The squeal of tires. The slam of impact. In the blink of an eye, a reckless driver can change your life—then flee the scene. Hit-and-run accidents leave victims reeling, wondering where to turn. But you're not alone. The Albuquerque car accident attorneys at Keller & Keller are here to help you take control, one step at a time.
With decades of experience fighting for accident victims across New Mexico, we know how to unravel complex hit-and-run cases. Our skilled legal team will thoroughly investigate your crash, uncovering evidence to identify the driver and hold them accountable. We'll also handle insurance claims, ensuring you receive every dollar of compensation you entitled to.
Here’s what you need to know if you’ve been the victim of a hit-and-run accident in New Mexico.
What to Do Immediately After a Hit-and-Run Crash
Those first moments matter more than you might realize. To give yourself the strongest foundation for justice and recovery, take these actions as soon as you can:
- Call 911. Request an officer at the scene. A police report provides invaluable documentation, even if the officer doesn't witness the damage firsthand. In New Mexico, leaving the scene of an accident involving injuries or death is a felony, so a police report is essential.
- Record information. Write down any details you remember. The color, make, or model of the vehicle; a partial license plate; the direction the driver fled. Every piece helps.
- Take pictures. Photograph the damage, the surrounding area, and your injuries. Visual evidence can be far more powerful than words alone.
- Talk to witnesses. Collect contact information from anyone who saw what happened. Their testimony could be the breakthrough your case needs.
Get the Medical Care You Need
Nothing matters more than your health and safety. If you need medical treatment, get it—even if you're worried about the cost. Medical records establish a connection between your injuries and the accident, thereby creating the crucial cause-and-effect link.
Keep copies of all tests, treatments, and prescriptions. The more thoroughly you document your experience, the harder it will be for insurance companies to downplay your trauma.
Will Insurance Cover a Hit-and-Run?
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is designed for moments like this. When the at-fault driver disappears, your UM policy can step in to compensate you for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
UM claims follow a process similar to other insurance claims:
- Notification. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible after the accident. Share the basic facts, but don't elaborate on fault.
- Documentation. Provide the evidence you've collected: the police report, photos, medical records, and other paperwork. More is better.
- Negotiation. The insurance company may initially lowball your offer. Don't let them pressure you into settling for less than you need and deserve.
How Can an Attorney Help After a Hit-and-Run?
Dealing with insurance is exhausting—physically, emotionally, and financially. An accomplished Albuquerque car accident attorney levels the playing field, wielding the knowledge and strategy to:
- Investigate your accident thoroughly, often uncovering evidence you didn't know existed
- Communicate with the insurer so that you can focus on healing
- Negotiate from a position of strength, with a track record to back it up
- Prepare your case for trial in case the insurance company won't come to the table in good faith
At Keller & Keller, we know how to make insurers take you seriously—and we don't get paid unless you do. That's the power of working with attorneys who put you first.
Unraveling Complex Insurance Issues
Sometimes multiple insurance policies come into play after an accident—yours, the car owner's, the at-fault driver's, and more. Lawyers excel at untangling these threads and discovering every potential source of compensation.
Applying Legal Pressure
When the hit-and-run driver is identified, an attorney can mobilize legal tools to hold them accountable. From negotiated settlements to personal injury lawsuits, a lawyer fights for the justice and financial recovery you deserve.
Maximizing Your Compensation
An experienced car accident attorney knows how to calculate the true cost of your losses—not just medical bills, but also lost wages, diminished earning potential, pain and suffering, and more. By presenting a compelling case backed by evidence, your lawyer can negotiate for a settlement that reflects the full scope of your damages.
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, but a skilled attorney advocate won't let them get away with it. Your lawyer will fight for every dollar you're entitled to under the law, whether that means negotiating tenaciously or taking your case to trial.
Let Us Shoulder the Burden So You Can Heal
More than anything, an experienced attorney offers the relief of knowing a relentless advocate is in your corner. With a legal team on your side, you can pour your energy into rebuilding your life. We'll take care of the rest.
You didn't choose to be the victim of a hit-and-run, but you do get to choose what happens next. At Keller & Keller, we've helped thousands of New Mexicans write a new story—one of resilience, recovery, and resolution. Let us help you write yours.
