What to do after a hit and run in Albuquerque

Hit and Run Car Accident Statistics in New Mexico

Albuquerque experiences hit and run accidents are not uncommon, but you can work to find the person who it you by filing a police report. According to the University of New Mexico Crash Report, in 2024, over 100,000 people were involved in hit and run crashes in New Mexico. 46 people were killed in hit-and-run accidents in the state.

Being involved in a hit and run accident can be a jarring experience. The feeling of betrayal and violation is intense, especially if the wreck caused injuries. This article explains why people flee the scene of a car crash, and what to do if you were involved in a hit and run crash in Albuquerque.

In The Article

Why Do People Flee the Scene of Car Accidents?

There are several reasons someone might flee the scene of an accident. In some cases, guilty parties may not be aware that they hit a car or a person. This can happen if the driver is distracted by loud music or taking their eyes on the road.

In other cases, some people how flee the scene of an accident may fear the consequences. Their concern for their inability to pay for the accident or the damages they caused.

When the guilty party leaves the scene of the crash, the victim is left to figure out the next steps on their own. If you’ve been a victim of a hit and run accident in New Mexico, an experienced Albuquerque attorney at Ron bell Injury Lawyers may be able to help.

What to do After a Hit and Run in Albuquerque

Here are a few key steps to take after you’ve been in a hit and run accident.

Check Yourself and Your Passengers

Before moving yourself or anyone else, assess the situation. If you’re injured, do not move. If someone in your car is injured, do not move them, shake them, or attempt to adjust them. Moving people who are injured can cause more injuries or exacerbate existing injuries.

Call 911

If possible, call 911. If you can’t find your phone, as a bystander or witness or someone in your car to call 911. This is especially important if there are injuries, but if the other car fled the scene, calling 911 can let the police know what direction that car went in and the make and model, and potentially the license plate number of that vehicle.

Gather Contact Information of Any Witnesses

If there are any witnesses, get their names, phone numbers, and email addresses. This can help the investigation of your hit and run case.

Take Pictures of the Scene

Take pictures and videos of the scene. Show the direction that the other vehicle was driving in at the time of the crash, and the direction they fled in. Take pictures of any pain transfer or damaged areas of your vehicle.

Contact Potential Security Witnesses

While there may not be any bystanders or human witnesses to the accident, CCTV and other security footage may be available. Check local businesses in the area that may have outdoor cameras. Even if they aren’t near the actual scene of the accident, if they are in the direction the vehicle was traveling, you may be able to collect evidence that shows damage on that vehicle, which could help prove your case.

Call An Experienced Hit & Run Accident Lawyer in Albuquerque

If it is too difficult to collect evidence, or you’re unable to do so, calling an experienced hit and run accident attorney can help you get the evidence you need to find the responsible party and hold the right people accountable.

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 Accident 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.

Does Car Insurance Cover a Hit and Run Accident?

Yes. The right car insurance will cover hit and run accidents.

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.

The Experienced Albuquerque Hit & Run Accident Lawyers at Ron Bell

It can be frustrating to get into a hit and run accident. Navigating insurance policies, New Mexico state laws, and investigations, all while recovering, can be overwhelming. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help support your investigation, medical scheduling, and deal with the insurance company.

Discuss your options with an experienced hit and run attorney at Ron Bell Injury Lawyers. Call 898-BELL today to get your free case evaluation.