.2311071450550.png "American Association for Justice"){kind=logo}
New Mexico Personal Injury Laws
Navigating the legal aftermath of an accident requires a clear understanding of New Mexico's specific personal injury statutes. Several critical laws will directly impact your compensation claim:
- Pure Comparative Negligence: New Mexico operates under a "pure" comparative fault system. If you are found partially at fault for your accident, you can still recover compensation, but your final payout is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if your total damages are $100,000 but a court finds you 20% responsible for the accident, you will receive $80,000.
- The Statute of Limitations: In New Mexico, you generally have three (3) years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit (NMSA § 37-1-8). Failing to file your lawsuit before this window closes means losing your legal right to seek compensation.
- Special Rules for Government Defendants: If your injury involved a government vehicle, a public employee, or a poorly maintained public facility in Las Cruces, you must submit a formal Notice of Claim under the New Mexico Tort Claims Act within 90 days of the incident.
Accident Hotspots in Las Cruces
As one of New Mexico's fastest-growing cities, Las Cruces sees a significant volume of traffic from commuters, university students, tourists, and commercial trucking routes. This growth has contributed to a number of high-risk locations throughout the city, including:
- The I-10 and I-25 interchange – This complex merging area sees heavy commercial truck traffic, contributing to frequent high-speed and multi-vehicle collisions.
- Lohman Avenue and Telshor Boulevard – A high-volume commercial corridor near shopping centers and medical facilities, known for rear-end and intersection collisions.
- University Avenue near NMSU – Heavy pedestrian and cyclist traffic around New Mexico State University creates an increased risk of collisions, particularly during class transitions and game days.
- Main Street and Solano Drive, and Main Street and Elks Drive – These intersections have historically ranked among the most dangerous in the state due to high rates of injury and fatal crashes.
The Right Legal Team Matters
Meet Our Dedicated Team of Attorneys
-
"Thank God we found him. He really seemed to care about our family."Mr. Buckingham won our case after two other law firms said it would be impossible to win. He knew the medicine better than the experts in the case. I guess the fact that he’s also a doctor was a great help.Former Client
-
"He truly was impressive."Mr. Buckingham flew to the East Coast several times & understood how a correct gall bladder surgery is supposed to be done better than the surgeon. He was very knowledgeable & precise.Former Client
-
"If you want real-life heroes contact these guys. They cared when no one else did."When I first contacted Mr.Vega, I knew he was different because he listened to me with compassion. Mr. Vega and his team gave me hope and most important they gave my son a better life.Former Client
-
"Adrian Vega and his law firm changed my family's life."They fought for my injured baby and made sure we would be taken care of for the rest of our lives. I highly recommend this law firm.Former Client
-
"My family is better off having them in our corner."We turned to him when we had nowhere else to go. Turns out it was the best decision we could have ever made. They represented us in a difficult case and made those responsible accountable for their actions.Former Client
-
"Nothing but the best of the best."This was an experience I'll never forget and felt like family and not a business associate. Adrian kept me informed and up to date on all matters of the lawsuit. Needless to say, I received more ( much more ) than expected...Former Client
-
"Very professional firm and well knowledgeable!"I would highly recommend using Buckingham & Vega if you have been injured in an accident. Very professional firm and well knowledgeable!Former Client
-
"Highly Recommend"We had a great experience working with Adrian. He was very professional and guided my family through a difficult situation.Former Client
Our Results Make a Difference
Explore How We Have Helped Our Clients
-
Record-Setting $72 Million Birth Injury
The Buckingham & Vega team obtained a $72 million verdict in a birth injury case when an OB/ GYN failed to properly monitor the mom during pregnancy.
-
$16 Million Truck Accident
Buckingham & Vega obtained a $16 million settlement in a truck accident case. The truck driver was speeding and inattentive (texting) and crashed into the rear of a pickup truck stopped at a stoplight.
-
$14 Million Dram Shop Liability
Our team obtained a $14 million dram shop verdict on behalf of a client who was injured due to negligence.
-
$13 Million Truck Accident
Our team secured a $13 million settlement in a truck accident case. An eighteen-wheeler made an unsafe turn in front of a car driven by a grandmother and her family. The grandmother was killed and the family suffered severe injuries.
-
$13 Million Work Injury
Buckingham & Vega represented an oilfield worker who was killed when their company failed to properly train its employees on how to safely move waste bins. Our client was killed when he became trapped between two bins.
-
$12 Million Birth Injury
The attorneys at Buckingham & Vega obtained a $12 million birth injury settlement.
