Motorcycle riders in New Mexico face unique risks each time they take to the road. Unlike drivers of cars and trucks, motorcyclists lack the protection of a metal frame, airbags, and other safety features that help shield occupants during a crash. Because of this vulnerability, accidents involving motorcycles often result in devastating injuries and long-term consequences for the rider and their family. At the Law Office of Matthew Vance, we recognize the dangers that motorcyclists face, the challenges they encounter in pursuing fair compensation, and the important role that legal advocacy plays in protecting their rights.
Understanding the scope of the problem is important. Each year, New Mexico reports a significant number of motorcycle crashes. Data from the New Mexico Department of Transportation consistently shows that while motorcycles represent a small percentage of vehicles on the road, they are disproportionately involved in fatal and serious injury collisions.
National data reflects the same troubling trend. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists are nearly 30 times more likely than occupants of passenger cars to die in a crash per vehicle mile traveled. In New Mexico specifically, motorcycle accidents regularly account for a high percentage of traffic-related deaths. In many years, motorcyclists make up more than 10 percent of all traffic fatalities in the state despite motorcycles representing a much smaller portion of registered vehicles.
Several factors contribute to the high rate of motorcycle crashes in New Mexico. The state’s wide-open highways encourage higher speeds, while urban areas like Albuquerque see frequent congestion, sudden lane changes, and inattentive drivers. Combined with the relatively warm climate that allows for year-round riding, motorcyclists face heightened exposure to risk on virtually every road they travel.
Motorcycle crashes are rarely the fault of the rider alone. In fact, many studies show that the majority of motorcycle accidents are caused by the negligence of other drivers. One of the most frequent scenarios is when a car or truck makes a left-hand turn at an intersection, failing to yield to an oncoming motorcycle. Because motorcycles are smaller and less visible, drivers often misjudge their speed or overlook them entirely.
Distracted driving also plays a significant role. A motorist glancing down at a phone or adjusting the radio for just a few seconds can drift into another lane or fail to notice a motorcycle traveling alongside them. Similarly, impaired drivers pose a constant threat. Alcohol or drug use slows reaction times and impairs judgment, making it far more likely that a motorcyclist will be struck.
Road hazards that might barely affect a passenger vehicle can be deadly to a rider. Loose gravel, potholes, or poorly maintained roadways can cause a motorcycle to lose traction or become unstable. In rural parts of New Mexico, wildlife crossing the road can also lead to serious crashes.
Finally, speeding and aggressive driving by both motorcyclists and other motorists increase the severity of collisions. A high-speed crash involving a motorcycle often results in catastrophic injuries, even if the rider is wearing a helmet and protective gear.
The injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents are often life-altering. Because riders are directly exposed to the impact of a collision, the harm they suffer tends to be more severe than in other types of crashes.
Head and brain injuries are among the most common and most serious outcomes. While helmets significantly reduce the risk of fatal head trauma, they do not eliminate it entirely. A traumatic brain injury can lead to permanent cognitive impairments, personality changes, or difficulty with everyday tasks.
Spinal cord injuries are also a frequent result of motorcycle crashes. These injuries may cause partial or complete paralysis, leaving the victim dependent on lifelong medical care and assistive devices. Orthopedic injuries such as broken bones, crushed limbs, and severe joint damage are widespread. In many cases, surgeries, implants, and extended rehabilitation are necessary for even partial recovery.
Road rash, though sometimes underestimated, can be a devastating injury. Severe skin abrasions can lead to infections, nerve damage, and permanent scarring. Internal injuries, including damage to organs and internal bleeding, often require emergency medical treatment and can be fatal if not promptly addressed.
The financial burden of these injuries can overwhelm families. Hospitalization, surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term medical care come with enormous costs. At the same time, the injured person may be unable to work for weeks, months, or even permanently.
Motorcycle safety is a shared responsibility. Riders must take precautions, but the greater duty lies with other drivers who share the road. In New Mexico, helmet laws require all riders under 18 to wear a helmet, but many safety experts recommend that every rider wear one regardless of age. Helmets, protective clothing, and proper training reduce risks, but they cannot prevent negligence by other drivers.
