Santa Fe Personal Injury Lawyers

Cases We Handle

Personal injury law covers a wide spectrum of accidents and incidents. At Buckingham & Vega Law Firm, our Santa Fe personal injury lawyers have the expertise to handle a variety of complex claims, including:

• Car Accidents: From fender-benders on Cerrillos Road to high-speed collisions on I-25, we represent victims of negligent drivers.
• Truck Accidents: Commercial trucking accidents involve complex federal regulations and multiple liable parties.
• Motorcycle Accidents: Riders often face catastrophic injuries due to the lack of protection and driver inattentiveness.
• Slip and Fall (Premises Liability): We hold property owners accountable for dangerous conditions like uneven walkways, spills, or poor lighting.
• Medical Malpractice: When healthcare professionals fail to meet the standard of care, we fight for the victims of their negligence.
• Wrongful Death: If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s recklessness, we help you seek justice for your loss.
• Workplace Accidents: While many cases go through workers' comp, third-party claims may allow for additional compensation.

Common Types of Injuries

Accidents in Santa Fe can result in a wide range of physical and psychological trauma. Our firm represents clients suffering from various catastrophic injuries, such as:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Often resulting from falls or high-impact collisions, these can have life-altering cognitive effects.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: These may result in partial or full paralysis and require lifelong medical care.
• Broken Bones and Fractures: While common, these injuries can lead to chronic pain and restricted mobility.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Whiplash and ligament tears can be debilitating and difficult to prove without expert legal help.
• Burn Injuries: Resulting from fires, explosions, or chemical exposure, these often require extensive reconstructive surgery.
• Emotional Trauma: We recognize that PTSD, anxiety, and depression are real "injuries" that deserve compensation.

New Mexico Personal Injury Laws

Understanding the legal framework in New Mexico is vital to the success of your claim. There are several key laws that every Santa Fe resident should be aware of:

Pure Comparative Negligence

New Mexico follows a pure comparative negligence rule. This means that if you are partially at fault for your accident, you can still recover damages, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are awarded $100,000 but found to be 20% at fault, you would receive $80,000.

Statute of Limitations

In New Mexico, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is three years from the date of the accident. If you fail to file a lawsuit within this timeframe, you will likely lose your right to seek compensation. However, claims against government entities (such as the City of Santa Fe) have much shorter notice requirements, often as little as 90 days.

The Legal Process of Personal Injury Lawsuit in NM

Navigating a lawsuit can feel daunting. Here is what you can expect when you partner with Buckingham & Vega Law Firm:

• Initial Consultation: We offer a free, no-obligation case evaluation to discuss the details of your accident and determine if you have a viable claim.
• Investigation: Our team gathers evidence, including police reports, medical records, witness statements, and expert testimony.
• Filing the Claim: We handle all communication with the insurance companies and file the necessary legal paperwork to initiate your lawsuit.
• Discovery: Both sides exchange information and evidence. This phase is crucial for building a strong foundation for your case.
• Mediation and Negotiation: Many cases are settled out of court. We negotiate aggressively to ensure you receive a fair settlement offer.
• Trial: If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, our skilled trial attorneys are prepared to fight for you in a New Mexico courtroom.

Compensation Available to Injured Victims

The goal of a personal injury claim is to make the victim "whole" again. In Santa Fe, you may be entitled to both economic and non-economic damages:

• Medical Expenses: Coverage for past, current, and future medical treatment, including surgeries, physical therapy, and medication.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for the income you lost while recovering from your injuries.
• Loss of Earning Capacity: If your injury prevents you from returning to your previous career, you may be compensated for future loss of income.
• Pain and Suffering: This compensates for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for the inability to participate in hobbies and activities you once enjoyed.
• Punitive Damages: In rare cases involving extreme recklessness or intentional harm, the court may award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer.

Personal Injury FAQs

How much does a Santa Fe personal injury lawyer cost?

At Buckingham & Vega Law Firm, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case or secure a settlement for you. Our fee is a percentage of your final recovery.

How much is my case worth?

The value of a case depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the amount of medical bills, the impact on your ability to work, and the degree of fault of the other party. During your consultation, we can provide an estimate based on similar cases we have handled.

Should I talk to the insurance adjuster?

No. Insurance adjusters are trained to protect the company's bottom line. They may try to get you to make statements that could hurt your case. It is always best to let your lawyer handle all communication with insurance representatives.

How long will my case take?

Every case is different. Some may settle in a few months, while complex cases involving litigation may take a year or longer. Our priority is to ensure you get the maximum compensation, not just the fastest settlement.

Our Lawyers Fight for Santa Fe

Residents of Santa Fe know what a unique city they have to call home. From the mixture of cultures, beautiful landscapes at an elevation of 7,000 ft., and a history spanning 400 years, Santa Fe residents live in a special area with plenty of opportunities.

Santa Fe combines the appeal of a large city—arts and culture, beautiful buildings, and excellent entertainment—with the comforting feeling of a small town—cozy and with a focus on community. Those who live in Santa Fe get to enjoy the best of both worlds.

When an accident happens and it turns your life upside down, that’s where Buckingham & Vega Law Firm steps in. We know how a person’s life can seem to stop after an accident. Our Santa Fe, NM personal injury lawyers can be at your side throughout the legal process so you can get through it with experts who can answer your questions and explain what’s going on. We’re seeking compensation that will help you heal and so you can get back to living your life in Santa Fe.

Aside from our work in personal injury law, we leverage our strong local ties to better serve our clients. Familiarity with the local courts, judges, and other attorneys can provide an edge in how we tailor our strategies for Santa Fe clients. We recognize the uniqueness of local laws and norms and incorporate this understanding into all aspects of our legal representation. By staying up-to-date with regional legal trends and building relationships within the legal community, our firm ensures we are not only reactive but proactive in our approach, providing the best possible legal service available in Santa Fe.

Buckingham & Vega Law Firm Is Here for You

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a motor vehicle accident, on someone else’s property, because of a professional’s negligent care, or another reason, our personal injury lawyers may be able to help you with your claim. 

When our lawyers are on your side, we’ll examine the evidence and speak with experts and eyewitnesses to get the full story of what happened. We’ll also make sure everything is filed properly and on time. You can work on recovery and spending time with your family.

Residents of Santa Fe, NM have personal injury lawyers who are ready to fight for them. If you’re struggling with injuries and damages following an accident, we can help you move forward.

Contact our law office today by calling (505) 388-0066 so we can go over your legal options and how you can proceed with your claim in a free case evaluation.