If you or a loved one has sustained serious injuries in a car accident, you may be concerned about how you will pay for medical care, missed work, and other financial hardships.
No one ever anticipates being in a car accident, so there is no way to truly prepare for the aftermath. If the accident was caused by the behavior of another person or party, you may be entitled to compensation.
Every accident is different, which means that the path to meaningful financial recovery may also vary, given the circumstances of the case.
To ensure you have the best chance of receiving maximum compensation, it is important to speak to an Albuquergue car accident attorney. With so many financial responsibilities looming, you may be searching for free legal advice.
That is entirely understandable. At Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C. we are here to help and don’t get paid unless you do. To get started, contact us today.
Free Car Accident Legal Advice
For those seeking free legal advice, car accident lawyers like us usually work on a contingency fee structure. That means the attorney only receives compensation for their services unless they help you achieve compensation.
There are no upfront costs, no hourly fees, and no retainer fees. Once the case is finished, the attorney will take a percentage of the verdict or settlement as payment. The percentage should be agreed upon before entering into an official attorney-client agreement.
Like many other personal injury attorneys, we also offer a free initial consultation, so we can learn more about the facts of your case. This will give us a better idea of how to create a successful legal strategy and assess the strength of your case.
How Do I Receive Compensation for Car Accident Injuries?
When recovering damages from a car accident, seeking help from someone with your best interest in mind is best. New Mexico is an “at-fault” state, meaning the person or party who caused the accident can be held responsible for the damage.
Every driver in the state must carry auto insurance, and most cases will start with a claim against the negligent party’s auto insurance.
Be careful what you say to insurance representatives. Insurance companies are happy to offer quick settlements without considering the extent of future medical costs, potential lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
The sooner they can get you to sign on the dotted line, the better for them. Once you accept a settlement offer, you cannot request additional funds. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your car accident attorney may advise you to file a lawsuit.
Do I Need a Car Accident Attorney?
An attorney can help you in several crucial ways to getting the compensation you deserve. Beyond providing car accident legal advice, a lawyer may do the following:
- Calculate the value of your case;
- Take into consideration the cost associated with your mental, physical, and emotional well-being;
- Conduct an independent investigation into your accident;
- Determine who was at fault according to the facts;
- File a claim and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf;
- Advise on pursuing litigation if a fair settlement agreement cannot be reached;
- Ensure you are filing within the New Mexico statute of limitations;
- Complete court documents; and
- Prepare for trial and conduct court proceedings.
It is also important to note that New Mexico is a pure comparative negligence state. Under this legal doctrine, the amount you would be entitled to in a claim is reduced by the percentage of your fault in causing your injuries.
For example, if you were awarded $100,000 but found to be 30% at fault for the accident, you would receive $70,000. In New Mexico, you can be 99% at fault and still file a claim.
Because fault is a big part of determining the amount you are awarded, the negligent party will likely try to position you as mainly at fault. An attorney can help ensure you are not found more liable than you actually are.
Free Legal Advice to Get You Started
There are several things you can do to help strengthen your case and speed up the process of gathering evidence. Here are a few pieces of New Mexico free legal advice that are general to most car accident cases.
- Make sure a police report is filed and preferably that an officer is called to the accident scene;
- Do not admit or imply fault when speaking to anyone about the accident;
- Receive medical attention as soon as possible, even if you do not think you have serious injuries;
- Keep a record of all costs associated with your accident, including medical bills, travel to doctor appointments, and lost wages; and
- Do not accept an insurance or private settlement or sign any paperwork without consulting your attorney.
The sooner you can reach out to an attorney, the better your chances are of ensuring that you can obtain all the necessary evidence to build your case.
Over time, documents can get lost and witness’s memories fade. Also, the sooner you get started, the sooner you can receive the compensation you need.
Contact a Albuquerque Personal Injury Lawyer Today
At Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C. we know that you need reliable guidance on how to proceed after a serious car accident. We offer free legal advice and guidance in our initial consultation, and if you choose to have us represent you, there is no out-of-pocket cost for our services.
Our team has decades of combined legal experience and negotiating skills that we will put to work for you to help you secure maximum compensation. Contact us to schedule your free, no-obligation case consultation.
Alejandro Acosta
Mr. Acosta is a lifelong resident of El Paso. He graduated from Cathedral High School in 2000 and graduated from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio in 2004. Mr. Acosta went on to attend Sandra Day O’ Connor College of Law (Arizona State Law School). He graduated in 2008, receiving his J.D. and his Indian Legal Certificate for his work in Indian Law and dealings with various tribal nations throughout Arizona. Alejandro has been licensed to practice law in Texas since 2008 and has been licensed in the State of New Mexico since 2011.
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