Youngers Law, PAYoungers Law, PA2024-02-16T15:17:04Zhttps://www.lascruceslawoffice.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1103399/2023/10/cropped-favicon-youngers512-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Almanzar & Youngers, P.A.https://www.lascruceslawoffice.com/?p=2373502023-10-05T04:08:43Z2023-10-05T04:08:43ZMany car manufacturers are advertising self-driving cars. Algorithms are used in self-driving automobiles to improve traffic safety. The location and speed of other cars are predicted by these algorithms through training. Additionally, self-driving cars may stay in their designated lanes, see stop signs and red lights and brake in advance of an oncoming collision.
The number of car accidents is meant to be reduced with more self-driving cars. Despite this idea, self-driving car accidents still claim lives. Why do autonomous vehicles result in harm and losses? Here’s what you should know:
The myth of fully autonomous cars has people fooled
The notion that self-driving cars operate totally on their own is largely untrue. Most autonomous vehicles still require user intervention. These vehicles have equipment that makes user operation easier. Many of these vehicles have adaptive cruise control and lane centering. The purpose of lane-centering is to help ensure that an automobile stays in its lane. A car's distance from the vehicle in front can be automatically adjusted using adaptive cruise control. However, this perception that semi-automatic cars are fully autonomous often creates a warped perception of how reliable these cars are. Many drivers may not know the difference, but these features do not necessarily mean the automobile can drive by itself. As their automobile travels on its own, some drivers may turn their heads away from the road or look at their phones, increasing the likelihood of accidents.In some cases, improved programming and algorithms in new self-driving car models cannot provide higher safety. On the road, there are a lot of unforeseeable dangers, and a self-driving car could commit mistakes like running red lights or not detecting pedestrians. Overly reliant self-driving car users run the risk of endangering both their lives and that of others. Auto accident victims may need to explore their legal options for recovering from their losses and injuries. ]]>On Behalf of Almanzar & Youngers, P.A.https://www.lascruceslawoffice.com/?p=2373512023-10-05T04:08:41Z2023-10-05T04:08:41ZDash cameras are devices that record continuous video feeds. They’re frequently mounted to the dashboard or windshield of cars. Many people install single-pointed cameras that face toward the front of their cars. For rearview video, certain cameras can be installed by the back windshield. Many modern vehicles have dashcams preinstalled.
Many people who don’t understand the benefits of dashcams never consider installing one in their cars. But, a dashcam could be useful for insurance claims and legal battles. Here’s what you should know:
Taking unbiased feed of an accident
Video evidence of an accident can show whether a driver was a victim or the person who caused the collision for an insurance claim or legal dispute. This video may capture actions from aggressive, intoxicated or distracted drivers. For example, a forward-facing camera may capture evidence that the driver in front was acting aggressively by brake-checking the driver. Or, a rearview camera could capture the moment a speeding car rear-ended the vehicle. If a car drove across a busy intersection while the light was red, a 360-degree camera may take video of it.Some dashcams also include impact sensors. Even if the automobile is not started, these sensors could cause a camera to switch on. If someone's automobile is broken into or if someone crashes into a parked car, this feature could also prove useful. A lot of victims do not receive fair compensation because the cause of an accident is unclear. In cases where it is not evident who caused an accident, a dashcam could be extremely useful. A claim that the victim caused the accident could also be refuted by video footage. Victims suffering from auto injuries may need to learn about their legal rights to be compensated for their injuries and medical bills.]]>On Behalf of Almanzar & Youngers, P.A.https://www.lascruceslawoffice.com/?p=2373522023-09-16T04:12:28Z2023-09-16T04:12:28ZMany safe drivers never expect to end up in car accidents. However, even the safest of drivers can’t predict what other drivers will do. Distracted driving, drinking and speeding are common actions that have caused safe drivers to suffer from damages and injuries unexpectedly.
