The worst mistake people make is assuming they can wait because a child's deadline is longer. In New Mexico, a minor usually cannot file a claim alone. A parent or legal guardian handles it, and some deadlines do not wait.

In the next 24 hours: Get your child medical care and make sure the records clearly say this injury made a pre-existing condition worse if that is what happened. Do not let the chart make it sound like this is only the old problem.

If this was a holiday weekend crash in Las Cruces, get the basic incident information now: police agency, report number, driver information, witnesses, and photos. If it happened on I-25, US 70, or near heavy Memorial Day or July 4th traffic, note that too. If alcohol was involved, ask which agency responded.

Do not sign a release or take a quick check.

In the next week: Figure out who the claim is against. That controls the deadline.

• Private driver, store, or private daycare: New Mexico injury claims are generally 3 years.
• Government entity like Las Cruces Public Schools, the City of Las Cruces, or another public agency: written notice can be due in as little as 90 days under the New Mexico Tort Claims Act, with a lawsuit deadline usually 2 years.

A parent or guardian usually brings the claim for the child. But the parent's own claims, like reimbursement for medical bills, may have their own deadlines and should not be ignored just because the child is under 18.

In the next month: Start gathering the full damages picture: ER records, follow-up visits, school absences, therapy, prescriptions, and how the injury changed your child's daily life.

If the case settles, minor settlements often need court approval, especially if the amount is substantial. In Doña Ana County district court, the judge may require the money to go into a restricted account or another protected arrangement until the child turns 18. That is normal. It is there to keep adults from spending the child's money.