Personal Injury Protection Principles

HELP US HELP YOU PROTECT YOURSELF

Anytime you are physically or emotionally injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, we may be able to help.

Injuries occur in all kinds of situations as a result of all kinds of mistakes. The most common event is an automobile accident. Also common are slips and falls. They happen in grocery stores, shopping malls, sidewalks and streets to name a few examples. You can also recover damages for injuries to your children caused by care givers, injuries to your parents and spouses in nursing homes and for malpractice by lawyers, doctors, real estate brokers, and other professionals. These are only a few examples of situations in which we may be able to help.

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 which 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, does not mean you will succeed in collecting damages. You may have to prove you are entitled to those damages.

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.

SOME BASIC PRINCIPLES OF PROTECTION

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

Whenever possible, obtain names, addresses, phone numbers, and insurance companies of all persons involved.

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. Identify Witnesses

Get the names, phone numbers and addresses of anyone who saw what occurred.

6. Follow Your Health Care Providers’ advice

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

7. Take Photographs

Either you or someone else should attempt to take at least ten to thirty 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.

8. Report the Accident

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

===================================================

WHEN YOU SHOULD CALL YOUR LAW FIRM

1. When you are confused about anything.
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.

If you are not sure whether you want to hire us, call us anyway. Calling us for advice does not in any way obligate you to hire us for further help. Remember, your initial consultation is free.