Your New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyer Will Fight for Justice
Personal injuries can occur in various situations, often leaving victims with physical, emotional, and financial burdens. In New Mexico, personal injury claims are a way for those affected to seek compensation for their losses and injuries. The trusted personal injury attorneys at Keller & Keller will fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Understanding Personal Injury Claims
Personal injury claims are legal actions pursued by individuals who were hurt due to the negligent or intentional actions of others. These claims aim to provide compensation for the victim's losses. Personal injury cases are based on negligence and whether one party fails to exercise reasonable care, leading to another party’s harm.
Common Types of Personal Injury Claims
Personal injury claims encompass various accidents and incidents, each with unique challenges and considerations. Among the most common types of personal injury accidents are:
Car Accidents
Car accidents are a common type of personal injury claim. Negligent or reckless driving, such as speeding, texting, and driving under the influence, can lead to devastating accidents, resulting in minor to severe injuries and, in some cases, fatalities.
Semi-Truck Accidents
Accidents involving semi-trucks or tractor-trailers can be especially catastrophic due to their size and weight. Factors like driver fatigue, inadequate maintenance, and improper loading can contribute to these accidents, and multiple parties can be held liable.
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents can cause severe injuries for riders due to the lack of protective barriers. Collisions with other vehicles, road hazards, or defective motorcycle parts can have devastating consequences.
Construction Site Accidents
Construction sites are intrinsically dangerous, and accidents can occur due to factors like inadequate safety measures, equipment malfunctions, or negligent supervision.
Some construction accidents result in permanent disabilities.
Defective Prescription Drugs
It is the responsibility of pharmaceutical companies to ensure the safety of their products. When defective prescription drugs harm patients due to manufacturing errors, undisclosed side effects, or inadequate warnings, you can take legal action.
Dog Bites
Dog bites can cause severe physical injuries and emotional trauma. In New Mexico, dog owners are responsible for injuries inflicted by their dog, provided they were aware of the dog's vicious nature or knew of a prior occurrence where the dog exhibited aggressive tendencies. Victims may seek compensation for their mental and physical injuries.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere and at any time. They are often due to hazardous conditions such as wet floors or poorly maintained properties. Injured individuals may file claims against property owners or managers to cover expenses.
The Compensation Process
In New Mexico, the compensation process for personal injury claims typically follows a specific path:
- Consultation with an attorney. Victims of personal injury accidents should seek legal advice from an experienced New Mexico personal injury attorney. An attorney can assess the case's merits, determine liability, and offer guidance on the next steps.
- Investigation and evidence gathering. Once an attorney is retained, they will conduct a thorough investigation to collect evidence supporting the claim. This may include medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and expert opinions.
- Negotiation. Many personal injury cases are resolved through negotiations with the at-fault party's insurance company. Attorneys will engage in discussions to try to reach a fair settlement that covers your losses.
- Filing a lawsuit. If negotiations with the insurance company are unsuccessful, you can file a lawsuit. Your lawyer will present your case in court, where a judge and jury decide the outcome.
- Trial. During trial, both parties present their evidence and arguments. The judge or jury will determine liability and the amount of compensation, if any, to be awarded.
Recovering Damages
Navigating the legal complexities of personal injury claims in New Mexico can be challenging, and seeking legal advice is crucial to ensure a fair and just outcome. A skilled attorney can help you pursue a personal injury claim to recover damages, including past and future:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Other accident-related expenses
