Car accidents occur every day and may lead to serious injuries and significant economic losses for the people involved. In New Mexico, a fault-based system exists to resolve car accidents. Under this system, if one motorist causes the accident and injured another, they are liable for the damages of the injured party. But navigating the system may be complex. So, if you are an injured victim of a negligent driver, you should hire an Albuquerque auto accident lawyer to help you understand the complexities of the system.
Each driver in the state is required to carry car insurance that takes effect once a crash occurs. Each car insurance policy should meet the minimum coverage requirements of the state. Although such coverage limits may cover the damages in the majority of accidents, some accidents lead to catastrophic injuries and costly economic damages that eclipse minimum insurance coverage. Thus, if you are seeking compensation for your injuries in a car crash caused by another party, you must know what to expect from your claim.
Filing an Insurance Claim
If your car accident resulted in the negligence of another driver, you should get their contact details and insurance information. Typically, you must notify an insurance provider of your intent to file an insurance claim, within 1-2 days. If you do not report a claim to an insurance company before the applicable deadline, the insurance company may delay the processing of your claim. Sometimes, penalties may be incurred based on the policy’s terms.
Before you file a claim, ensure you have an attorney advising you. It is important to have a skilled attorney make your demand letter to a carrier to increase the chances of the claim being handled efficiently by the company. A great attorney makes sure your claim is handled in good faith and provides a reasonable offer.
Filing Personal Injury Claims
If the insurance of the at-fault driver cannot fully cover your damages, you can file a personal injury claim to improve your financial recovery. For your claim to succeed, you must identify the at-fault driver, prove their negligence directly caused your damages, and give the full scope of your damages. Filing a personal injury claim allows you to seek full compensation for your medical expenses, property damage, lost income, and other economic damages that resulted from the actions of the at-fault driver. In addition, you can seek compensation for your emotional distress and physical pain.
