CAR ACCIDENTS IN NEW MEXICO

Insurance Adjusters

Insurance adjusters are not required to tell you the full value of your claims for your property damage and bodily injury. Insurance personnel only want you to settle for the least possible amount. As an experienced Southern New Mexico car accident attorney, I assist you to receive the full amount of your claims.

How long do I have to make a claim for personal injuries? Generally, the time limit is 3 years to file a suit in New Mexico. Therefore, it is very important to receive advice from an experienced Southern New Mexico Personal Injury Attorney because exact time limits can depend upon the specific facts of your case. Also, it is important to hire an attorney soon after the accident. Insurance companies usually respond very quickly and so should you. As your trained auto accident attorney, I can help you preserve the evidence which might be lost.

Most personal injury law firms work on a contingency fee as does Tim Chelpaty Law Office. This means that you do not owe fees unless I am successful in recovering money for you. I will pay the court costs upfront. You will not owe me any fee or expenses unless we make a successful recovery in your case.

What should I do after a motor vehicle accident?

• Call 911 and report the accident.
• Move your vehicle to a safe location so no other accidents are caused.
• If possible, ask to see the other driver’s license and proof of insurance.
• Write down the other driver’s name, address, date of birth, and New Mexico driver’s license number from the driver’s license.
• Write down the name of the insurance company, policy number, and insurance company’s telephone number from the proof of insurance.
• If anyone witnessed the accident, ask them what they saw and make sure you write down their name and telephone number. Witnesses are very helpful in determining what caused the accident.

Claimants of auto accidents are entitled to just compensation for their injuries. Unfortunately, large insurance companies often make the claims process very difficult. Often, insurance companies don’t pay enough compensation to settle the damages and sometimes they refuse to pay just damages.

In New Mexico, automobile insurance laws require those involved in the auto accident to file reports with the police and Department of Transportation before filing for damage claims or personal injury lawsuits. In New Mexico, insurance companies are required to investigate the claim within 60 days to issue their decision in an auto accident claim.

Insurance company claims for a certain procedure. First, we will need to report your accident to the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Second, the at-fault insurance company will assign an adjuster to investigate the claim. The insurance company may contact me and request that you give a statement. Whether or not we give a statement depends on the facts. Insurance companies are not allowed to talk to you. They must address all correspondence to me as your attorney. After the adjuster for the insurance company completes his investigation, he will give a decision.

If the settlement is not sufficient to satisfy your damages, it is important to negotiate a higher amount. An insufficient settlement can prevent you from seeking the care you need to fully recover. Should the insurance company refuse to change their offer, you can instruct me to file a lawsuit. In any case, you will need a Southern New Mexico car accident attorney and you will need to call me at 575-525-3123.

In New Mexico, there are items that can lengthen your insurance claim. In simple car accidents which result in minor injuries, they take a shorter amount of time to resolve. Accidents involving severe injuries and unclear liability require more time. If you suffer severe injuries, more than likely you will require more expensive and lengthier care which can increase your settlement amount. More than likely you will need to take time off work and take your vehicle to a shop for extensive repairs. These factors increase your settlement amount. If you are seeking a large settlement, the insurance company more than likely will require additional time to investigate and settle your claim.

Another factor includes liability. If the at-fault driver does not dispute liability, then your claim will more than likely settle rapidly. If the at-fault driver claims that he is not responsible, it will take a longer time for the company to complete its investigation.

Hiring a Southern New Mexico attorney for a New Mexico insurance claim. Hiring me as your Southern New Mexico attorney can help because I will advocate for your best interest during each stage of your claim. I will evaluate your potential award amount and help you to obtain maximum compensation. For the best results, please contact me at 575-525-3123.