Not every motorcycle accident injury case ends with a fair outcome. Sometimes, trial courts make mistakes in applying the law. Other times, evidence is excluded that should have been admitted. There are also circumstances where a judge misinterprets legal standards. When that happens, injured riders should know they may have the option to appeal.
An experienced Albuquerque motorcycle accident appeals lawyer could help you challenge an unfavorable ruling and work to achieve the justice you deserve. Our attorneys were born and raised in New Mexico. We deeply care about protecting members of our motorcycle community and ensuring that the legal system treats them fairly. When necessary, we could appeal trial court decisions to get the best outcome for our clients.
Appeals are not simply a second chance to debate your case. The appeals process centers on finding any legal mistakes the trial court may have made. Common reasons for filing an appeal in a motorcycle injury claim include:
A skilled motorcycle crash attorney in Albuquerque could review your trial record and determine whether grounds exist for an appeal.
Appealing a motorcycle accident case requires following strict procedures and timelines. The process typically involves:
An Albuquerque lawyer who is familiar with our state’s appellate system and laws pertaining to motorcycle collisions could guide you through this process.
Trials and appeals serve very different purposes. At the trial level, evidence is presented, witnesses testify, and a judge or jury decides questions of fact, such as who caused the accident and the amount of damages owed. The focus is on building the case, examining testimony, and receiving a verdict.
Appeals, in contrast, are not fresh trials. No new evidence is introduced. Witnesses do not testify again. Instead, the appellate judges review the record from the trial court, including transcripts, filings, and evidence that was admitted, to determine whether the law was applied correctly. The question becomes: Did the trial court make a legal or procedural error significant enough to affect the outcome of the case? Appeals from personal injury cases are typically heard by the New Mexico Court of Appeals.
Because appellate courts are focused on legal arguments rather than factual disputes, having Albuquerque legal counsel experienced with motorcycle wrecks is important. This process requires different skills than trial work. While trial attorneys excel at presenting facts to juries, appellate lawyers must focus on crafting legal arguments, applying case law, and persuading appellate judges that justice requires correcting the lower court’s decision.
If you believe the court made mistakes in your case, an Albuquerque motorcycle accident appeals lawyer could review your trial record and advise whether an appeal is possible.
At NMAF, we care about helping injured riders protect their rights throughout the entire process. If you are considering an appeal, contact our team today. We could help you challenge an unfair outcome and pursue justice.