Drunk Driving Accident Attorney in Rio Rancho
Law Office of Nathan Cobb represents individuals and families facing the devastating effects of drunk driving incidents. Led by Nathan Cobb, our team has the knowledge, commitment, and resources to stand up to insurance companies and negligent drivers, ensuring your needs are fully addressed with a personalized strategy.
We know that coping with a drunk driving accident goes well beyond recovering from physical injuries. You may face mounting medical bills, repair costs, time away from work, and ongoing emotional stress. Our role as your legal team extends beyond handling legal claims; we;re here to help you organize supporting documents, communicate with health care providers, and guide your recovery from the very beginning. Our familiarity with the Rio Rancho area and its agencies means you get a streamlined, supportive experience throughout the process.
Connect with us today via our online form or by dialing (505) 572-1160.
What You Get When You Work with Law Office of Nathan Cobb
Our firm combines comprehensive knowledge of the local Rio Rancho and Sandoval County court systems with a proven history of achieving favorable settlements and verdicts for clients facing complex injury claims, including those involving wrongful death and severe trauma. We pride ourselves on conducting thorough case evaluations and providing honest communication throughout the process.
Nathan Cobb brings significant legal experience from years spent successfully handling large, high-stakes personal injury litigation in New Mexico, ensuring each case is addressed with strategic care and commitment. Our experienced support staff, Zoe Rivera and Rose Waldrep, help provide prompt responses and meticulous case management so you’re never left in the dark about progress on your case.
We move quickly after an accident to gather critical evidence, secure police reports, and preserve your rights. Our team is attentive to your unique circumstances and always available to answer questions about your case, whether you’re navigating an unfamiliar insurance dispute or trying to make sense of the criminal proceedings that often occur alongside your civil claim.
The Claim Process: What to Expect After a Drunk Driving Accident
Our comprehensive approach covers your case from start to finish. Here’s what you can expect when working with our team:
- Case evaluation: We assess all accident details, review available evidence, and explain your legal options under New Mexico civil law after a DWI-related crash.
- Gathering evidence: Our team assists with collecting police and medical reports, securing eyewitness statements, and obtaining breath or blood alcohol test records relevant to your injury case.
- Dealing with insurers: Insurance companies often aim to minimize their payout in DWI cases. We communicate and negotiate with insurers on your behalf, shielding you from unfair tactics or lowball offers.
- Litigation, when necessary: If negotiation doesn’t result in fair compensation, we prepare your case for trial in Sandoval or Bernalillo County courts and present the strongest argument for your damages.
- Consistent updates: We keep you informed with regular updates on your case, answering calls and questions so you always know where things stand.
Many clients are uncertain about the difference between criminal DWI charges and their civil personal injury case. As your legal representatives, we explain in plain language how the criminal process may produce helpful evidence—like police reports or guilty verdicts—that can be used to support your civil claim for compensation. We make it a priority to clarify deadlines, required documentation, and what you can expect throughout the course of your personal injury case. Every step is designed to give you confidence and peace of mind as we pursue the resolution you deserve.
Contact Us for a Free Consultation
Your next step after a drunk driving accident is crucial. Reach out to Law Office of Nathan Cobb for a free consultation. We promptly coordinate with hospitals, law enforcement, and insurance adjusters on your behalf. By acting early, you protect your ability to recover the compensation you need for medical care, lost income, and your ongoing well-being.
Our law office is dedicated to effective communication, thorough case management, and empowering you with practical options. Let us take on the legal challenges so you can prioritize your recovery.
Contact us today at (505) 572-1160 to get the answers, guidance, and peace of mind you deserve.
When the Stakes Are High,
Trust Our Proven Record of Success
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Award-Winning RepresentationRecognized on the prestigious New Mexico Rising Stars list by Super Lawyers magazine every year since 2017.
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Over 15 Years of ExperienceOur commitment to achieving the best results has shaped a strong track record of successful outcomes, even in the most challenging situations.
