Cycling is one of the most rewarding ways to stay active, commute, and enjoy the beauty of New Mexico. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most dangerous modes of transportation when drivers fail to share the road responsibly. Bicyclists have every right to use New Mexico’s roads, yet they remain among the most vulnerable road users. The lack of protection compared to a car or truck means that when a collision happens, the outcome can be devastating.
At the Law Office of Matthew Vance, we are committed to protecting the rights of cyclists who have been injured due to negligent, reckless, or aggressive drivers. Attorney Matthew Vance has dedicated his career to helping injured New Mexicans secure justice, fair compensation, and accountability when careless drivers cause unnecessary harm.
New Mexico consistently ranks as one of the most dangerous states for cyclists. Reports from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration have shown that the state has some of the highest rates of bicyclist fatalities in the nation. A combination of factors makes cycling in New Mexico risky. High rates of drunk and impaired driving contribute significantly to collisions involving bicycles. In addition, the state’s infrastructure often fails to provide designated bike lanes or protected pathways, leaving cyclists to share narrow roads with cars, SUVs, and trucks that may travel at high speeds.
Even when marked bike lanes exist, drivers sometimes fail to notice or respect them. Distracted driving is another growing issue that places cyclists at risk. Motorists who glance at a phone for just a few seconds may drift into a lane occupied by a bicyclist. Because bicycles are smaller and less visible than larger vehicles, drivers who fail to pay attention to the road can easily overlook a cyclist until it is too late.
The consequences of these collisions can be catastrophic. Unlike drivers, cyclists do not have airbags, seatbelts, or the protection of a steel frame. A simple sideswipe can send a rider crashing to the pavement, while a direct impact may cause severe head trauma, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, or even death. For this reason, the law requires motorists to remain alert, respect the rights of bicyclists, and exercise caution when sharing the road.
Under New Mexico law, bicyclists are entitled to the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers. This means that cyclists must obey traffic signals, stop signs, and roadway rules just like any car or truck. In return, drivers are legally obligated to treat bicycles as legitimate vehicles sharing the road.
Unfortunately, many motorists view cyclists as an inconvenience or underestimate their right to occupy a lane. Some drivers pass too closely, fail to yield, or even display road rage toward cyclists. Such behavior not only violates the law but also creates life-threatening conditions.
The law is clear: drivers must keep a proper lookout, remain attentive, and act reasonably to avoid collisions. This duty of care extends to everyone on the roadway, including bicyclists. When drivers ignore these duties and a cyclist is injured as a result, the injured rider has the right to pursue compensation through the civil justice system.
Attorney Matthew Vance ensures that the rights of injured cyclists are fully recognized and protected. Bicyclists are not second-class citizens, and they deserve the same respect and legal protections afforded to all who use New Mexico’s roads.
While each case is unique, certain patterns often appear in bicycle accident cases. Some of the most common causes include:
Each of these negligent acts can lead to severe consequences for bicyclists. Proving how and why the crash occurred is critical in holding the at-fault driver accountable. Attorney Matthew Vance carefully investigates every detail of a bicycle accident, gathering police reports, witness statements, crash reconstruction analysis, and medical evidence to build the strongest possible case for his clients.
When a cyclist is struck by a vehicle, the injuries are often severe. Many victims face long hospital stays, extensive rehabilitation, and lasting pain. Some injuries result in permanent disability, changing the course of a person’s life. Common injuries from bicycle accidents include:
The long-term consequences of such injuries extend beyond physical pain. Many victims face financial hardship from medical bills, lost wages, and reduced ability to work. Others struggle with the emotional toll of no longer being able to enjoy cycling, hobbies, or everyday activities. Attorney Matthew Vance understands these challenges and fights for compensation that fully addresses both the immediate and future needs of his clients.
Bicycle accident claims can be complex. Insurance companies often attempt to shift blame onto the cyclist, arguing that the rider was not visible, failed to follow traffic rules, or otherwise contributed to the crash. Without skilled legal representation, injured cyclists may find themselves unfairly blamed or pressured into accepting inadequate settlements.
Attorney Matthew Vance brings a unique perspective to these cases. Before dedicating his practice to representing injured individuals, he worked as an insurance defense attorney. This experience gave him valuable insight into how insurance companies build their cases, what strategies they use to minimize payouts, and how they attempt to discredit claims. Now, he uses that knowledge to level the playing field for his clients. By anticipating the tactics of insurance adjusters, he is able to counter their arguments and fight for the full compensation bicyclists deserve.
In addition to his courtroom experience, Matthew Vance is skilled at negotiating favorable settlements. While many cases can be resolved outside of trial, he prepares every case as though it will go before a jury. This thorough preparation not only strengthens his clients’ positions in negotiation but also ensures they are ready to pursue justice in court if necessary.
Bicycle accidents are not confined to a single city or region. Riders across New Mexico face risks every time they take to the road. Attorney Matthew Vance represents cyclists injured throughout the state, including Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Rio Rancho, Farmington, Taos, Las Cruces, Alamogordo, Hobbs, Gallup, and beyond. Whether the accident occurred on a busy city street, a rural highway, or a recreational path, Matthew Vance is ready to help.
Every community in New Mexico deserves safe roads, and every cyclist injured by a negligent driver deserves a chance to recover fair compensation. The Law Office of Matthew Vance is proud to stand with injured cyclists and their families, no matter where they live or ride.
After a bicycle accident, many victims wonder what types of damages they can recover. While each case is different, compensation may include coverage for:
In cases involving wrongful death, families may also be able to recover damages for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and the financial support the deceased would have provided. Attorney Matthew Vance approaches these cases with compassion, recognizing the deep emotional impact that the loss of a loved one has on a family.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, the choices you make in the days and weeks that follow are critical. Insurance companies may contact you quickly, offering settlements that do not reflect the true value of your losses. Accepting such an offer can prevent you from seeking additional compensation later, even if your injuries worsen or require more treatment than initially expected.
By contacting attorney Matthew Vance as soon as possible, you can protect your rights and ensure that your case is handled with the care it deserves. He will review your situation, explain your options, and guide you through each step of the legal process. With his experience and dedication, you can focus on healing while he works to hold the negligent driver accountable.
The Law Office of Matthew Vance offers free consultations to injured bicyclists across New Mexico. There is no risk in reaching out to discuss your case, and you will receive direct attention from Matthew Vance himself, not just a staff member or associate.
Call today or send an email to schedule your consultation. Do not let a negligent driver escape accountability. Protect your rights, pursue justice, and begin the path toward recovery with an experienced advocate at your side.