What is an at-fault accident in New Mexico? This question is about At-Fault Accident Basics

What is an at-fault accident in New Mexico?

This question is about At-Fault Accident Basics

Leif Olson, Car Insurance Writer

@leif_olson_1 • 08/23/23 This answer was first published on 08/23/23. For the most current information about a financial product, you should always check and confirm accuracy with the offering financial institution. Editorial and user-generated content is not provided, reviewed or endorsed by any company.

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An at-fault accident in New Mexico is a car accident caused by a negligent or careless driver. New Mexico is an at-fault state, which means the at-fault driver’s liability insurance covers medical expenses and property damage for other drivers and their passengers involved in an accident.

Every state has different liability insurance requirements. In New Mexico you are legally required to have at least $25,000 of bodily injury coverage per person, $50,000 of bodily injury coverage per accident, and $10,000 of property damage coverage.

How New Mexico Determines Negligence

States assign fault based on slightly different definitions of negligence. New Mexico uses comparative negligence, meaning that drivers recoup accident-related expenses according to the amount of responsibility they have for an accident, usually expressed as a percentage.

For example, if you are 52% responsible for an accident you would only be able to recoup 48% of accident-related expenses.

To learn more, check out WalletHub’s guide to at-fault accidents.

How long do points stay on your license in New Mexico?

Points stay on your license for 1 year in New Mexico. After 1 year, points will fall off your driver’s license and will no longer factor into your insurance rates or count toward a license suspension.

Key Things to Know About Points on Your License in New Mexico

Accumulating 7 points in 1 year will result in a license suspension in New Mexico. Drivers might also be classified as high-risk to insure and be...

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Is New Mexico a no-fault state?

No, New Mexico is not ano-fault state for auto insurance. New Mexico is an "at-fault" or "tort" state, which means the person who is at fault for a car accident is responsible for paying for other people's injuries and property damage resulting from the accident. Additionally, unlike in no-fault states, drivers in New Mexico can file lawsuits to seek compensation for even basic medical expenses after an accident.

In typical no-fault states, drivers are required to carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance...

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What are the minimum liability car insurance requirements do I need in New Mexico?

The minimum liability car insurance requirements in New Mexico are $25,000 in bodily injury liability insurance per person ($50,000 per accident) plus $10,000 in property damage liability insurance. These requirements can also be written as 25/50/10.

Key Things to Know About Liability Car Insurance in New Mexico

Some communities are exempt. Per Alaska state legislature, if you live in certain communities, you are exempt from vehicle registration, the Mandatory Insurance Law, and CDL road testing. In this case, you are not required...

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