How Can an Attorney Help a Pedestrian Struck by a Motor Vehicle?
July 18, 2014
Post Updated July 2, 2026
What Makes a Pedestrian Accident So Severe?
Pedestrian accidents can result in serious, even life-threatening injuries. Whether a pedestrian is hit by a car, SUV, or truck, even at low speeds, pedestrians have no protection against the weight of any sized vehicle. Additionally, if a vehicle is traveling at excessive speeds, catastrophic injuries and even death can occur. Striking a pedestrian with a motor vehicle can cause traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, and death. Hiring an experienced pedestrian accident attorney can help victims get the compensation they deserve.
In This Article
New Mexico Pedestrian Accident Statistics
New Mexico once ranked number one in pedestrian fatalities, but, as of 2025, that number has dropped to number nine. While there’s still work to do, New Mexico is going in the right direction due to the Target Zero program that connects “all NMDOT safety work under one coordinated strategy aimed at eliminating traffic deaths by 2050.”
According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, Pedestrian Traffic Fatalities by State report, from January to June of 2025, New Mexico went from 53 pedestrian deaths in 2024 to an adjusted 27 deaths in 2025.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident
If You’ve Been Hit by a Car
If you were hit by a car, call 9-1-1 immediately (it you’re able to). If the car attempts to drive away, pay close attention to the make, model, color, and license plate number.
Take pictures of the scene and the vehicle. Do your best to collect witness information as well. When the police arrive, give a statement to ensure that everything is documented. Seek medical attention. Go to the hospital in the ambulance, and ask for imaging of areas you believe were affected by the accident. This can help you preserve evidence for your claim later.
If You’ve Hit a Pedestrian
If you hit a pedestrian with your vehicle, call 9-1-1 immediately. Do NOT leave the scene of the accident. This can lead to criminal charges. It’s important to do your best to assist the wounded person. If possible, move your car to a safe location. If the pedestrian is under your vehicle, do not attempt to move it, unless it’s safe to do so. When the police arrive, give a complete statement. If you were injured in the wreck, be sure to go to the hospital.
If You’ve Witnessed a Pedestrian Accident
If you witnessed a pedestrian accident, call 9-1-1 immediately. If you’re able to, give first aid to the injury victim. If the vehicle attempts to drive away, be sure to take down their license plate number and remember the make, model, and color of the vehicle. If there were any distinguishing aspects of the vehicle, like a decal or dent, make sure to write it down.
When the police arrive, be sure to give a full statement that includes your contact information. This can help the victim build their case.
How a Pedestrian Accident Attorney Can Help You
The police will perform an investigation and their report is important. However, a personal injury attorney may also employ an accident investigator who can interview the ambulance company, witnesses and investigate previous accidents on the same road. The insurance company may also investigate the accident and create a report for their records. It is important that all evidence including photographs, witness statements and medical care be collated if a claim is to be made. Accident reports, witnesses and medical records all combined will help to determine fault and damages. A personal injury attorney can represent the bicycle or pedestrian accident victim to make sure their rights are protected.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a pedestrian or bicycle accident, a personal injury attorney may be able to help you recover compensation for your injuries, medical costs and any lost wages.