A report from The Albuquerque Journal confirmed what many people in New Mexico had already suspected: Drivers in this state are some of the worst in the country.
Researchers compared drivers in each state based on fatalities per mile driven, incidents of speeding, drunken driving, careless driving and other citations. The result? New Mexico ranked second-worst in the United States.
In addition to the loss of life, car accidents have a profound financial impact. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, lost work and medical bills due to fatal motor-vehicle crashes in New Mexico cost $433 million in 2013.
Avoid These 6 Mistakes When Making a Car Accident Claim
Making a successful personal-injury claim after a car wreck is a legally complicated process. One small mistake could reduce the amount that you ultimately recover, or prevent you from recovering any compensation at all.
Your statements and actions in the immediate aftermath of a collision could make or break your ability to recover compensation. If you are involved in an accident, avoid these six mistakes:
Not Calling the Police: Even if you were not seriously injured, your personal-injury lawyer may need the police report to prove negligence and liability;
Admitting Fault: It is not uncommon for drivers to admit fault when another person is in fact responsible for an accident. Never admit fault after a crash;
Forgetting to Take Pictures:Take photographs that show the positions of vehicles, injuries, property damage, traffic signs and skid marks;
Not Exchanging Insurance Information:You will need the insurance information of all drivers involved in the collision in order to make a claim;
Deciding Not to See a Doctor: If you put off medical treatment, then it may be difficult to tie your injuries to the crash. Also, your doctor’s record can help your injury attorney prove damages; and hiring the Wrong Accident Lawyer:Find an attorney who has successfully litigated personal-injury cases related to car accidents.