What to do after a hit and run in Albuquerque
April 17, 2023
Why Do People Flee the Scene of Car Accidents?
If someone has been involved in a car crash, whether they’re injured or not, the typical initial reaction is to panic. In hit and run accidents, that reaction may cause someone to flee the scene. In some cases, fear of consequences takes over, and in other, it’s a concern for their inability to pay for the damages they’ve caused. Additionally, some people flee the scene of car accidents, and in some cases, people aren’t even aware that they were in an accident.
When the guilty party leaves the scene of the crash, the victim is left to figure out the next steps on their own. You may think, “How will I pay for my medical expenses?” or “How will I pay to get my car fixed?” If you’ve been a victim of a hit and run accident in New Mexico, an experienced Albuquerque attorney at Ron Bell Injury Lawyers can help.
In The Article
Hit and Run Car Accident Statistics in New Mexico
Hit and run car accidents happen often, but filing a police report when someone has hit your car and left the scene can help you find the person who hit you. According to the City of Albuquerque, in 2024, there were 563 cases of aggressive driving/hit & run accidents.
What To Do After a Hit and Run
Steps to Take After a Hit and Run
- Check yourself, any passengers, and any other individuals involved in the accident for injuries, and seek medical treatment if necessary.
- Call 911, especially if there are injuries.
- Gather contact information of any witnesses.
- Take pictures of the scene.
- Contact potential witnesses or nearby buildings that may have security cameras.
Under normal circumstances, even in a minor car accident, you should exchange information with the other driver and provide that information to responding law enforcement. If the negligent party has fled the scene, that may not be possible. Contacting law enforcement, obtaining witness information, and gathering evidence is critical to establishing a timeline of events.
Report the accident to your insurance company but stick to the facts. Insurance companies may try to use additional information against you when making a settlement offer. Avoid admissions of fault such as “I’m okay” or “I’m not insured.”
If you’re injured, call an experienced car accident lawyer. They can handle discussions with the insurance company while you focus on recovery.
New Mexico Car Crash Laws
In New Mexico, you are required to report a car accident if there are injuries or death, if vehicle damage totals over $500, if a commercial vehicle was involved, or if the wreck occurs on a state highway. To report an accident, call the police or file a report online. If you are injured, you must report the accident to local police so they can investigate and create a written report while you seek treatment.
New Mexico Car Insurance Laws
Like many states, New Mexico has minimum liability insurance requirements. According to the Motor Vehicle Division of New Mexico, minimums include:
- $25,000 for bodily injury or death to one person in any accident
- $50,000 for bodily injury to or death of two or more persons in any one accident
- $10,000 for injury to or destruction of property of others in any one accident
Although these requirements exist to help victims, if you only have minimum liability coverage and cannot identify the negligent driver, you may face significant out-of-pocket costs. Liability insurance protects others harmed by accidents you cause, not you. Many hit and run drivers are uninsured, which can leave you with medical expenses. UM/UIM coverage on your own policy can help cover these gaps.
Liability Coverage Versus UM/UIM Coverage
Liability Coverage
Liability coverage includes bodily injury and property damage liability. It is intended to pay for damages to others if you cause an accident. If you are the victim and don’t have the at-fault driver’s information, that driver’s liability coverage may be unusable for your claim.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage
UM/UIM coverage can protect you when the at-fault driver has no insurance, has insufficient insurance, or in a hit and run. This coverage may pay for medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering up to your policy limits. According to the Insurance Information Institute, New Mexico ranks high for the percentage of uninsured motorists.
Scenario: You are driving on I-40 and are suddenly hit by another driver who flees the scene. You were unable to get the license plate.
Situation 1: You only have minimum liability coverage and no UM/UIM. Medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering may be your responsibility unless the at-fault driver is identified and insured.
Situation 2: You have minimum liability and UM/UIM coverage. Your UM/UIM can cover medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering up to your selected limits.
Call an Experienced Hit & Run Lawyer in Albuquerque
Being involved in a hit and run can be terrifying and frustrating. Navigating insurance policies, state laws, and communications with insurers while recovering is overwhelming. An experienced personal injury lawyer can support you financially and legally.
Discussing your options after a wreck is an important step. Our team at Ron Bell Injury Lawyers has the experience to help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Even with substantial insurance coverage, insurers may offer low settlements. We will work to ensure you receive the compensation your policy allows. Contact us at 898-BELL for