Luna County Car Accident Lawyers

The aftermath of a serious car accident can be overwhelming. Medical bills pile up, insurance companies make persistent calls, and you may be unable to work while recovering from injuries. During this challenging time, working with the knowledgeable Luna County car accident lawyers at Flores Mendez Law can make a significant difference in your case’s outcome.

Oftentimes, clients make the wrong moves after accidents when they do not work with lawyers. That can jeopardize their chances of obtaining fair compensation. Our lawyers have substantial experience handling various types of motor vehicle accident cases, including catastrophic crashes resulting in serious injuries. 

Should I Speak with the Other Driver’s Insurance Company?

It is generally not advisable to speak directly with the other driver’s insurance company without legal representation. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize company payouts. They may record your statements and later use them against you to reduce or deny your claim.

When you work with our Luna County car accident lawyers, they will handle all communications with insurance companies on your behalf. This prevents you from inadvertently saying something that could harm your case. Your lawyer will know exactly what information should be shared to protect your interests.

What if the Other Driver Does Not Have Insurance?

If you are involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, you may still have options for recovering compensation. First, if you have uninsured motorist coverage as part of your auto insurance policy, you can file a claim with your own insurance company.

Additionally, it may be possible to pursue compensation directly from the at-fault driver through a personal injury lawsuit. However, collecting a judgment from an individual who lacks insurance can be difficult. We can investigate whether there are other potential sources of recovery, such as an employer if the driver was working at the time of the accident. Another option might be contacting the vehicle owner if the driver was operating someone else’s car or truck.

What Evidence Do I Need to Strengthen My Car Accident Claim?

Strong evidence is the foundation of a successful car accident claim. Important evidence includes:

• Police reports documenting the accident details and initial findings of fault.
• Photographs of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and visible injuries.
• Medical records connecting your injuries to the accident.
• Witness statements supporting your account of how the accident occurred.
• Traffic camera or surveillance footage.
• Documentation of lost wages and other financial impacts.

Collecting, preserving, and presenting this evidence effectively leads to better legal outcomes. In some cases, accident reconstruction professionals are brought in to provide additional support for complicated cases.

Can I Still Recover Damages if I Was Partially at Fault for the Accident?

Yes, you can still recover compensation even if you were partially responsible for the accident. New Mexico follows a comparative negligence rule, which means your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 30% at fault for an accident and your total damages are $100,000, you would be eligible to recover $70,000. Our Luna County car accident lawyers can help minimize your assigned percentage of fault through careful evidence presentation and strategic legal arguments. 

How Much Is My Car Accident Claim Worth?

The value of your car accident claim depends on:

• The severity and permanence of your injuries.
• The cost of your medical treatment, both current and future.
• Your lost income and potential impact on future earning capacity.
• Property damage to your vehicle and other belongings.
• The level of pain, suffering, and emotional distress you experienced.
• The available insurance coverage.

Rather than providing an arbitrary value, damages are based on these factors and similar case outcomes. This methodical approach helps to maximize your compensation.

Will My Case Go to Trial or Settle Out of Court?

The majority of car accident cases settle without going to trial, but each case is unique. Many factors influence whether a case will settle or proceed to trial, including the clarity of liability, the extent of damages, and the reasonableness of the insurance company’s settlement offer. Your lawyer will prepare your case as if it will go to trial while simultaneously pursuing fair settlement negotiations. This approach puts pressure on the insurance company to offer reasonable compensation. The final decision to accept a settlement or proceed to trial will always be yours, guided by your lawyer’s professional recommendation.

What if a Defective Vehicle Part Caused the Accident?

When a defective vehicle component causes or contributes to an accident, you may have a product liability claim against the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer of the defective part. These cases involve different legal standards than typical negligence-based car accident claims. Product liability claims can be technically challenging and often require specialized engineering knowledge. Your lawyer will work with technical professionals to establish that the part was defective and that the defect caused or worsened your accident.

Can I Seek Compensation for Lost Wages After a Car Accident?

Yes, this is an important component of car accident compensation. You can claim wages lost due to time off work for medical treatment and recovery. If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous occupation or limit your earning capacity in the future, you may also be entitled to compensation for diminished earning potential. Documentation from your employer regarding your missed work and salary can strengthen this aspect of your claim. Medical documentation connecting your inability to work due to your accident injuries is also critical for pursuing lost wages.

Should I Accept the Insurance Company’s First Settlement Offer?

It is rarely in your best interest to accept an insurance company’s first settlement offer. Initial offers are typically much lower than what your claim is actually worth. Insurance companies hope that your immediate financial needs will pressure you into accepting less than you deserve. With proper legal representation, you can evaluate offers objectively and negotiate for fair compensation that addresses all your damages, including future medical needs and long-term impacts of your injuries.

What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer?

Working with a car accident lawyer provides numerous advantages for claimants. Lawyers understand the legal procedures and deadlines that must be followed. They also have experience valuing claims accurately and can anticipate insurance company tactics. Perhaps most importantly, research shows that represented claimants typically receive higher settlements than those who represent themselves, even after accounting for lawyer fees.

Additionally, having legal representation allows you to focus on your physical recovery while your lawyer handles the stress of dealing with insurance companies and legal proceedings. This peace of mind is invaluable during a difficult time.

Let the Luna County Car Accident Lawyers at Flores Mendez Law Fight to Protect Your Rights

You do not have to face the aftermath of a car accident alone. The dedicated Luna County car accident lawyers at Flores Mendez Law are ready to provide the legal guidance you need. For a free initial consultation, call us at 915-308-9999 or submit our online form. Our office locations in El Paso, Texas and Las Cruces, New Mexico, gladly serve clients in the surrounding areas.