Personal Injury Protection Principles: How To Protect Yourself And Your Rights After An Injury

If you or a loved one was physically or emotionally injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, The Jaffe Law Firm in Albuquerque can help. Attorney Mark S. Jaffe has more than 40 years of experience standing up for the rights of injury victims in New Mexico.

How Injuries Happen

Injuries occur in all kinds of situations as a result of all kinds of mistakes. The most common event is an automobile accident. Slip and falls are also common. They happen in grocery stores, shopping malls, sidewalks and streets to name a few examples. You may have a claim for compensation for these injuries.

You can also recover damages for:

• Injuries to your children caused by caregivers
• Injuries to your parents and spouses in nursing homes
• Malpractice by lawyers, doctors, real estate brokers and other professionals

These are only a few examples of situations that warrant enlisting an experienced personal injury lawyer like Mr. Jaffe.

Key Things To Know About Personal Injury Claims

It is important to remember that the fact that you have been injured doesn’t automatically mean you will recover money for your injuries. Sometimes, no one is at fault. Accidents do happen. If “Acts of God” cause injury, you may have no recourse. In other cases, if a city, a school or the state causes an injury, there may be no recovery because there are laws that sometimes prohibit claims against the government.

In those cases where you may have a right to collect some damages, protect yourself. An important principle to remember is that just because you are right, that does not mean you will succeed in collecting damages. You may have to prove you are entitled to those damages.

Don’t Wait Too Long To Get Legal Help

Keep in mind that you have a limited time in which to pursue your claims. In most automobile accident cases, which occur in New Mexico, for example, you have three years from the date of the accident to sue the other driver or you lose your rights. Other time limitations apply to other circumstances.

Tips For Building A Strong Case

1. Take care of yourself.

If injured, seek medical attention for the injuries as soon as possible. Let the professionals decide how much treatment you need.

2. Identify the negligent party and witnesses.

Whenever possible, obtain names, addresses, phone numbers and insurance companies of all persons involved, including anyone who saw what happened.

3. Know yourself.

Identify any unusual changes in yourself. This may include all pains and aches, changes in behavior, memory loss, changes in sensory perceptions, etc. Ask family members or friends if they have noticed any changes in your behavior.

4. Write everything down.

Start a diary noting your symptoms and changes in your daily activities. Note statements made immediately after the incident by the negligent parties. Write down how the injuries and accident occurred.

5. Follow your health care provider’s advice.

Be diligent in keeping your appointments with your health care providers and follow their medical advice.

6. Take photos.

Either you or someone else should attempt to take at least 10 to 30 pictures of every angle and distance of the place of the occurrence of your injuries, your injuries, and of the vehicles, if it is an automobile accident.

7. Report the accident.

Advise all the proper agencies of the occurrence. This may include notifying your own insurance company, filing a police report, or filing a report with the company or person who owns or controls the site where the injury took place.

When To Contact A Lawyer

Navigating the legal process is confusing. If you find yourself confused by your case, you can reach out to The Jaffe Law Firm to find answers from attorney Mark S. Jaffe, such as what to do:

1. When you are confused.
2. When you don’t know what to do.
3. When you have a legal question you cannot get answered.
4. When there is a dispute over who is at fault.
5. When more than one person caused the accident.
6. When you are partially at fault.
7. When your injuries are serious, involving loss of bodily function or permanent impairment.
8. When your claim involves the death of a family member.
9. When the insurance company refuses to pay a fair value for your car.
10. When the insurance company does not respond to you.
11. When the insurance company will not settle for what you think is fair.
12. When you are not comfortable dealing with the insurance company on your own.
13. When the negligent party has no car insurance.

As an experienced personal injury attorney, Mr. Jaffe will leverage his skills and empower you with his knowledge of the law. He will guide you through your legal process and help you make decisions that are in your best interest.

Discuss Your Concerns With A Proven Attorney

If you are not sure whether you need an attorney, contact The Jaffe Law Firm at 505-242-9311 for guidance. Calling Mr. Jaffe for advice does not in any way obligate you to hire him for further help.