re found 25% responsible, your recovery would generally be reduced to $75,000. A personal injury lawyer can assess the evidence, explain how comparative fault applies to your case, and challenge an unfair allocation of responsibility. 

Even a relatively small difference in your assigned percentage of fault could significantly affect the amount you recover.

Negotiating a Settlement or Representing You in Court

Disputes over fault often complicate settlement negotiations. An insurance company may offer less compensation because it believes you contributed to the accident. Your lawyer can present evidence supporting your position, respond to disputed liability claims, and negotiate for a settlement that reflects the circumstances of your case.

If the parties cannot reach a reasonable agreement, your attorney can file a lawsuit when appropriate and present your case in court. This may involve questioning witnesses, introducing evidence, and challenging the opposing party’s allegations before a judge or jury.

Contact Ron Bell Injury Lawyers To Schedule a Free Consultation With an Albuquerque Personal Injury Attorney

If you’re being blamed for an accident in Albuquerque, New Mexico, you don’t have to accept the other party’s version of events. An experienced car accident lawyer can investigate the circumstances, evaluate the evidence, and help protect your right to seek compensation.

Our team at Ron Bell Injury Lawyers can review your situation and explain your legal options. For more information, contact an experienced Albuquerque personal injury lawyer at Ron Bell Injury Lawyers for a free consultation today.