Have you recently been injured because of someone else’s negligence in the Albuquerque, New Mexico area? You have every right to claim compensation for your damages. Unfortunately though, it’s not that simple. Insurance companies can cause extreme hassles at the worst times. If you’re relying on compensation to cover medical expenses, repair costs, and lost wages, being denied the money that is rightfully yours is detrimental!

But you’re not alone. We’re a personal injury law firm dedicated to straightforward, simple, and stress-free justice in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Insurance companies are notorious for holding back money deserved by their clients. And with all the medical bills and repair charges that come with accidents, you can’t afford to get cheated out of compensation. Keep reading for 5 steps that help you get the insurance money you deserve when you need it most.

1. Remember that Insurance Company Adjusters Are Not Your Friends. Insurance adjusters will often act friendly to try to get you to trust them, warns HG.org Legal Resources. But what they are hoping is that you will become comfortable with them and then say something that will damage your case. Insurance agents and adjusters represent the insurance company’s interests, not yours. While adjusters might seem compassionate, it’s important to remember that they are not really concerned about the victim’s injuries. Their priority is to resolve your claim for as little expense to the insurance company as possible.

2. Get Help from a Personal Injury Attorney.
Having an attorney working by your side is about more than just convenience and peace of mind. HG.org recommends hiring a personal injury attorney because it often means that you will receive a higher settlement than plaintiffs (accident victims) who do not have a lawyer. Having an experienced lawyer on your side means leveling the playing field between the victim and the insurance company. Protect your interests by hiring a trustworthy legal team! Insurance companies will often try to deceive accident victims by not completely informing them of their rights. If you don’t have a personal injury lawyer helping you, you might be taken advantage of.

3. Let the Experts Handle the Negotiations.
Why? Because insurance agents deal with negotiations and claims on a daily basis, while you probably do not. As a result, insurance agents and adjusters are experienced in offering temptingly prompt settlements. But what many claimants don’t realize about these offers is that they are normally far lower than what is owed and deserved. An experienced personal injury attorney can see right through these tricks and can fight for the full compensation you’re entitled to. Trying to handle the negotiations yourself could result in either you receiving an inadequate amount of compensation or worse, a total denial of your claim!

4. Understand the full extent of your damages.
Before negotiating with the insurance company, work with your attorney to identify sources of damages. While your physical condition might be the first thing on your mind, remember that personal injury damages go beyond just physical injuries. Understanding the full extent of your damages means considering damage you have sustained through:
a. Your medical expenses – including but not limited to hospital bills, visits to follow-up treatment, travel costs associated with seeking treatment, prescription medication costs, rehabilitative care, and any anticipated future medical expenses.
b. In addition, you’ll want to consider your need for compensation related to your lost wages, decreased earning capacity, disability, and other economic damages. In some cases, you or your family might be entitled to receive compensation for loss of services, loss of support, loss of companionship and loss of consortium. In order to receive the full amount of compensation you’re entitled to, discuss all your possible damages with your personal injury lawyer.

5. Document! Document! Document!
Once you have identified the areas where you believe you deserve compensation, it’s essential to gather the documentation that supports your claim, says AllLaw. Proper documentation will help strengthen your case. Documentation can come in many forms, depending on what you are trying to prove. In most cases, your case is significantly strengthened when you provide your personal injury attorney with copies of your medical records and bills. In addition, HG.org suggests asking your employer for a printout that shows how much time you lost or the benefits you had to use due to the accident. When filing for insurance, supplement your demand letter with organized records that make your case clear and convincing.

Are you ready to successfully claim the insurance money that you need and deserve? We’re ready to help. Call 505.764.9710 or contact us online!

Law Office of Brian K Branch
715 Marquette Ave. NW
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87102
Tel: 505.764.9710
Toll Free: 888.972.1212