Accidents happen when you least expect them. When someone else is responsible for an accident that causes injuries, you have legal recourse to pursue them for damages.
Damages can be sought to cover medical bills, earnings lost while you’re unable to work, and pain and suffering caused by the experience. Here are a few steps to take when filing a personal injury claim.
Contact the Insurance Company
Depending on the nature of the accident and the circumstances surrounding it, an insurance company may provide compensation for what occurred. This is true in car accidents caused by other drivers, in which case the other driver’s insurance company would be responsible for providing a settlement.
However, the other driver may lack the proper insurance. The insurance company may also dispute fault and claim that you played a role in what occurred. Finally, the insurance company may offer an insufficient settlement in the hopes you’ll accept it without question. In this case, you must explore other options.
Reach Out to an Attorney
An attorney will review the facts of your case to determine if it has merit. If so, they will assist you in taking the next steps. This often entails renegotiating with the insurance company or providing additional information to establish who exactly was at fault. If the insurer continues to dispute the claim, or the person lacks insurance coverage, you may be instructed to take additional actions.
File a Lawsuit
Your attorney will inform you of where to file your civil complaint based on where you live. They will also help in compiling the proper information to include in your lawsuit. Things like medical reports detailing your injuries and witness statements can fortify your case.
If the case is not settled and ends up going to trial, each side will present evidence to support their respective arguments. From there, the judge and jury will decide. If you’re not satisfied with the outcome, you can appeal the ruling.
When a person behaves carelessly, it’s often innocent people who experience lasting effects. Securing the assistance of a personal injury attorney is crucial after an accident, and Martinez, Hart, Sanchez & Romero, P.C. is proud to lend our support to accident victims throughout Albuquerque. Schedule a free consultation with our skilled and compassionate team by calling 505-343-1776. You can also contact us to learn more about our firm and what we do for clients.