Awareness campaigns in New Mexico frequently remind motorists to “look twice” for motorcycles, especially at intersections. Still, despite these efforts, many drivers fail to exercise the caution required when motorcycles are nearby. When that happens, legal action is often necessary to hold negligent drivers accountable.
Pursuing compensation after a motorcycle crash is rarely straightforward. Insurance companies often approach motorcycle accident claims with skepticism, sometimes trying to unfairly shift blame onto the rider. There is a common stereotype that motorcyclists are reckless, and insurers may attempt to use that perception to minimize payouts or deny claims.
New Mexico follows a comparative negligence rule, which means that if a motorcyclist is found partially at fault, their compensation may be reduced in proportion to their share of responsibility. Insurance companies are quick to exploit this standard by arguing that the rider was speeding, not wearing visible gear, or otherwise contributing to the accident. Without strong legal representation, accident victims may end up with far less than they deserve.
An attorney experienced in handling motorcycle accident cases understands these tactics and knows how to counter them. This includes gathering evidence from the scene, interviewing witnesses, reviewing police reports, and, when necessary, working with accident reconstruction experts to demonstrate exactly how the crash occurred.
At the Law Office of Matthew Vance, we are committed to standing up for injured motorcyclists. Attorney Matthew Vance has years of experience representing accident victims throughout New Mexico and has built a reputation for aggressive advocacy and personal attention to his clients.
One of the key advantages Matthew Vance brings to the table is his background as a former insurance defense attorney. Having worked on the other side, he understands the strategies that insurers use to undervalue or deny claims. This insight allows him to anticipate their arguments and prepare strong countermeasures to protect his clients’ rights.
When representing motorcycle accident victims, Matthew Vance takes a comprehensive approach. This includes:
By presenting a complete picture of the harm caused, our office ensures that victims are not left with unpaid bills or uncompensated losses.
Recovering from a motorcycle accident is not just about healing physically. Victims often face emotional trauma, anxiety about returning to the road, and the stress of financial uncertainty. Families may find themselves taking on caregiving responsibilities and struggling to make ends meet.
Legal representation can ease some of that burden. When an attorney handles negotiations with insurance companies and fights for a fair settlement, the injured person can focus on recovery rather than the complexities of a legal battle. If a case cannot be resolved through settlement, Matthew Vance is prepared to take it to trial, advocating in court for the justice that victims deserve.
Every time a driver fails to look before changing lanes, runs a red light, or texts behind the wheel, they put motorcyclists at risk. Holding those drivers accountable not only provides justice for victims but also promotes safer roads for everyone. Lawsuits and claims against negligent drivers send a message that carelessness will not be tolerated.
By pursuing full compensation, motorcycle accident victims also protect themselves against future financial hardship. A settlement or verdict that accounts for medical bills, lost earning potential, and long-term care ensures that families are not left struggling years after the crash.
If you are involved in a motorcycle crash, the steps you take immediately afterward can significantly impact your health and your legal rights. Always seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor at first. Some conditions, such as internal bleeding or concussions, may not be immediately apparent.
Report the accident to law enforcement and obtain a copy of the police report when it becomes available. Gather contact information from witnesses, take photographs of the scene if possible, and preserve any damaged equipment or clothing.
Most importantly, consult with an experienced Albuquerque motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible. Insurance companies may contact you quickly after the crash, and it is important not to provide recorded statements or accept settlement offers without legal advice. An attorney can ensure that your rights are protected from the very beginning.
Motorcycle accidents change lives in an instant. The physical, emotional, and financial toll can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to face it alone. At the Law Office of Matthew Vance, we fight for the rights of motorcycle accident victims across New Mexico. With experience, compassion, and determination, we work to secure the compensation that clients need to rebuild their lives.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact our office today. We are ready to listen to your story, explain your options, and take immediate action to protect your future.