A New Mexico Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Explains the State’s Statute of Limitations

Keller & Keller Breaks Down the New Mexico Motorcycle Accident Statute of Limitations  

motorcycle-accident-multiple-vehiclesNot all motorcycle accident injuries are the same, but everyone hurt in New Mexico motorcycle accidents has something in common. You have a limited amount of time to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit seeking compensation for your injuries. A qualified motorcycle accident attorney at Keller & Keller can help you understand the New Mexico motorcycle accident statute of limitations and will work with you to meet the deadline for your claim. 

New Mexico Motorcycle Accident Statute of Limitations at a Glance 

Every state has a statute of limitations, a designated timeframe in which a person has the right to take legal action after an incident. Different statutes of limitations apply to different situations, so New Mexico auto accident limitations and restrictions can differ from those for criminal prosecution or other circumstances. 

The New Mexico personal injury statute of limitations applies to motorcycle accident cases. According to this law:

  • In New Mexico, the timeframe to file a lawsuit for motorcycle-related personal injuries is three years from the date of the accident. 
  • The personal injury statute of limitations against the government in New Mexico is different: two years plus a 90-day tort claim notice (an administrative claim filed with the agency involved) from the date of the accident. 
  • The New Mexico statute of limitations for damage to personal property is four years from when the accident occurred. 

Exceptions to the Standard Time Limits

In general, claimants must adhere to these limits for personal injury and property damage when a motorcycle accident occurs. However, there are some potential exceptions, such as certain situations involving minors or if the defendant (the person at fault in the accident) leaves the state. Wrongful death claims related to motorcycle accidents in New Mexico are also different because they have a statute of limitations that is designated as three years of the person’s death, not from the date of the accident. Work with qualified New Mexico motorcycle attorneys at Keller & Keller to understand your options and if there are any exceptions in your situation. 

Types of Motorcycle Accident Damages 

You may seek compensation if you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident. Your damages may include past, current, and future:

  • Medical costs, including but not limited to hospitalizations, surgeries, doctors’ appointments, medications, physical therapy, occupational therapy, medical devices, and your other health care needs
  • Lost income, including wages, benefits, raises, and self-employment income
  • Pain and suffering for your emotional and physical injuries
  • Property damage
  • Any other losses you incur because of your motorcycle accident

An Experienced New Mexico Motorcycle Accident Attorney Can Help You Meet the Deadline

Our lawyers can guide you through the steps in the legal process for a New Mexico personal injury claim after a motorcycle accident by:

  • Helping you understand the process of a personal injury claim 
  • Explaining timeframes and clarifying what information is needed
  • Investigating and gathering evidence related to the accident
  • Negotiating with the insurance company for a possible resolution
  • Filing the lawsuit within the statute of limitations, if needed
  • Representing you at a trial to fight for fair compensation 

Deadlines Are Typically Firm for New Mexico Motorcycle Accident Claims

It’s important to seek legal counsel as soon as possible if you’ve been hurt in a motorcycle accident. The statute of limitations is a firm timeframe, so once the deadline passes, you lose your right to file a lawsuit and miss out on possible compensation for your injuries. 

Keller & Keller can help you file a claim within the deadline and fight for the compensation you deserve. Our experienced New Mexico motorcycle accident attorneys have won many settlements for those who have suffered tragic losses, which include $800,000 awarded to the family of a young man who died in a motorcycle accident and $385,000 awarded to an Albuquerque police officer with serious injuries after a motorcycle accident. 

James R. Keller
Connect with me
Partner at Keller & Keller