Do I Need an Attorney for an Auto Accident in New Mexico?
Victims of auto accidents often wonder when it is necessary to retain counsel and if they truly need an attorney to handle their claim. Every auto accident is different, and there is no one perfect answer to this question. However, the following can serve as a guide for anyone considering hiring an attorney after an auto accident.
When It Is Imperative to Retain an Attorney
If you were in a minor auto accident and were not injured, you might not need an attorney. However, retaining an experienced New Mexico car accident attorney is imperative if:
- You were injured in an auto accident;
- You have questions about your legal rights and how to proceed with a legal claim;
- The insurance carrier is not treating you fairly; and
- You are not getting the quality medical care you need.
Victims with Attorneys Have an Advantage
Studies show that victims of auto accidents net more than three times the compensation with counsel than without. Insurance carriers may try to take advantage of victims immediately following an accident by offering less than a victim needs to cover their injuries, any future prognosis, or future medical needs.
Seasoned New Mexico personal injury attorneys deal with insurance companies every day. They know the tactics insurance carriers use to settle claims to their advantage.
Victims without legal counsel lack the experience and training necessary to negotiate with an insurance carrier or stand against them properly should their matter need to go before the court. Most victims do not have the financial resources to retain expert witnesses to prove their injuries, harms, and losses suffered or back a lengthy lawsuit against a large insurance carrier.
Personal injury attorneys generally offer a complimentary consultation and are paid on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only collect legal fees when they win compensation on the victim’s behalf.
Other Signs You Might Need Counsel
In addition to the above reasons, other signals it is time to retain counsel after your auto accident include:
- You are asked to sign a release by your insurance company or the at-fault party’s insurance company;
- An insurance company is offering you money to settle your claim. You should review any offer of settlement with an experienced auto accident attorney before settlement. Otherwise, you could sign away any right to future compensation;
- There is a question as to fault for the accident. Police reports are not always reliable. An attorney should be consulted if there is disagreement regarding fault for the accident;
- You are experiencing delays from the insurance claims adjuster, including unreturned phone calls, being passed from one adjuster to another, and multiple requests for the same medical records or information again and again. These are tactics insurance companies use to delay or deny claims;
- Requests for necessary medical tests and referrals to specialists are denied or unreasonably delayed by your own insurance company; and
- You need expert advice on where to submit medical bills first. You may have some confusion as to whether bills should be submitted against your auto insurance policy or your health insurance policy.
There are several more reasons to seek the advice of an experienced auto accident attorney after an injury accident. If you have questions about your legal rights and options after a New Mexico auto accident, reach out to the attorneys at Liles White today.
Contact an Experienced New Mexico Auto Accident Attorney
Do not allow the reckless or careless behavior of another person to wreak havoc on your life. Call the auto accident team at Liles White. Our attorneys have the knowledge and resources necessary to get you the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Contact us in Santa Fe, MN now to schedule your complimentary case review and consultation. We look forward to answering your questions and addressing your auto accident concerns.