Dealing With Car Insurance Companies: A New Mexico Attorney Explains
When the worst happens, a car accident lawyer can help
Insurance companies want you to believe they have your best interests at heart after a serious car accident. Unfortunately, the reality is such corporations often only care about one thing – paying you as little money as possible or nothing at all.
If you have been injured in an car accident in New Mexico, you may be unsure about where to turn. Insurance companies know this. That’s why they’re hoping they can take advantage of you when you need them most of all.
Your injuries may be severe enough to keep you out of work and away from activities you enjoy for a lengthy period of time. Additionally, recovery may require expensive procedures such as X-rays, surgery, and physical therapy. All of this medical care and other car accident-related expenses can quickly add up and take a financial toll on your life.
The first thing you want to know is, will insurance pay my medical bills after a car accident?
After being involved in a crash with an at-fault driver, you may think the process of filing a claim is simple. All you have to do is report your accident to your insurance company and your losses will be compensated. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way. Insurance companies have a lot to lose from a single car accident, and they’ll often do whatever it takes to protect their bottom line at your expense.
This is why it’s critical that you have an experienced New Mexico car accident lawyer on your side who can deal directly with insurance companies on your behalf and demand the money you rightfully deserve for medical expenses, vehicle repairs, replacement income and other injury-related expenses. Otherwise, you could end up having to pay for your accident out of your own pocket, even if you’re legally entitled to receive financial compensation.
Car Insurance Frequently Asked Questions
Should I call my insurance company after my car accident?
Yes, you are required to report the accident. Some people aren’t sure how to report a car accident to insurance. You can either call the company directly or report the accident online. Some companies also have an app that can be used to report accidents. Just stick to the facts – you don’t have to answer questions or give a statement. We can also handle the report on your behalf if you hire us right away after the crash.
How does the insurance company determine who was at fault?
An adjuster assigned to your claim will oversee the investigation of your accident. The adjuster will gather information, read through the accident report and medical records, and contact the drivers involved, as well as witnesses. A preliminary determination of fault will be made.
Does health insurance cover car accidents?
Sometimes, yes. But you may have other options. For example, if you chose MedPay on your car insurance policy, it can be used to help pay medical expenses for the injuries you suffered in the accident. And if a negligent driver caused the crash, you have the right to seek compensation for medical expenses and other damages.
What are my options after a denied insurance claim?
It’s important to get legal advice as soon as possible after your accident. An attorney can help build strong case for compensation and deal with the insurance company on your behalf.
Understand the tactics insurance companies use
When filing a car accident claim in New Mexico, it’s important to keep your statements to a minimum, especially when dealing with your insurance adjuster. They are good at taking advantage of injured motorists who don’t know their rights. They might come across as friendly and seem like they’re on your side. However, their goal is to save the insurance company money by putting a cap on how much you can be compensated.
Insurance companies are not required to treat you fairly and will often use tactics to deny your claim. They may claim:
- That you’re lying about your injuries
- You were at fault for your car accident
- You don’t need an attorney to handle your claim
Furthermore, insurance companies will often ask you trick questions or convince you to agree to a statement. What you tell them may be recorded and later used as evidence to hurt your chances of receiving compensation.
Another common tactic is the lowball settlement offer. It may be tempting to accept this offer as your bills start to add up – but it will fall far short of covering all of the damages you suffered.
Why you need an experienced attorney
Don’t fall for the insurance companies’ tricks. They could care less if you make a full recovery from your injuries. That’s why it’s important to seek legal advocacy from an experienced New Mexico car accident attorney before speaking to an insurance adjustor or signing any paperwork.
Attorney Andras Szantho possesses a wealth of knowledge and over a decade of legal experience helping injured motorists in New Mexico maximize their compensation. A former New Mexico prosecutor and longtime state resident, he understands how the legal system works here and knows how to look for key evidence that can be used to help you build a solid claim. He knows how to negotiate with insurance companies and urge them to do the right thing.
The last thing insurance companies want is to go to court. However, if they refuse to compensate you fairly for your medical expenses and lost wages, attorney Szantho will gladly take them to trial. Attorney Szantho will fight to ensure that you are treated fairly and that insurance companies take your seriously. To learn more about how we can help you with your car accident case, contact us today by calling toll free at 866-853-2462 to speak with an experienced car accident lawyer from the Szantho Law Firm.