Albuquerque Injury lawyer Andras Szantho

The Szantho Law Firm has been representing clients in Santa Fe, and all over the State of New Mexico. Known for providing the personal attention required to handle sensitive cases, Mr. Szantho is the client’s voice and strives for the best results in every case.

The Szantho Law Firm expands to include offices in both Santa Fe and Albuquerque

In continuing efforts to bring the best in personal injury representation to all of New Mexico, The Szantho Law Firm is pleased to announce that a new Albuquerque office has been opened in addition to the offices in Santa Fe. The new offices will not only provide easier access to clients in the metro area, but will also allow for greater access for all clients.

Vigorous Representation for many Types of Personal Injury Cases

The Szantho Law Firm handles many types of personal injury cases including car accidents, motorcycle accidents and trucking accidents, wrongful death, accidents involving drunk drivers and ordinary slip and fall cases. While a majority of these cases resolve before trial, each case taken by the Szantho Law Firm, P.C. is treated as if it will eventually go to trial. The Mr. Szantho recognizes the benefit of preparing each case thoroughly, and giving the client the best chance for a monetary recovery.

The Personal Attention YOU Deserve

You are more than just a number or a case, and Szantho Law Firm will always give you the individual attention that you deserve. You can rest assured that your calls will be returned, and your questions answered. We will guide you through the entire process of your case, and we will deal directly on your behalf with any insurance companies, doctors or law enforcement as needed. This gives you the peace of mind to know that your case is in good hands, is being handled personally and allows you to focus on your recovery.

Free Consultation

The Szantho Law Firm provides free consultations to help you determine the severity of your case and how the Szantho Law Firm can assist you. We can answer your questions on a variety of matters relevant to your case, and since many of our cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, you do not pay until we recover money on your behalf.

Call Us Today

If you have been injured and need a lawyer do not delay. Call The Szantho Law Firm to get the representation that you need. You can reach our offices at:

Albuquerque : (505) 433-7288

Santa Fe : (505) 820-3366

The Szantho Law Firm is here to serve you.

Even if there were no injuries and the accident was not your fault, you can still be in for a headache. Your car will likely need repairs. And even if the damages are minor, it can take time to get your vehicle road-worthy. The insurance companies will need to determine fault, and the body shop will need to fit you in to their schedule.

So what can you do? It may depend on the type of insurance YOU carry, even if the accident wasn’t your fault.

Liability insurance, which is required by the state of New Mexico, covers the other person’s vehicle if you are in accident that was your fault.

Collision insurance, which is not required by the state but is a good idea if you can afford it, covers damages to your vehicle if you are in an accident that was your fault.

If you carry collision insurance, you can elect to have your insurance cover the damages to your vehicle, regardless of who was at fault in the accident. You will need to pay your deductible, but this will be the fastest and easiest way to get your car repaired. If the other party is determined to be at fault, your insurance company will refund your deductible when they receive payment from the at-fault party.

If you don’t want to use your collision coverage, or you don’t have it, you will need to wait until the insurance companies have determined fault. Once they do, an adjustor will be sent out to estimate the cost of repairing your vehicle. You will then be able to find a body shop and take your car in to be repaired.

Call personal injury lawyer Andras Szantho to make sure you get everything you are entitled to from your insurance coverage.

For many of us car insurance can seem like a wasted expense each month, and in these trying economic times, who can afford that? But a good auto insurance policy is a vital part of operating a vehicle. It doesn’t just cover the other person in the event of an accident; it can ensure you aren’t stuck with thousands of dollars in damages—even if you aren’t at fault and the other person doesn’t carry enough insurance to cover you.

New Mexico law requires all drivers to carry minimum liability coverage of:

• $25,000 per person for bodily injury

• $50,000 per accident for bodily injury

• $10,000 per accident for property

Liability insurance covers the other person if you are found to be at fault in an accident. But what about your expenses? And what if the accident wasn’t your fault?

Making Your Insurance Work for You

Let’s face it—it may be the law, but not all drivers in New Mexico carry auto insurance. And even if they do, they may not carry enough coverage to pay for the damages to your vehicle, medical expenses, missed time at work, and everything else that can stem from an accident.

