Santa Fe Car Accident Lawyer Fighting for You
When you’ve been hurt in a crash, Andras Szantho is the legal warrior you want in your corner
The fourth-largest city in the state of New Mexico, Santa Fe gets a lot of traffic on its roads each and every day. Unfortunately, this means there are also a lot of car accidents that can leave drivers and passengers seriously injured. Attorney Andras Szantho helps car accident victims get the financial compensation they deserve.
At the Szantho Law Firm, we know the impact a car accident can have on victims and their families. You are hurt and need medical treatment. In some cases, injuries can leave you with a permanent disability. You may not be able to go back to work, resulting in a loss of income. It can become difficult to make ends meet.
FAQ about Santa Fe car accidents
- What are common causes of car accidents in Santa Fe?
- What are common injuries in car crashes?
- What should I do after a Santa Fe car accident?
- Should I go to the doctor even if I feel fine?
- How do I get a copy of the police report?
- Who’s responsible for paying for my accident?
- Should I talk to the other driver’s insurance company?
- How much is my claim worth?
- What can I be compensated for?
- How do I deal with insurance companies after a Santa Fe car accident?
- What if the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance?
- Should I accept a settlement offer?
- Should I file a lawsuit?
- Why should I hire a Santa Fe car accident lawyer?
What are common causes of Santa Fe car accidents?
Some of the most common causes of car accidents in Santa Fe include:
- Busy Roadways: I-25, U.S. 285, and Cerrillos Road see heavy traffic with commuters, commercial trucks, tourists in rental cars, and cyclists all sharing the same space.
- Distracted Driving: Even a quick glance at a text message can cause a driver to miss a slowing vehicle and trigger a rear-end collision.
- Speeding: Higher speeds extend stopping distances and significantly increase the severity of injuries when crashes occur.
- Impaired Driving: Alcohol, prescription medications, and recreational drugs continue to play a major role in crashes, despite strict laws. Some drivers still risk getting behind the wheel after drinking downtown or taking substances that slow reaction times.
- Fatigue: Long commutes and late-night work shifts leave drivers exhausted, making them more likely to drift into other lanes or fail to notice stopped vehicles.
- Weather Hazards: Snow, ice, and monsoon rains reduce visibility and traction, posing added risks, especially for drivers unfamiliar with local conditions.
- Road Conditions: Potholes, missing signs, and construction zones can all contribute to car accidents, sometimes raising questions about whether a government entity may share liability.
What are common injuries in car crashes?
Car accidents often happen in seconds, but the injuries they cause can last a lifetime. Even with modern safety features like airbags and crumple zones, high-speed impacts put tremendous force on the body. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Whiplash: Caused by the sudden back-and-forth motion of the neck, leading to pain, headaches, dizziness, and sometimes symptoms that last for months.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries: Ranging from concussions to severe brain damage, these occur when the head strikes a hard surface or the brain is jolted within the skull. TBIs can result in memory issues, mood changes, cognitive deficits, and ongoing headaches.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord may cause partial or complete paralysis, affecting mobility and essential bodily functions.
- Broken Bones: Fractures to the arms, legs, ribs, or pelvis are common. Even minor breaks can require surgery and lengthy rehabilitation.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Conditions like torn ligaments or herniated discs may not show up on X-rays, yet they can cause long-term pain and reduced range of motion.
What should I do after a Santa Fe car accident?
First, call the police and tell them you have been in a crash caused by another driver. A state trooper from the New Mexico State Police or an officer from the Santa Fe Police Department will likely respond and investigate your crash. Make sure to get the investigating officer’s name and badge number. That way, you can get a copy of your official New Mexico car accident report, officially known as the New Mexico Uniform Crash Report, and make sure it’s accurate.
- Other important steps to take immediately after your Santa Fe collision:
- Have a medical professional examine you right away.
- Talk to eyewitnesses at the scene of your crash and get their full name and phone number.
- Take photos of your accident if possible.
- Exchange information with the other driver. This includes your name, address, insurance information and driver’s license number.
- Other than the investigating police officer or trooper, do not discuss your accident with anyone at the scene of the crash.
- Do not post anything on social media about your collision.
- Schedule a follow-up doctor’s appointment with your physician.
- Contact a Santa Fe car accident attorney as soon as possible to learn more about your legal rights.
Should I go to the doctor even if I feel fine?
After a crash, your body is flooded with adrenaline, which can mask pain and other symptoms for hours or even days. Some injuries may not become obvious right away but can still cause serious, lasting complications if left untreated.
Seeing a doctor promptly not only protects your health but also ensures your injuries are properly documented, which is critical for any insurance or legal claim. Delaying treatment can worsen your condition and give the insurance company an excuse to argue that your injuries weren’t caused by the accident.
How do I get a copy of the police report?
The responding officer will prepare a New Mexico Uniform Crash Report that details key facts about your car accident. This report is an important piece of evidence because it includes information about the parties involved, witness statements, and the officer’s observations.
You can usually request a copy directly from the law enforcement agency that investigated your crash, either online, by mail, or in person. Szantho Law Firm can also obtain this document on your behalf and use it to help build your case.
Who’s responsible for paying for my accident?
New Mexico has an at-fault car insurance system. This means the at-fault party must pay for all accident-related expenses for injury victims. Often, this is the responsibility of the insurance company for the at-fault driver.
But just because the at-fault driver’s insurance company is responsible for paying for your accident doesn’t mean you will automatically get the money you deserve. Often, insurance companies dealing with injury victims in Santa Fe and elsewhere will do everything they can to reduce or deny claims. This is why it’s critical that you talk to an attorney right away after your accident in Santa Fe.
