Cerrillos Road in Santa Fe, New Mexico is one of the most dangerous streets in the area. It averages over 33 crashes each year, according to a 2023 Yahoo article. If you or a loved one were injured in a car accident there, we offer our deepest sympathies during this time.
You are likely facing medical bills and missed time at work, all while trying to recover physically. Eventually, you must call the insurance company to file a claim if you have not done so already.
In this article, Santa Fe personal injury lawyer Marc A. Grano shares legal information about protecting yourself, including where to get medical attention, getting no insurance options, obtaining the accident report, dealing with insurers, and more. Grano Law Offices, P.C. wrote this post to help injury victims handle the aftermath of an accident on Cerrillos Road.
Where to Seek Medical Attention Near Cerrillos Road
Above all else, ensure that you get immediate medical attention. Severe or worsening injuries require care at a nearby emergency room or physician’s office. You must get to one as soon as possible after your accident.
The following emergency medical centers and medical clinics are located near Cerrillos Road:
- CHRISTUS St Vincent: Emergency Room
- Urgent Care at Santa Fe Medical Center
- Aspen Medical Center Urgent Care and Primary Care
- Railyard Urgent Care
- Ultimed Urgent Medical Care
Even if you only feel sore, visit a physician for a check-up. Doing so will prevent the insurance companies from saying you did not perform due diligence to prevent further injury. It also proactively protects your long-term health, which will stay with you for the rest of your life.
No Insurance Emergency Medical Care Options Near Cerrillos Road in Santa Fe
If someone else negligently caused your accident injuries, then you have a right to compensation. Even if you cannot afford it now, visit your doctor, a nearby urgent care clinic, or an emergency room. Public emergency rooms will not turn you away.
Here are a few tips on getting bills paid when you do not have insurance:
Getting Help Paying Medical Bills
Contact a personal injury lawyer in Santa Fe to help you deal with the other driver’s insurance company upon release from the hospital. FYI, our office does not charge upfront legal fees to personal injury clients.
Other Compensation Is Available
If you do not have insurance, we can negotiate an adequate insurance settlement that covers your medical bills, lost work wages, and pain and suffering. However, I cannot work on getting you this money if you do not receive medical attention. Do not give insurance companies any reason to reduce your award.
Filing a Police Report After an Accident on Cerrillos Road
Under NMSA § 66-7-206, you must immediately report an accident if it resulted in bodily injury or death of any person or $500 worth of property damage to the Santa Fe Police Department. The nearest location to Cerrillos Road is 2515 Camino Entrada. You can reach the Santa Fe Police Department by calling (505) 428-3710.
Do Not Speculate About Your Case
If you speak with the Santa Fe PD, avoid making any guesses about your accident. Instead, stick to the facts of which you are sure. The statements you make in a police report can haunt you later.
Reporting Minor Accident Injuries
Even if the accident was minor, you should file a report within five (5) days of your accident. The Santa Fe Police Department allows the public to file such reports through their website.
What Happens If You Could Not Call SFPD Due to Injuries
There are exceptions to the immediate notification rule. It is likely that they already took a report involving a severe accident. However, you can never be sure unless you confirm it happened.
NMSA Stat. § 66-7-208 states that if another vehicle occupant was capable of providing a police report, then they should have done so. If you were injured in a car accident on Cerrillos Road and are unsure about your reporting requirements, contact a car accident attorney to help.
What Happens If You Do Not Report a Serious Car Accident In Santa Fe?
If you do not file a report with the Santa Fe PD after an accident injury, this decision will negatively impact your life in several ways or even lead to criminal charges. Consequences of not reporting a severe car accident in Santa Fe include:
- Driver’s license suspension
- Misdemeanor or felony charges
- Issues getting compensation for your injuries
Avoid taking any chances and file a police report as soon as possible.
How to Get a Copy of Your Accident Report from SFPD
There are specific details that the police will capture during their accident report, including crash details, eyewitness names, present conditions, and a description of the damages and injuries involved. The Santa Fe PD will make this report available once it is complete.
Option 1. Phone, Email, or Online
However, you must request one. Reach out to the Santa Fe Police Department Records Division office at (505) 955-5751 to check on the status of your crash report. You can also email them at [email protected] or request a copy online.
Option 2. In-Person
You can purchase a copy of the accident report in person by visiting the Santa Fe Police Department at 2651 Siringo Road, Building I. Photocopy fees are $1 for the first page and $0.25 for subsequent pages. It is easiest to pay for them in cash.
Dealing with Insurers After a Cerrillos Road Accident Injury
Once you have received medical treatment and handled the accident report with the police, your next step is to contact the insurance company. The insurance company will try to give you less than you deserve if you make legal mistakes, including inadvertent self-incriminating statements.
Before calling your insurer, read our articles on:
- What Evidence Do You Need to Prove a Car Accident Injury?
- 5 Misleading Things An Insurance Adjuster Might Say After An Accident
- How to Prove Pain and Suffering After an Accident in New Mexico
- What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Car Accident in New Mexico?
- 3 Signs You Should Call an Injury Lawyer (And When You Don’t)
The above-referenced articles are tremendously helpful for understanding what to expect during the claims process. You should not have to accept a lesser award. Knowing your rights enables you to handle your claim more effectively.
However, mistakes occur frequently in the claims process. Insurance companies are pros at investigating cases and will use any statement you make against you. Do not say anything that can harm your settlement value if recuperating your losses is essential.
Get Legal Help After an Accident Injury on Cerrillos Road in Santa Fe
If you want legal help, Grano Law Offices, P.C. is ready to listen. You will at least have a starting point from which to work and avoid legal mistakes altogether. If you decide to hire us to represent your case, you will not pay for our time and resources until we win.
Get a free case evaluation with our Santa Fe car accident lawyer at (505) 426-8711 (or message us at the form below). Let us know if you prefer to meet by secure video chat or telephone when scheduling your meeting.