Even when you aren’t at fault, your auto policy will keep you covered. If you are in an accident that is not your fault and the other driver does not carry enough insurance to cover your damages (or any insurance at all!), your policy will often step in to cover the leftover expenses.

Collision, comprehensive, and uninsured motorists are all additional coverages that help ensure all of your costs will be covered if you are in an accident.

Collision covers damages to YOUR vehicle caused by an accident.

Comprehensive pays for damage to your vehicle that doesn’t happen in a car accident (theft, for example).

Uninsured Motorist covers damages to your vehicle if you are in an accident with a driver who doesn’t carry liability insurance.

There are also other types of insurance that provide coverage for medical expenses, for rental cars, etc. You should carefully consider your driving record, what you can afford, and what will give you peace of mind of the road.

Put Your Mind at Ease

You may only need your auto insurance once in your lifetime, but you will be glad you invested in good policy when you do.

If you are in an accident, whether it is your fault or not, make sure you get a lawyer on your side to help ensure you get the most out of your policy. Personal injury lawyer Andras Szantho will do a free consultation and be by your side to help you navigate your policy.

Your first priority after an accident should always be to take care of any injuries you or your passengers may have. Don’t worry about the expenses; just make sure everyone is cared for and safe.

Once the dust has settled, you will need to file your insurance claim. Depending on how complex the accident was, the claims process can leave the average driver confused and anxious. The mountains of paperwork, statements, and waivers can be bewildering to take on alone. Having a good lawyer on your side will reassure you and make the entire ordeal easier to handle. Your insurance company will certainly have an army of lawyers protecting their interests, and you should have the same professional experience guiding your decisions.

Meet Your Adjustor

After you have reported the accident, your insurance company will assign a claims adjustor. The adjustor is responsible for reviewing the facts of your case, determining fault, and deciding damages.

The adjustor is your point of contact for the case, the most important influence in determining the total amount your insurance company is responsible for paying. But often adjustors are bogged down with hundreds of cases, and your claim may go through several adjustors.

Without a lawyer, you are responsible for making sure that the adjustors have all of the relevant information and that your case doesn’t fall to the bottom of their pile, which can be a time-consuming and frustrating ordeal.

Your lawyer will take the pressure off of you, making sure that the adjustor has all of the information, that no details are being overlooked, and that your case stays high on the priority list.

Experience on Your Side

A good lawyer will have gone through the claims process many times. He will know what is fair, what you are entitled to (compensation for missed work, etc.), and how to handle all of the multiple players in the case.

He will also help you document all of your expenses in the proper way and assess the value of your claim. There will likely be a mountain of paperwork associated with the case, and your lawyer will review and decipher all of the forms so you know exactly what you are signing (and what you should not sign).

A Trusted Ally

Claims are confusing, and your lawyer is there to guide you through the process, make sure you are getting your fair due, and keep everything in order with your case. He will also save you tons of time. Every time an adjustor has a question about your case or needs additional information, he will go directly to your attorney instead of to you.

Many lawyers are working to help you out. This is why some lawyers, like the Szantho Law Firm, will not collect any money from you until your claim is settled and you receive payment. Their job is to ensure you are fully compensated for damages, and they don’t get paid unless they succeed.

Accidents are stressful, but dealing with an adjustor and navigating the claims process doesn’t have to be. Reach out to an attorney and put your mind at ease.

In addition to this, it can take a toll on you financially. There is something most people do not realize: although you may not be responsible for the accident, and you probably want to fix things as quickly as possible, there is a vital step for you to take care of first.

The First Thing To Do After An Accident

An accident can be a terrible experience and it is incredibly important that you receive the proper medical care that you need before anything else. Although it can be difficult when you are concerned about the legal and financial elements regarding what has taken place, it is critically important that before you do anything about the situation, you seek out medical care. If you or someone with you feels that they have been injured, tend to this first.

This is important even if it means that you have to have your own insurance pay for it or pay some out of pocket. Your physical well-being must be your first priority. Fixing your car, filing your claim or taking care of other important matters, such as contacting a lawyer when needed, should all come after your injuries.