Should I talk to the other driver’s insurance company?
The short answer – no. If the at-fault driver’s insurance company contacts you on the phone, in person or in writing, do not respond. Anything you say or write about your crash could be used by them as evidence to deny your claim. Even saying something as simple as “I’m sorry” could be used by them as proof that you caused the collision and that they’re not responsible for paying you. If they want more information, tell them to contact your Santa Fe car accident lawyer and deal with them on your behalf.
How much is my claim worth?
There’s no set dollar amount when it comes to injury claims involving motor vehicle accidents in Santa Fe. Your claim might be worth a few thousand dollars or significantly more. The best way to know how much money you could be eligible to receive is to ask an attorney familiar with these types of cases. Our Santa Fe law firm offers a free case evaluation, where we can review the details of your case and answer any questions you might have about your claim.
What can I be compensated for?
If another driver caused your crash in New Mexico, you should be compensated for all past, present and future accident-related expenses. What you might not realize is just how many expenses you can be compensated for, even years after your crash. All that matters is that such expenses have to be accident related. Such expenses can include:
- Past, present and future anticipated medical care related to your accident injury. This may include surgery, physical therapy and follow-up doctor’s appointments.
- Money to repair or replace your damaged vehicle.
- Replacement income if you cannot work while you’re recovering from your injury.
- Lost future income if you cannot return to work due to a permanent disability.
- Pain and suffering in certain circumstances.
How do I deal with insurance companies after a Santa Fe car accident?
After a crash, you may hear from both your insurer and the other driver’s insurance company. Keep in mind that adjusters are trained to protect their employer’s financial interests. They might ask you to provide a recorded statement or sign a medical release that gives them access to your entire medical history. Providing such information without legal guidance can harm your case. For instance, insurers may comb through your past records to claim that your injuries existed before the accident.
A Santa Fe car accident attorney can handle these communications and ensure the insurance company sees the full picture. Szantho Law Firm will compile your medical records, proof of lost wages, and documentation of other expenses to present a compelling demand for compensation. If the insurer offers a settlement that doesn’t reflect the true value of your claim, your lawyer can negotiate for more or prepare to file a lawsuit. Having legal representation also reduces the stress and confusion you may feel when dealing with insurance companies.
What if the at‑fault driver doesn’t have insurance?
New Mexico law requires all motorists to carry liability insurance, but unfortunately, not everyone follows the rules. When an at-fault driver is uninsured or carries only the minimum coverage, accident victims may be left wondering how their medical bills, lost wages, and other damages will be paid. This is where uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage on your own policy becomes vital.
If you carry this protection, it can step in to cover your expenses when the other driver’s insurance is nonexistent or insufficient. In many cases, UM/UIM coverage can apply to medical costs, rehabilitation, and even pain and suffering. Having this coverage provides an important safety net, especially in a state where a significant number of drivers remain uninsured despite the law.
Should I accept a settlement offer?
Many insurance companies make settlement offers to injury victims soon after a motor vehicle crash. You might be tempted to accept their offer, especially if you already have mounting medical bills, vehicle repair costs and other expenses. What you might not realize is if you agree to accept their settlement offer, that’s it. Your claim is settled. As a result, you cannot ask for more money in the future, even if your accident expenses increase dramatically several months or years from now.
This is why it’s important to carefully consider any settlement offer you receive for your accident. An experienced Santa Fe attorney can help you review your offer and decide if you should accept it or ask for more money. If you believe you deserve more, your lawyer can negotiate with the other driver’s insurance company on your behalf and work with you to obtain a better settlement offer.
Should I file a lawsuit?
Many times, the best way to get the money you rightfully deserve is to file a car accident lawsuit. This is especially true if the other driver’s insurance company refuses to increase their initial settlement offer or simply denies your claim altogether. Either way, filing a lawsuit might make the most sense for your Santa Fe car accident injury claim. Keep in mind that you only have three years from the date of your crash to take legal action in New Mexico, according to New Mexico Statutes Annotated section 37-1-8. This deadline is legally referred to as the statute of limitations. If you miss this deadline, you might not be able to file a lawsuit or take other legal action seeking compensation for your crash.
Why should I hire a Santa Fe car accident lawyer?
The sooner you have an attorney helping you after your crash, the better. Your lawyer can deal directly with insurance companies, conduct an in-depth independent investigation and take legal action if necessary on your behalf.
It’s also important to choose a lawyer who knows the area and understands how to handle car accident claims in Santa Fe. Every city and county in New Mexico often presents its own unique challenges. Your attorney can help you navigate your way through the legal system and make sure your injury claim gets the attention it rightfully deserves.
Call today for a free case evaluation
If you’ve been hurt in a Santa Fe car accident, we encourage you to talk to a car accident attorney as soon as you can. By law, you have three years from the date of your accident to take legal action. Starting the investigation sooner can help us build a strong case. Over time, evidence can be lost or destroyed and the memories of witnesses can fade.
Since 2007, attorney Andras Szantho has been helping the injured get the financial compensation they need and deserve after being hurt in a car crash. A former New Mexico prosecutor with extensive experience dealing with injury claims, he is proud to have been able to help clients through a very difficult time in their lives. He is not afraid to stand up to the insurance companies – and he is ready to fight for you. Whether it’s negotiating a settlement offer on your behalf or fighting for you in a Santa Fe courtroom, you can count on us when it matters most.
Learn more about how an experienced car accident lawyer can help you. Contact our Santa Fe office at (505) 820-3366 to schedule a free case evaluation today. Santa Fe car accident attorney Szantho can review the details of your accident, go over your options and answer any questions you have.