Drivers should remember to take swift action after car accidents. Here are the steps to take:
Call the police
It’s important to call the police soon after a car accident. The police will arrive to investigate the accident and create a report. These help the insurance companies involved determine fault, damages and repair costs. That report can also be key to a successful personal injury claim.
Move your vehicle to safety
It may take a few minutes before the police arrive at the accident. During this time, both drivers should try to move their vehicles out of the way of oncoming traffic if their vehicles are still functional and it is safe to do so -- but the vehicles should generally be left in place if there are serious injuries.
Get medical attention
Paramedics should be called to the accident, too. They’ll ask each driver if they need medical help. Drivers who don’t think they’ve suffered any serious injuries may still need to consider getting an examination. The record could be useful if the driver starts to suffer from hidden head and spine injuries shortly after the accident and needs to seek additional medical treatment.
Take pictures
Drivers should also consider taking pictures of the accident. Drivers can take pictures of each vehicle and any damages done and license plates. These pictures could help drivers dispute claims from other drivers who say there was more or less damage than what was reported.
After a wreck, it can be critically important to learn more about the legal options that are available to help victims recover from their losses.]]>On Behalf of Almanzar & Youngers, P.A.https://www.lascruceslawoffice.com/?p=2373532023-09-16T04:12:27Z2023-09-16T04:12:27ZCyclists are often at a disadvantage when it comes to safety. Airbags and seatbelts in cars often protect drivers and passengers, but cyclists are often only protected by a thin layer of plastic on their heads, hands, knees and elbows. When a cyclist gets in an accident they are more likely to suffer serious and fatal accidents than people in vehicles.
Furthermore, cyclists often have to share road space with vehicles. Drivers typically have to take responsibility for their actions to make the roads safe for cyclists since even a parked car can be dangerous for cyclists.One common accident that many cyclists suffer from is dooring. What is dooring and how can drivers prevent it from happening?
Saving cyclists from severe injuries with one simple move
Dooring happens when a vehicle door opens in front of a cyclist. Cyclists often don’t have enough time to react to the sudden obstacle. As a result, they may crash into the door and be thrown off their bike, causing them to suffer severe head and spine injuries. In some cases, vehicle passengers can suffer injuries from the collided cyclist. Dooring happens so often that a technique was made to help reduce the number of accidents. This technique is called the “Dutch Reach.” The Dutch Reach is done by using the furthest hand to open a car door from inside. When passengers use the furthest hand from the door, they’ll reach over their chest and turn their torso. The passenger should then turn enough to see if there’s any oncoming traffic. If passengers see a cyclist approaching, then they can wait until the cyclist passes before opening the door.The Dutch Reach has saved lives, but many people don’t know just how important the technique can be. Cyclists suffering from dooring accidents may need to learn about their legal rights so that they can seek appropriate compensation for their injuries and other losses.]]>On Behalf of Youngers Law, P.A.https://www.lascruceslawoffice.com/?p=513552023-10-20T12:57:24Z2023-09-04T19:34:14ZNew Mexico state statutes mandate that the parties involved in the collision submit a written report, usually by contacting the local police department. However, sometimes the party at fault for the crash will try to convince the other people involved that reporting the collision isn't necessary. They might make promises to pay for someone's costs with their own resources to avoid a crash report and an insurance claim. Drivers who make such suggestions are often motivated by one of the three issues below.
They don't have a license
Drivers in New Mexico can lose their driver's license for issues ranging from repeated traffic infractions to drunk driving. Other times, a simple failure to submit paperwork and fees to the state can be enough for someone to lose their driving privileges temporarily. Those caught driving without a license may face a number of consequences, which is one reason why people may ask to circumvent reporting requirements after a wreck.
They don't have insurance
Just like every driver should have a license to legally operate a vehicle on public roads, the state also requires liability insurance coverage from drivers. Those who have let their policies lapse or even intentionally canceled their coverage could still potentially cause a crash and then not have the financial resources to reimburse the other party involved in the wreck.