When filing a claim with your insurance agent, do not be concerned about who is financially responsible for the accident. This is a detail that can be sorted out later. This is, after all, why you have car insurance. Always check with your automobile insurance provider. There are some insurance policies that will pay for your damages, both to your car or for medical bills. The amount, of course, depends upon your individual insurance. It is important to always include uninsured driver insurance, for times when you are not at fault but receive damages. It is also important to see if you have medpay, which will cover your medical bills. Again, the coverage amounts always depend upon your particular insurance coverage.

If you are involved in an accident and you are either injured, or develop pain or loss of movement within a short time frame after the event, you need to see a doctor. Once some time has gone by symptoms may come forward. However, your body may suffer more permanent damage when you are not treated right away and you also may miss the opportunity to directly link your injuries to an accident. After all, there is no way to know whether an injury was caused by the accident you were in if there is no medical record to show evidence of injury. Sometimes just tripping can cause an injury, which may have nothing to do with an accident a week ago. Or it may.

Be sure to recognize the importance of your well being. Always take care of yourself and get yourself the necessary medical attention you need. This ensures that you will feel your best and your insurance is in place to help you with this.

Albuquerque injury lawyer Andras Szantho is compassionate, diligent, and he knows the system, both in dealing with the legal and insurance avenues, incredibly well. He can navigate someone through these difficult times and help you to arrive at a conclusion that you can be satisfied with, despite the difficult nature of going through the experience itself.

Dealing with insurance claims after an accident can be a confusing process, and there are many pieces to this big puzzle. Often we don’t feel that we are in the right kind of position to ask the kind of questions that will give the answers we need in order to understand how it all works. One of the areas that we don’t understand, unless someone explains it to us, is the role of the auto insurance claim adjuster.

The Auto Insurance Claims Adjuster

This is an important part of the process, and it is the job of the adjuster to help assess the damages of the accident. They are sent on behalf of the insurance company that you are filing the claim with. The goal of the auto insurance claim adjuster is to evaluate cases and offer a fair settlement when and if it’s deemed that their party is at fault. They establish how much money will be needed to address the damages, and it will be their job to check out what has happened in the accident, contact auto repair stores, and make estimates and assessments as to how much the labor and parts will cost.

When you send in a claim, the automobile insurance company will contact a claim adjuster who will come and talk to you and get information about where your vehicle is located, and what kind of damages have been done. The vehicle will be written off if the total cost of the damages are higher then what the value of the vehicle is.

It is important to understand that the amount you will get from your insurance claim depends upon what you have for an actual policy. Often if the total damages of the vehicle exceed the cost of the automobile then the company will likely pay you the book value of what that vehicle is worth.

The amount that the insurance company actually pays depends upon a particular process that the insurance claim adjuster goes through. Often you will get two quotes for a claim, one that covers the repairs done at a shop, and another for a cash amount. Because many people know somebody that they can hire who can do the repairs for less than the amount offered, people will often choose the lower cash figure.

When it comes to making the right decision in any kind of car accident case, contacting an experienced Albuquerque personal injury lawyer like Andras Szantho is a critical step. Not only does he have a tremendous amount of experience in handling these kinds of cases, consultation is free and he doesn’t get paid unless you do.

 First Things First: Take Care Of Yourself

First and foremost, make sure that you get treatment from a qualified doctor as quickly as possible. It doesn’t matter what kind of legal circumstance is involved in your accident, although it may be frightening, your first priority needs to be to take care of yourself and this means ensuring that you seek proper medical attention. You cannot resolve a legal issue if you are not physically able to due to failing to get the proper medical help that you need.

Second: Recognize The Many Benefits Of Having Legal Assistance

Once you have sought any necessary medical attention and have collected yourself, then the next important step is to contact legal help. If you are not at fault, it is important to contact a reliable and experienced lawyer, such as the Szantho Law Firm. This should be done as quickly as you can so that you have your lawyer’s knowledgeable assistance to guide you through what is coming. For example, it isn’t uncommon for the responsible party’s insurance company to be aggressive in their own attempt to settle the claim. They may try and pressure you to take a quick payoff, and the unfortunate reality is many people are put in a difficult situation because of this.

