Contact a personal injury attorney immediately after you've been involved in a New Mexico auto accident. Hiring a qualified, experienced Albuquerque car accident attorney who you are comfortable with and whom you can trust will be the best thing you do for your case.
Many people initially try to speak with the adjuster and settle the case independently, which is understandable. Other people seek an Albuquerque personal injury lawyer right away because they do not want to deal with the hassle of handling the claim on their own and need to focus their attention on their medical treatment. It is often wise to consult with an attorney as soon as possible.
Don’t Be Pushed Around by Insurance Adjusters After an Albuquerque Auto Accident
Oftentimes, the insurance adjuster seems nice, fair, and reasonable—at first. They will probably tell you that you don’t need an attorney. But, then they start to pressure you to settle. They tell you that they will pay for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering IF you settle NOW. But, beware and make sure you stop and think before you sign anything.
Remember that you can only settle your case once. If you are still experiencing pain or haven’t been released from your doctor’s care, don’t settle. If your doctor said that you need to follow up in one month, wait. If you are worried that the pain might return, hold off. Once you accept the insurance company’s offer, you are barred from further recovery. So, if you sign today but go to the doctor tomorrow, your doctor’s appointment tomorrow will not be covered. Therefore, it is often when the insurance adjuster starts to be not-so-nice that the attorney is called.
Be polite when an insurance representative calls, but firmly state that you do not wish to give a recorded or written statement. Do not lie or exaggerate about the accident, Having the facts written down can be helpful. If you do not know the answer to a question or can’t recall it, simply state that you cannot answer at the time.
Early Investigation After an Auto Accident Is Key
Hiring an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible will not only ensure that you aren’t pressured to settle before you are ready, but will also ensure that your case is thoroughly investigated so that you can get every dollar you deserve. A thorough investigation of the vehicles, scene, and evidence can be critical to your case. Obtaining witness statements can also be pivotal. An Albuquerque personal injury legal team with the resources and personnel to investigate your case is critical.
