{"id":375105,"date":"2017-10-25T12:21:17","date_gmt":"2017-10-25T17:21:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/new-mexico-law\/new-mexico-car-accident-report-basics.html"},"modified":"2024-05-21T12:52:34","modified_gmt":"2024-05-21T17:52:34","slug":"new-mexico-car-accident-report-basics","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/new-mexico-law\/new-mexico-car-accident-report-basics.html","title":{"rendered":"New Mexico Car Accident Report Basics"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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New Mexico Car Accident Report Basics<\/h1>\n
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\n By Kit Yona, M.A.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Katrina Wilson, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Auto accidents range from annoying fender-benders to life-altering wrecks. No matter how severe your New Mexico car accident<\/a> is, knowing what to do in the aftermath can make things much easier for you going forward.<\/p>\r\n

Understanding New Mexico auto accident laws is an essential part of your recovery process. We\u2019ll get you up to speed on the New Mexico statutes that matter in the aftermath of your accident, like being aware of what and what not to do at an accident scene<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

We’ll discuss the importance of accident reports and police reports. We\u2019ll also discuss what you’ll need to file insurance claims<\/a>. You’ll learn about everything from personal injury claims to dealing with law enforcement and car insurance companies.<\/p>\r\n

While it’s good to hope you’re never involved in an auto accident of any type, it’s better to plan for the possibility. Read on to be prepared for accidents and accident reports in New Mexico.<\/p>\r\n

Overview of New Mexico Car Accident Laws<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

It’s important to remember that as a licensed motorist in New Mexico, you have obligations and responsibilities if you’re part of an accident. The best way to stay legally compliant is to know what’s required of you.<\/p>\r\n

New Mexico Accident Law Basics<\/b><\/h3>\r\n

If you’re in an accident that involves an injury or death, call 911 and stay put until law enforcement arrives. If you leave, you risk a hit-and-run conviction<\/a>. If nobody is hurt and the damage is less than $500, you don’t have to involve the police. But it’s a good idea to do so. Having a police report, known as a Uniformed Crash Report (UCR<\/a>), is essential for filing insurance claims or pursuing lawsuits.<\/p>\r\n

If all drivers agree the event is too minor to require the police, you can still file a station report at the nearest police station. Police reports involving injuries, death, or more than $500 of damage are sent to the New Mexico State Traffic Records System (NMSTRS)<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

Copies of the police report can be obtained from the police station in the jurisdiction where the accident occurred or ordered through the New Mexico Department of Public Safety<\/a>. A fee will be involved.<\/p>\r\n

New Mexico Liability Insurance Requirements<\/b><\/h3>\r\n

Motorists in New Mexico are required to have liability insurance on any vehicle they drive. The minimum amounts allowed are:<\/p>\r\n