In addition to fighting against the pressure of insurance companies, there are many other reasons why retaining an attorney as early as possible will work for your advantage. When dealing with the legal side to your accident, particularly when you have been injured, there are many things that need to be done that an attorney can do on your behalf. It is necessary to acquire the initial police report, notice of claim, and submit to receive no-fault benefits. You may even have a potential claim against a municipality and there is a time limit for how long you have to file the proper paperwork for that as well.

Unfortunately, insurance claim adjusters or the other parties’ lawyer can seem accusatory and untrusting when interviewing you. Culpability and intense questions can be confusing and are often meant to bring forward any weakness on your side. In the worst cases, your words can be turned around and manipulated, changing the meaning and intention of what you say. On the other hand, when working with your seasoned lawyer, he will prepare you well for such interviews, avoid them when possible, and help the conversation stay fair and honest.

There are many actions that need to be taken in a short amount of time when you are the victim of an accident. Knowing your way through the process can be a serious challenge, and one that unrepresented people often lose or get short-handed on. Having an expert lawyer who will treat you as a person, not a pawn, and who will take the time to walk you through this difficult experience is crucial. The Szantho Law Firm can make this a smooth process as opposed to one which leaves you hurt, injured and uncompensated. Mr. Andras Szantho, the head of the firm, is someone who is not only through and determined, but he is truly compassionate and caring with clients.

An accident can be a challenging event itself, and making the right decisions about what to do about it can be equally difficult. This is why talking to someone who is there to help you will ensure you make well-informed and wise decisions through an experience that is often disturbing and even traumatic. There are times that you may be tempted to take a settlement offered by an insurance adjuster, but there are other options that can better assure that you receive the compensation that you truly deserve.

First, an understanding of your rights and how the law works is the key to everything. If you have never been involved in an automobile accident or personal injury before, you may not understand the options before you. You may want to pursue legal action; however it is important to understand if you have legal grounds for a claim. Contacting the Szantho Law Firm can provide a free consultation to help you here. After all, whether you pursue legal action or not, how do you know what would be fair compensation to you and how to take the steps to collect this?

When attempting to negotiate with an insurance company people often believe that if things fail to move forward, then the only next viable option is to go to trial. However, there are less time consuming and inexpensive ways, such as mediation and arbitration, which your dependable lawyer can help you with.

Save Time, Heartache & Maximize Your Just Claim

A trustworthy and knowledgeable lawyer, such as Mr. Andras Szantho, has years of experience working with the legal system, adjusters, and insurance companies. He understands the tricks that others use against victims and he is well versed in his ability to help you through the process to arrive at a fair settlement. Based on the Insurance Research Council, victims who utilize the assistance of a lawyer often receive settlements that are greater than those who choose not to.

This is because, unlike a lawyer, most people don’t have the same understanding of our legal rights, of appropriate compensations or how to handle things like mediation.

 No Reason Not To Call

If your loyal and sharp lawyer can save you the hassle of handling the insurance calls, of submitting any necessary legal documents and take you through this process efficiently and elegantly, then why not call?

A just lawyer, such as Mr. Szantho, offers you two additional benefits. First, he is truly on your side. The Szantho Law Firm is known for its aggressive representation of clients before insurance adjustors and their personal attention and care with you.

Second, another important thing to consider is that there are no fees involved if you do not win the case. The Szantho Law Firm understands that when you are injured through the fault of another, you are already experiencing plenty of difficulties and need to take care of yourself, including any possible lost wages. In facilitating things for you and easing your experience, the Szantho Law Firm is working for you and only benefits financially when you do.

Your time is valuable, and it is of the upmost importance that you are represented in the most comprehensive way possible. That is why we work with you and the insurance companies to ensure that you get the best results possible.

With the help of the Szantho Law Firm you can find peace and comfort in knowing that you have a caring, but powerful force working on your side, even after the terrible experience of a personal injury or accident.

