What to Do Immediately After a Motorcycle Accident in New Mexico: A Legal Checklist
May 23, 2025
What to Do Immediately After a Motorcycle Accident in New Mexico: A Legal Checklist
Motorcycle accidents are often chaotic, painful, and disorienting experiences. In New Mexico, where open roads and scenic highways attract riders year-round, knowing what steps to take immediately after an accident can protect both your health and your legal rights. At Silva & Associates, P.C., we help injured motorcyclists in Albuquerque and surrounding communities understand and navigate the legal aftermath of a crash. Below is a comprehensive legal checklist to guide you if you're ever involved in a motorcycle accident.

1. Prioritize Safety and Seek Medical Attention
First and foremost, move yourself and others to safety if you can. Call 911 to report the accident and request emergency medical services. Even if you feel fine, get evaluated by medical professionals. Some injuries—like concussions or internal bleeding—may not show symptoms immediately.
2. Call Law Enforcement
In New Mexico, it’s essential to report any motor vehicle accident that causes injury, death, or significant property damage. The responding officer will create a police report, which can be vital evidence in your case. Be honest, but avoid making speculative statements or admitting fault at the scene.
3. Document the Scene
Use your phone to take photos or videos of:
- Vehicle positions and damages
- Road conditions
- Skid marks
- Traffic signs or signals
- Your injuries
If there are witnesses, gather their contact information. These details can be crucial for reconstructing the event and strengthening your claim.
4. Exchange Information
Swap contact and insurance details with the other driver(s), including:
- Full name and contact information
- Driver’s license number
- License plate number
- Insurance provider and policy number
Avoid discussing the accident’s cause or making any admissions.
5. Notify Your Insurance Company
Inform your insurer about the accident as soon as possible. Stick to the facts and avoid giving recorded statements until you speak with a lawyer.
6. Keep All Medical and Repair Records
Preserve every document related to the accident, including:
- Medical records and bills
- Repair estimates and invoices
- Prescription receipts
- Time missed from work
These records help establish the value of your damages.
7. Contact a Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Before accepting any settlement offer, talk to an attorney familiar with New Mexico personal injury law. At Silva & Associates, P.C., we understand the unique challenges motorcyclists face—from biased assumptions to severe physical trauma. We are committed to advocating for Albuquerque riders and ensuring fair compensation for their injuries.
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Starting a new business in New Mexico can be an exciting endeavor, but it can also be overwhelming. From choosing the right legal structure to navigating complex regulations, there are many important decisions to make along the way. That's where a business formation attorney comes in. In this blog post, we'll explore the role of a business formation attorney and why every New Mexico resident should consider hiring one when starting their own business.  Expert Guidance: A business formation attorney specializes in helping entrepreneurs navigate the legal aspects of starting a business. They can provide expert guidance on choosing the right legal structure for your business, whether it's a sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, or corporation. By understanding your specific needs and goals, a business formation attorney can help you make informed decisions that will set your business up for success. Legal Compliance: Ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations is crucial for any new business. A business formation attorney can help you navigate these complex legal requirements and ensure that your business is operating within the law. From obtaining necessary licenses and permits to drafting contracts and agreements, an experienced attorney can help you avoid costly legal mistakes down the road. Protection of Assets: One of the key benefits of working with a business formation attorney is asset protection. By setting up your business properly from the start, you can protect your personal assets from potential liabilities related to your business operations. This added layer of protection can give you peace of mind as you grow your business and take on new opportunities. Long-Term Success: Building a successful business requires careful planning and attention to detail. A business formation attorney can help you create a solid foundation for your business that will support its long-term growth and success. By partnering with an experienced attorney, you can avoid common pitfalls and ensure that your business is positioned for sustainable growth in the years to come. Peace of Mind: Finally, working with a business formation attorney can give you peace of mind knowing that your legal affairs are in order. From drafting contracts to resolving disputes, having an experienced attorney on your side can help you navigate any challenges that may arise as you build and grow your business. Starting a new business is an exciting journey, but it's important to have the right support along the way. Silva & Associates, P.C. can provide valuable guidance and assistance as you navigate the complexities of starting a new venture in New Mexico. Whether you're just getting started or looking to expand an existing business, consider partnering with us to set your business up for long-term success.