They have broken another law
There are plenty of cases in which someone has a driver's license and insurance but may have violated some other law. They may know that they are under the influence of drugs, for example, or perhaps they have something illegal in their vehicle that they don't want police officers to find. They might be on probation or otherwise at risk of experiencing enhanced penalties for a simple collision.
Those who would try to convince someone to violate state law could very easily fail to follow through on their promises to reimburse someone for property damage and injury expenses. Filing a proper police report is crucial for those involved in a New Mexico car crash who hope to pursue compensation from the other driver or their insurance carrier, as doing so can help to safeguard their rights and interests alike.]]>On Behalf of Youngers Law, P.A.https://www.lascruceslawoffice.com/?p=513532023-10-20T12:57:28Z2023-09-04T05:18:24ZLosing a loved one under any circumstance is an incredibly difficult experience. Learning that your loved one’s death was occasioned by someone else’s negligence can be difficult to process. So, what do you do if this happens, and where do you turn to for help?
You and your family should never endure financial hardship in the future because of another person’s unlawful actions. Thus, if you lose a loved one due to negligence, you may be entitled to financial restitution through a wrongful death lawsuit.
Awarding damages in a wrongful death lawsuit
Determining wrongful death damages can be complex and confusing, to say the least. That said, the court has the responsibility to try to place a dollar amount on the losses the family has suffered. Here are some of the factors the court takes into account when doing this:
The victim’s contribution to the household
Any medical expenses incurred before the victim’s death if such expenses are directly linked to the injuries that lead to their death
Funeral and burial expenses
Loss of companionship, pain and suffering and mental anguish
Sometimes, you might also pursue compensation for your legal costs such as attorney fees. Of course, this depends on the circumstances of your case.
Timeline for bringing a wrongful death claim
A loved one’s sudden death can turn your life upside down. While mourning your loss, however, it is important to understand that time is of the essence if you plan to sue for damages. Per New Mexico wrongful death laws, you have up to three years to bring your claim. It’s important that you take this statute of limitations period seriously. If you have lost a loved one due to wrongful death, you deserve justice. Understanding how New Mexico’s wrongful death laws work can help you assert your rights and receive the compensation you deserve for your loss. ]]>On Behalf of Youngers Law, P.A.https://www.lascruceslawoffice.com/?p=513192023-10-20T12:57:33Z2023-08-31T07:42:28ZPersonal injuries come in many forms. If you or someone you love suffers injuries due to another person’s negligence, you may pursue the liable party for the resulting damages through a civil lawsuit.
If you are considering filing a personal injury claim, however, it is important that you understand how the law works. Besides ensuring that you avoid pitfalls that can derail your case, this will also increase your odds of realizing a favorable outcome. Here are two important laws that you need to understand when pursuing a personal injury claim in New mexico.
The state’s negligence laws
Most personal injury claims boil down to who bears the greatest responsibility for the accident. In other words, you have the burden to prove that the defendant was culpable. This means that whereas you can sue for damages, the defendant, on the other hand, has a right to challenge your claim. In New Mexico, this defense is founded on the legal concept of pure comparative negligence. Simply put, you can seek damages even if you are 99 percent responsible for the accident that resulted in your injuries. For instance, if you are 60 percent culpable, and the court awards $100,000 in damages, you will only receive $40,000 in settlement.
Statute of limitations
A personal injury can turn your life upside down. Depending on the severity of your injuries, you might be bedridden for months. And if you sustain an injury to your spine, your mobility might be impacted for the rest of your life. Amidst the pain and emotional turmoil, however, it’s important to understand that time is never on your side as far as filing the lawsuit is concerned. In New Mexico, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is three years. Filing your claim after the expiry of the statute of limitations period might lead to your claim’s refusal.
