Top 10 Mistakes Albuquerque Car Accident Victims Make and How to Avoid Them

Car Accidents in Albuquerque, New Mexico

Albuquerque can be a fun and active place, but as the number of cars on New Mexico roads increases, so does the risk of car accidents that cause injuries in New Mexico. If you are ever in a car crash in Albuquerque, you must make the correct and careful decisions so the justice system can work in your favor. Otherwise, you can end up in debt while being held legally liable for the entire incident.

Every car accident victim needs to know how to act following a car accident. Failure to do so can lead to issues not being resolved and make the process of seeking justice complicated.

In The Article

Always keep in mind that Ron Bell Injury Lawyers is here to help. Call 898-BELL now for a free case evaluation.

Not Calling the Police or Highway Patrol to Investigate the Accident

Drivers must report personal injury accidents to the police. Their report is required to determine evidence, potential witnesses, the cause, and who is to blame. Remember that the presence of the police is not always legally required at the accident scene, but is highly advised, even in the case of a minor car accident.

Not Gathering Evidence or Witness Information

If you don’t take pictures and gather as much evidence as possible after a car accident, it can negatively affect your case. If you forget to take pictures, the insurance company may be able to present a version of the incident in which you were partially, if not entirely, to blame for what happened. Collecting witness information, including statements and contact information is also an essential part of preserving evidence and fighting insurance companies.

Not Getting an Accident Report in Albuquerque, New Mexico

The process of filing a crash report after an accident in New Mexico can be complex, even when a report is filed promptly with a law enforcement agency.
Please contact records personnel at (505) 768-2020 for total charges, the payment process and how to obtain reports.
Starting March 3, 2021, APD Records has been open with these guidelines:

• You must wear a mask when entering the APD Records lobby.
• There will only be three people allowed at a time in the lobby as it is a small area.
• You can request an APD police report in person or by phone at (505) 768-2020
• If you request a report via telephone, you will be prompted to send in your payment before receiving the requested report. The cost is $.50 per page
• When requesting a report in person, cash is only accepted. Bills larger than $20 are not accepted.

We can help you obtain the police report you filed for your accident and ensure that the information listed is correct. Call 505-898-BELL or contact us online. You can get free consultation for your personal injury claim with a member of our legal team.

Not Seeking Medical Attention After a Car Crash

Even if you don’t feel like you’re injured immediately after an accident, you may have hidden injuries that can be hard to prove. That is why it’s so important to seek medical advice or wait for paramedics to assess you for possible injuries.

You should get checked out as soon as possible. Albuquerque has an excellent system of hospitals, including Heart Hospital of New Mexico, Carrie Tingley Hospital, Albuquerque Regional Medical Center, Lovelace Medical Center, Presbyterian Hospital, VA New Mexico Healthcare System, and University of New Mexico Hospital (UNM Hospital). Any of these hospitals or local doctors can provide you with an excellent level of care.

Not BeingHonestAbout Your Condition

When visiting a doctor, it is critical to be completely honest. You should be open about exactly how you’re feeling. Any discomfort, pain, or health differences that have resulted from the accident must be disclosed to get an accurate diagnosis.

Saying that you feel fine or you feel better can affect your injury claim. Remember, everything can be used against you, and your injuries may affect you for months or even years after your crash.

Skipping Medical Appointments WhenYou’reInjured in a Car Crash

Even if you feel better or the treatment isn’t working, it’s crucial to keep all medical appointments. If you do not, you are jeopardizing your recovery as well as your injury claim. If your injury doesn’t appear as severe as you claim, the insurance company may reduce the amount of compensation you receive.

Discussing Your CasewithInsurance Companies

Speaking to the defendant’s insurance company can be used as evidence against you in your injury claim. Remember that the insurance adjusters will act as if they are on your side in order to get the best deal for their client and, of course, the company’s finances. These conversations rarely work out in your favor.

Not Filing Your Claim on Time

In New Mexico, the state’s civil statute of limitations is three years for personal injury and four years for injury to personal property and most other civil claims.

When an accident involves a fatality, there is generally only one year left to sue on behalf of the victim’s estate and family. If you don’t file your claim before the statute of limitations runs out, you won’t be able to pursue it. An experienced car accident lawyer can help keep your case on a strict schedule to ensure you don’t have issues like this.

Not Hiring an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer

You wouldn’t want to go through a legal process without the assistance of a car accident lawyer. The chances of obtaining higher compensation are higher when you have an experienced car accident attorney on your side.

Our attorneys will communicate on your behalf to help bolster your case. Call Ron Bell Injury Lawyers for a free consultation and review of your car accident claim. 505-898-BELL

Settling Your Injury Case Too Soon

We understand that after being involved in a car accident, you need to get compensation as quickly as possible. When managing medical bills, paying for treatment, or facing lost wages, you may feel pressured to settle for less than you deserve. You should, however, wait until we complete a thorough investigation and negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company.

The insurance company may come up with a number that looks big or tell you that the check they want to send you is the most they allow for payouts. Either way, knowing your rights and getting your losses properly calculated can help you make the right decisions when confronted with a settlement offer.

If you accept the first offer from the insurance company, you will almost certainly receive a poor and unfair settlement offer.

How Ron Bell Injury Lawyers Can Help

The team of experienced car accident attorneys at Ron Bell Injury Lawyers understands the importance of proper and fair compensation. Keep in mind that we work on a contingency basis, which means we don’t get paid until you do.

Ron Bell Injury Lawyers are here to help at 505-898-BELL. For a free case evaluation, call now.