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New Mexico's varied landscapes make it a wonderful place to live for both humans and animals. Yet, unexpected encounters with animals can lead to dangerous situations and injuries. In the aftermath of an animal attack, it's crucial to understand your legal rights and the steps you should take to ensure your safety, health, and legal integrity. This blog post is tailored to guide New Mexico residents through the process of responding to an animal attack and how an animal attack attorney can assist you in navigating the legal complexities that may follow.  When Wildlife Encounters Turn Dangerous Living in New Mexico, residents often enjoy the proximity to nature and wildlife. However, this interaction sometimes goes awry, leading to animal attacks that can result in serious injury or trauma. Dog bites are the most common, but incidents involving other domesticated animals or even wild creatures are not unheard of. If you encounter an aggressive animal, prioritizing your safety is key. Once out of harm's way, immediately seek medical attention, even if the injury appears minor. Animal bites can carry a risk of infection or transmit diseases such as rabies. Reporting the incident to local authorities or animal control is also essential. Documentation of the attack creates an official record, which could be pivotal in any subsequent legal action. Legal Avenues for Animal Attack Victims Victims of animal attacks in New Mexico may have several legal avenues for recourse. The state imposes "strict liability" on dog owners in certain cases—meaning the owner may be liable for damages even if they didn't know their dog was dangerous. However, the case particulars can vary based on circumstances and the history of the animal involved. Consulting with an experienced animal attack attorney is essential to understand your rights fully. An attorney specialized in this field will review the facts of your case, explain relevant state laws such as the New Mexico Tort Claims Act, and devise a strategy to pursue fair compensation for your injuries. Compensation might cover medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and even psychological counseling if needed. Choosing the Right Animal Attack Attorney When selecting an attorney to represent you, consider their experience with personal injury law and specifically animal attack cases. A qualified attorney with a deep understanding of New Mexico's statutes concerning animal attacks can be the difference between a dismissed claim and a successfully awarded settlement. Your legal counsel will gather evidence, including medical records and eyewitness accounts, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if necessary, represent your interests in court. Their goal is to ensure that you receive the justice and financial support necessary to recover from the attack. No one anticipates the physical and emotional toll of an animal attack. Such incidents can be particularly traumatic, and the path to recovery may be long and fraught with complicated legal challenges. In New Mexico, where animal encounters are not uncommon, knowing how to proceed with the help of an animal attack attorney can offer victims reassurance during a distressful time. If you or a loved one has been the victim of an animal attack in New Mexico, remember that you're not alone. Legal professionals who specialize in animal attack cases are ready to use their expertise to help you recover the compensation you deserve to move forward with your life. Protect your rights and seek out an attorney who understands the intricate layers of personal injury law in New Mexico. With the right support, you can overcome the aftermath of an animal attack and restore your well-being and peace of mind.
Sustaining a personal injury due to someone else’s negligence can be a traumatic experience, both physically and emotionally. Not only do you have to deal with the immediate pain and recovery process, but you’ll also have to consider the financial strain that comes with it, such as medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses. Fortunately, in New Mexico, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. In this blog post, we’ll dive into how personal injury compensation is calculated in New Mexico and what factors can affect the amount you receive. There are several factors that are taken into consideration when calculating personal injury compensation in New Mexico. They typically include:  1. Medical Expenses Medical expenses are likely the most significant factor that determines the amount of compensation you’ll receive. The cost of medical bills, including emergency medical care, hospitalization, medication, therapy, and any other related expenses can be difficult to pay off without help. That is why insurance companies and other responsible parties are usually liable for these costs. 2. Lost Wages If your injury prevents you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for your lost wages. This amount includes the money you earned and would have earned during the time you were unable to work. Additionally, if your injury limits your future earning capacity, you may be entitled to compensation for lost future wages as well. 3. Pain and Suffering Another factor that is considered in personal injury compensation is the physical and emotional pain and suffering caused by the injury. It encompasses the physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish that you experience after the injury. Since it's difficult to put a price tag on something as subjective as pain and suffering, courts may use a variety of factors to help determine the compensation amount. 4. Long-Term Impacts If your personal injury causes a permanent or long-term impact on your life, you may be entitled to compensation that will account for this. These include, but not limited to, lost enjoyment of life, loss of certain physical abilities, and loss of companionship. 5. Liability In most personal injury cases, liability means determining who is responsible for causing the injury. If you can prove that the other party was at fault, you might be entitled to receive compensation. New Mexico has a comparative fault system, which takes into account each party’s responsibility for the injury. If the plaintiff shares a portion of responsibility, the compensation amount will be reduced by that percentage. Dealing with a personal injury can be overwhelming, both physically and financially. However, it’s essential to know your rights and understand how personal injury compensation is calculated in New Mexico. Whether you’re pursuing an insurance claim or a legal settlement, having a strong understanding of the factors that will determine your compensation amount will provide you with a better chance of receiving fair compensation for your injuries. If you’re unsure about how to proceed with your case or need legal assistance, consult with an experienced personal injury attorney in New Mexico. They can help you navigate the process and maximize your financial compensation.