Asserting your rights
If you are hurt in an accident that is not your fault, you deserve justice. And learning crucial laws that are pertinent to your case is a crucial place to start your quest for damages. ]]>On Behalf of Youngers Law, P.A.https://www.lascruceslawoffice.com/?p=512982023-10-20T12:57:37Z2023-08-11T01:39:51ZAt night
Once the sun sets, visibility drops. Some animals become more active, and there may be more impaired drivers on the road. Fatigue can also lead to people driving more poorly late at night. The NSC notes that while drivers only travel roughly a quarter of all miles driven at night, roughly half of all fatal crashes occur after dark.
During the afternoon rush hour
Traffic density plays a major role in collision risk, so times with more vehicles on the road tend to be more dangerous. In the afternoon, as many employees head home from work, the possibility of a crash is the highest it will be during the daytime. The NSC notes that weekdays see significantly higher collision rates between 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Although drivers can't avoid the roads every weekday in the late afternoon and any time after the sun sets, they can at least adjust their habits to reflect the higher degree of risk. Learning more about what contributes to New Mexico crashes may help people better avoid them or respond to them after they occur.]]>On Behalf of Youngers Law, P.A.https://www.lascruceslawoffice.com/?p=513002023-10-20T12:57:41Z2023-08-07T18:39:18ZThere is only a limited time to file a lawsuit
Insurance alone often isn't enough to cover the costs generated when someone dies unexpectedly. A lawsuit may be necessary to more fully cover those expenses. New Mexico law allows wrongful death lawsuits.
A person or business that causes the death of someone else through negligence or misconduct could face a claim in civil court in addition to potential criminal charges. However, the right to bring such lawsuits does not continue indefinitely. Typically, the statute of limitations prevents lawsuits three years after the death of the individual. Claims against the government may require a notice of a potential claim within 180 days and a shorter period of time to file a lawsuit – as short as two years.
That means families have a limited amount of time to make a determination about pursuing a wrongful death lawsuit. Rather than waiting for their grief to pass, they may need to act even while they are still coming to terms with their loss. That said, good legal representation can aid those grieving by having others responsible to investigate what happened and hold others accountable. Having experienced legal guidance will help those left behind file a wrongful death claim and more effectively pursue justice in New Mexico courts..]]>On Behalf of Youngers Law, P.A.https://www.lascruceslawoffice.com/?p=513112023-10-20T12:57:46Z2023-08-05T04:30:59ZMany people slip and fall without experiencing any injuries. As people get older, they grow more susceptible to serious injuries after slip-and-fall accidents.
One of the most dangerous places to suffer an injury after a slip and fall is the head. Here are a few traumatic brain injuries you could suffer after a slip-and-fall accident:
1. Concussion
Concussions are one of the most common injuries someone may sustain after any accident that harms their head. Many people suffer concussions in car wrecks, sports injuries and slip-and-fall accidents. A concussion is the result of the head getting hit or struck, causing the brain to release chemicals. When the brain releases chemicals, the victim may feel nauseous and fatigued, experience memory issues and blackout. Victims may recover from their injuries, but some people have suffered long-term effects.
2. Brain bruising and bleeding
When someone slips and falls, they may suffer a bruise on their brain. The brain bruise may swell similarly to a bruise anywhere else on the body. However, a swelling around a bruise on the brain could place unnecessary pressure on delicate tissues and cause more damage as time goes on. If the swelling doesn’t go down, the bruise may begin to bleed. The bleeding could also damage brain tissue and cells. People who sustain brain bruising and bleeding without treatment are likely to suffer long-term disability or fatal injuries.
3. Skull fracture
Someone may slip and fall and hit their head on something sharp, such as the edge of a stair or a brick. If this happens, the skull could fracture. A minor fracture may not cause immense medical difficulties and could even heal over time. But, a major skull fracture could cause an impression in the skull, putting pressure on the brain or fracture. A fractured skull may splinter bone fragments in the brain. The brain may then suffer cuts that bleed, which may be fatal. If you’re suffering from medical conditions after a slip-and-fall accident, then you may have lots of medical bills. It may help to learn about your legal options when seeking relief after your injuries. ]]>