Before leaving the house, it is a good idea to put together a car safety kit. This includes the necessary items you might find yourself needing in the event that you are stranded on the side of the road, or you have to wait for assistance. Recommended items would be things such as a blanket, first aid kit, ice scraper and gloves. It is also a good idea to include jumper cables, a flash light, a portable radio and extra batteries. In addition to these items try and include some non-perishable eatables such as peanuts or granola bars. One of the main items to remember is sufficient water.

Secondly, it is extremely important before going on any trip of length to have your vehicle checked out. Make sure that the tires are properly inflated, your fluid levels are good, and you not only have a spare but also the equipment necessary to change it. Some people also suggest including a can of fix-a-flat to make sure you are covered in case of an emergency.

Third, as you are traveling take into account that there will likely be delays. To avoid the aggravation and stress that this can sometimes cause, it is recommended that you take it slow and start as early as you can. The more time you allow yourself for the trip, the easier a time you will have and you will be more likely to avoid accidents. Another stressor is distractions, and a great way to avoid accidents is to put down the cell phone, let someone else handle the radio, and make frequent stops if you need to address any issues you might have. Many people have been severely injured by drivers who are simply reaching behind them for a second. Don’t let this happen to you. The extra time it might take is moments you wouldn’t have if you are killed trying to achieve whatever it is that you are attempting to do.

Lastly, one of the most frustrating parts of a trip is not knowing anything about the area you are traveling to. It can be hard to gauge the best routes by simply looking at a map. The truth is you may not have to. Many people these days have smart phones and there are many ways to check services and businesses online. Utilize services such as Yelp or the better Business Bureau to help give you advice. The BBB also offers an app for the iPhone that can easily assist you in this task.

Overall it is important that you are prepared, take your time, and get informed. Following these steps can help avoid some potential disasters and elevate some stress that comes with the typical holiday experience. Unfortunately no matter how prepared you are, accidents can still happen. If anything unfortunate should take place, remember that the professional experts at the Szanthos Law Firm can help you through any difficult legal waters. Call (505) 820-3366 for a free consultation.

Have a wonderful and happy holiday season!

What are punitive damages?

When you are involved in an accident, or you have been injured in some capacity, it can be a frustrating and challenging experience. Albuquerque personal injury lawyer Mr. Andras Szantho knows that not only can this be a difficult experience, but it can also take a lasting toll and it is something that you don’t want anyone else to have to experience. That is why there are steps that you should consider to protect yourself and others.

Punitive damages are, unfortunately, one aspect to the law that is often misunderstood. These awards are typically designed more as a way of deterring rather than an attempt to correct. In many cases the law will work to fix a situation that has occurred. This would include having the defendant pay for damages that might have taken place. However, the other side to this is that there are also deterrents set in place to ensure that the event does not happen to someone else, and this comes in the form of punitive damages.

There is no statutory limit in New Mexico as to the amount of punitive damages a plaintiff may request. Nevertheless, in order to obtain punitive damages under New Mexico law, a defendant must be shown to have a culpable mental state and their behavior must be shown to be willful, wanton, malicious, reckless, oppressive, or fraudulent.

Although they are not always awarded in civil trials, a plaintiff can file suit against someone for causing injury to them, whether or not there was intent. New Mexico tort law allows for the recovery of losses for pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of wages, and medical expenses.

How much the plaintiff suffered as a result of this event is the deciding factor in how the damages are determined. Also taken in to consideration is what may be required for the individual to return back to their previous state prior to the incident. The important thing to remember is that punitive damages are not awarded to the plaintiff, they are designed to serve as a deterrent to curb future harm.

A prime example of how this may work is if an individual was injured in a store because of negligence on the part of the establishment. If the store knew that it had a light that was damaged and was a potential falling hazard, however failed to do anything about it, they could be held accountable. If the light fell and a customer suffered $1200 in damages, paying that cost for this business may not have much of a deterring effect regarding future potential negligence. However, it the company was required to pay $100,000 in punitive damages, this may cause them to seriously rethink their focus on customer safety.

New Mexico state law varies on punitive damages and in some cases excludes them. To find out if your case qualifies for punitive damages, contact the experts at the Szanthos Law Firm. Personal Injury lawyer Mr. Andras Szantho has years of experience representing individuals from all over Santa Fe and Albuquerque. Call (505) 820-3366 for a free consultation.