[Transcript]
At Keller and Keller, we've been representing people who have been seriously injured in Albuquerque for decades, and the one thing we hear over and over again is, "The insurance company won't pay my claim." Hardworking people who spend their money on auto insurance every month, and the insurance company won't pay their claim? At Keller and Keller, we make sure they pay.
[End Transcript]
Maximum Insurance Payout for Car Accident
While there are no caps on damages for car accidents in New Mexico, you will still need an Albuquerque injury attorney working for you to ensure you get the maximum settlement you are entitled to.
What Not to Say to the Insurance Adjuster After an Accident
People tend to react to crashes in one of two ways. Either they get really angry, or they feel apologetic. Unfortunately, neither of these responses is ideal. Although it is very difficult to do, it is important that you remain level-headed and that you think through your response before you say or do anything.
Ironically, our Albuquerque personal injury attorney adds, it is often the person who actually caused the crash who reacts with the most anger, and victims often feel like they need to offer an explanation. We strongly suggest that you avoid making any of the following kinds of statements:
- Apologies or admissions. Saying you’re sorry might be a kind of reflex, but after a crash, it could be construed as an admission of guilt. Saying the crash was your fault in order to make the other driverless upset can also come back to haunt you. Do not apologize or admit fault after a crash.
- Opinions. Starting a statement with, “I think…” is a good indication that you don’t know for sure what happened, so it’s best not to say anything at all. Your opinion about what may or may not have happened will not help your case. Leave the investigation of what caused the crash up to the police, your lawyer, and other experts.
- Irrelevant details. Offering details about where you were going, who was in your car, when your car was last repaired, the condition of your tires, what you were doing right before the crash, and other statements can influence the police officer’s or insurance adjuster’s assessment of what happened. Keep these details to yourself.
- Medical assessments. Insisting that you are fine is a common reaction, especially if you are the kind of person who hates to make a fuss. However, it is best not to make any comment about your medical condition at the scene of the crash. Likewise, insisting that you have whiplash or some other injury could make you look like you are out to nail the other driver, which could also jeopardize your claim. Leave the medical assessments up to a New Mexico doctor.
- Recorded statements. Never agree to be recorded by an insurance adjuster—either at the scene or days later. Whatever reason they give, their actual goal is to catch you making inconsistent statements, and there is no better proof than your own words. They will need your permission to record you, so you can simply refuse.
- Names of others. Do not offer up the names of medical providers, family members, coworkers, or friends to an insurance adjuster, even if you think they could help your case. The adjuster may contact them to try to get information about your injuries or recovery, and you can’t count on them to give consistent statements.
- Acceptances. Do not sign any agreements or accept a settlement offer from an insurance company without consulting an attorney. If you do, there could be no turning back if you discover that you are owed more than what you were offered. Remember that the insurance company’s goal is to save money, not to give you what you are rightfully owed.
- Discussions about legal representation. Do not reveal that you do not have an attorney and do not accept an insurer’s recommendations for lawyers. If asked, simply say that your attorney will be in touch with them.
We understand that this list is a lot to remember, which is why our best advice is to say as little as possible and contact our Albuquerque car accident lawyer team as soon as possible. Once you hire us, we will take over all communication with the insurance company, the police, and the other driver’s attorney.
