Bicycle Accident Lawyer Albuquerque
Filing a Personal Injury Claim After a Bike Crash
Riding a bicycle is good for your health while also being beneficial to the environment. That’s why so many states, including New Mexico, have established laws to protect cyclists riding on streets also shared by passenger vehicles. Despite these laws, many cyclists find themselves the victims of accidents that could have been prevented. And in many cases, these bicycle accidents occur because of the carelessness of motorists.
Martinez, Hart, Sanchez & Romero devotes our legal practice to protecting the rights of others. We understand that cyclists are vulnerable on the road, which is why it’s crucial for motorists to pay attention and follow traffic rules. When drivers fail in their duties, devastating injuries, and even loss of life, are a real possibility for cyclists on the road.
If you or someone you love was involved in a bike accident in Albuquerque or the surrounding areas, contact our team today to learn more about your legal rights during a free, no-obligation consultation. Our bilingual staff provides legal services in both English and Spanish, and we do not collect any legal fees unless we recover compensation for you.
You can reach us online or by phone at (505) 806-1780.
New Mexico Bicycle Laws
Cyclists in this state are subject to the same rights and obligations as all other vehicles on the road. In addition to following applicable traffic laws, cyclists must ensure their bicycles are equipped with the right gear and accessories.
When it comes to nighttime riding, bicycles must have a front lamp, which must be visible at a distance of at least 500 feet, and a rear red reflector, which must be visible at distances ranging from 50 to 300 feet. All bicycles on the road must also be equipped with a bell or other signaling device and must have working brakes.
New Mexico also recently adopted an “Idaho Stop” law (effective July 1, 2025) that allows cyclists to treat stop signs as yields and certain red lights as stops when it is safe to proceed. Additionally, the state requires minors to wear a properly fitted helmet. These rules affect fault, liability, and how crashes are analyzed after they happen.
Common Causes of Bike Accidents
Bicycle crashes often result from driver negligence, including:
- Drivers failing to check mirrors and blind spots before turning (especially right-hooks).
- Speeding or reckless driving that leaves no time to avoid a cyclist.
- Distracted driving (texting, phone use, infotainment distractions).
- Failure to yield at intersections or when merging lanes.
- Drunk or impaired driving.
- Poorly marked lanes, debris, or roadway hazards the driver ignored.
Albuquerque records hundreds of bicycle crashes annually; identifying the common collision patterns early helps preserve evidence and build a strong claim.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
Even when cyclists wear helmets, reflective clothing, elbow pads, knee pads, and other protective gear, they are at risk of suffering severe bodily injuries when they are hit by heavy, fast-moving vehicles.
Some of the most common types of bicycle accident injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Serious cuts, scrapes, and abrasions
- Friction burns, or “road rash”
- Facial injuries
- Bruises and internal bleeding
- Head, shoulder, and back injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neck injuries
- Organ damage
In severe cases, bicycle accidents can lead to coma and death.
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"I can't seem to say enough about the people at this law firm. I was treated with the greatest experience ever. My case wasn't a very large case, but, non the less I was treated with the upmost respect and treatment of a huge case."Christopher C.
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"Not only are they highly competent, ethical, smart and efficient, they are very kind. They have provided the best representation and assistance imaginable and I would, without any reservation whatsoever, highly recommend this law firm."Dorian D.
Recovering Compensation from a Bike Accident Claim
New Mexico follows a pure comparative negligence rule — you can recover damages even if you share some fault; your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. That means even if an insurer argues you were partially to blame, you may still be owed compensation. An Albuquerque bicycle accident attorney will investigate the crash, collect evidence (photos, witness statements, police reports, traffic camera footage), and work with medical experts to quantify damages such as medical bills, future care, lost income, pain and suffering, and diminished earning capacity.
Typical recoverable damages:
- Medical expenses (past and future).
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity.
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
- Property damage (bicycle repair/replacement).
In rare, egregious cases, punitive damages are awarded to punish particularly reckless conduct.
What to Do After a Bicycle Crash
- Seek medical attention — even if you feel okay.
- Call law enforcement and request an accident report.
- Take photos of the scene, injuries, and vehicles.
- Get contact information for witnesses.
- Preserve clothing and bicycle (don’t repair until inspected).
- Contact an Albuquerque bicycle accident attorney before giving detailed statements to insurers.
Bicycle Accident FAQs
Q: Do I need a helmet to make a claim?
A: No. Wearing a helmet (although required for minors) does not bar you from seeking compensation. Helmet use might be considered in assessing injuries or comparative fault, but it does not prevent a valid claim.
Q: What if the driver denies responsibility?
A: We gather independent evidence — witness statements, traffic cams, expert reconstruction — to show negligence. We also work with medical experts to link injuries to the crash.
Q: How long will a claim take?
A: Timelines vary. Some claims settle within months; more complex cases (permanent injuries, disputed fault) may take longer. The key is timely evidence preservation and thorough documentation.
Q: Can I still recover if I share some blame?
A: Yes. New Mexico’s pure comparative negligence system lets you recover even if you’re partly at fault; your award is reduced by your percentage of fault.
Q: What if I was hit by a hit-and-run driver?
A: We can explore uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage on your own policy and continue efforts to identify the at-fault driver through investigators and camera evidence.
Let’s Talk About Your Legal Needs
If you’re a cyclist in New Mexico who has been injured due to driver negligence or as a result of another party’s wrongful conduct, our firm is here to help you. We understand the laws governing all motorists and bicyclists and can help you bring together the necessary evidence to establish the careless behavior that led to your injuries.
Call Martinez, Hart, Sanchez & Romero at (505) 806-1780 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with our Albuquerque bicycle accident attorneys.
"Not only are they highly competent, ethical, smart and efficient, they are very kind. They have provided the best representation and assistance imaginable and I would, without any reservation whatsoever, highly recommend this law firm."Dorian D.
Martinez, Hart, Sanchez & Romero, P.C. is a local law firm with local and national recognition for having the expertise to handle the toughest cases. Over a century ago, David B. Martinez’s grandparents realized their dream of building a general store at the corner of Rio Grande and Indian School. “A century later, David B. Martinez and F. Michael Hart built this law firm on the same corner of Rio Grande and Indian School where David’s family had built their general store.” The corner of Rio Grande and Indian School is now home to Martinez, Hart, Sanchez & Romero, P.C., which holds the same dedication to serving the needs of the surrounding community.