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Client-Centered Legal SupportWe're focused on your recovery—financially and personally—so you can move forward with your life.
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Free Case Consultation – No RiskTaking the first step toward resolution costs you nothing. We offer a free consultation to assess your legal options.
How We Help Victims & Families After a Drunk Driving Accident
Our team supports accident victims through every aspect of the claims process, handling communications with local agencies, law enforcement, insurance providers, and, if needed, the courts of Sandoval or Bernalillo County. The Rio Rancho Police Department is responsible for initial investigations, and their reports, along with evidence of sobriety tests, are invaluable for supporting your civil action. We'll secure and interpret these records to ensure no detail is missed that could support your claim.
Because New Mexico requires drivers to carry minimum insurance that often will not cover catastrophic injury costs, our team reviews every potential source of compensation. New Mexico's minimum required auto liability insurance is only $25,000 for bodily injury to or death of one person, $50,000 for bodily injury to or death of two or more persons, and $10,000 for property damage in any one accident.
We pursue claims not just against the drunk driver, but when necessary, explore other liable parties, such as businesses that may have overserved a visibly intoxicated driver in violation of state dram shop laws. Under New Mexico Statute Section 41-11-1, a licensed establishment can be held liable if they sold or served alcohol to a person who was intoxicated when it was reasonably apparent to the licensee that the person was intoxicated and the licensee knew from the circumstances that the person was intoxicated.
Our deep knowledge of insurance and liability rules allows us to maximize the recovery available for our clients and their families from all available sources, addressing lost wages, medical care, pain, suffering, and more. We also explore potential claims against social hosts under the law's social host liability provisions, which apply when someone "gratuitously provided alcoholic beverages to a guest in a social setting" and did so "recklessly in disregard of the rights of others."
Unique Aspects of Drunk Driving Accident Cases in Rio Rancho
Drunk driving accident claims in Rio Rancho often come with location-specific challenges and opportunities. The Rio Rancho Police Department promptly responds to suspected DWI crashes, gathering evidence such as breathalyzer results and securing the scene, details that can significantly impact a civil case. Having an attorney with local experience ensures these key elements are accurately included in your claim. New Mexico recognizes the rights of injury victims to seek damages from intoxicated drivers, and the process of obtaining official records from the relevant local departments is an essential first step.
In addition, New Mexico’s pure comparative fault rule applies in civil lawsuits, which means the court will consider any shared responsibility among parties. Where to file your case—whether in Sandoval County or neighboring Bernalillo County—could make a difference in terms of schedules, local court practices, and jury makeup. Our knowledge of these venues, paired with relationships with investigators, healthcare providers, and local professionals, enhances our ability to gather evidence specific to the Rio Rancho area. By keeping you updated every step of the way, we help reduce your stress while increasing the likelihood of a better outcome for your claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
What steps should I take immediately after a drunk driving accident?
Ensure your safety and call 911 for emergency assistance. Obtain a copy of the police crash report from the Rio Rancho Police Department and seek medical care, even if injuries seem minor. Preserve all related documents for your attorney.
Will the drunk driver’s criminal charges affect my injury claim?
Criminal and civil cases are separate legal proceedings with different standards of proof and objectives. A criminal conviction for DWI supports your civil claim but does not automatically award compensation. Your attorney will use evidence from the criminal case to assert liability and maximize your recovery in civil proceedings.
How long do I have to file a claim after a drunk driving accident in New Mexico?
In most cases, New Mexico law allows three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, earlier action helps preserve evidence and improves your chances for a favorable resolution.
What compensation can I seek after a drunk driving accident?
Compensation may include medical costs, lost wages, future care expenses, and pain or suffering. The specific damages depend on the details of your accident and the extent of your injuries.
Can I still recover damages if I was partially at fault?
New Mexico follows the doctrine of pure comparative fault, meaning your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault, but you can still pursue a claim even if you are partially responsible.
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