When you’re in a car accident, seeking medical care is a logical first step. As you heal, you may question whether you need legal services.
Hiring a car accident attorney in New Mexico brings to mind high costs, lengthy trials, and the possibility of losing your case.
The Law Offices of Erika E. Anderson understand how overwhelming this process can be. We want to explain why the benefits outweigh the costs when hiring a car accident attorney in New Mexico.
Why You Need a Car Accident Attorney in New Mexico
1. Adding Value to Your Case
When considering the case, you may think that you’ll clearly come out receiving the money owed for medical expenses. Even in a clear-cut scenario where you should receive compensation, an attorney can bring value by helping you receive more than the amount owed.
A common misconception is that damages should equal your medical costs. If relying on this equation, you will be under compensating yourself.
The Insurance Research Council conducted a study in 1999 which found that victims who hired a personal injury attorney received an average of over 40% more than if they handled the case themselves.
A lawyer also brings the added values of experience, reputation, winning strategies, and tenacity. These attributes and skills will not only help you receive more compensation but also allow you to focus on taking care of yourself instead of worrying about your case.
2. Reducing Insurance Liens and Medical Debt
Reducing insurance liens and medical expenses is possible. Hiring a car accident lawyer can help with this process.
Insurance Liens
Insurance liens are perhaps the most confusing part of a settlement case.
If a medical insurance provider (considered a third party) paid for the victim’s medical treatment, the health insurance contract puts a lien on the settlement. In other words, it’s the debt owed to the insurance company once the settlement is complete.
Insurance companies can charge hundreds of thousands of dollars for medical treatment. Using the services of an attorney can help reduce the amount owed.
If you attempt to represent yourself during this process, you may pay more than what is necessary.
Medical Debt
Your health insurance may cover a portion of your medical costs, but that leaves you having to pay back the rest.
Most medical providers are willing to work with you to help reduce what they charge, but whether they choose to and by how much depends on numerous factors.
As experienced car accident lawyers, we can adequately analyze these factors and approach your medical providers with a reasonable offer. This leads to you owing less than the original amount due.
3. Navigating the Legal System
Experience and knowledge matter. It’s tempting to conduct your own online research to help you navigate your case. Unfortunately, much of the information available is misleading, incorrect, or does not pertain to your specific city or state.
That is why it’s essential to seek the services of a car accident attorney in New Mexico to navigate your case. Local attorneys know our local laws and consider all aspects of the accident, insurance responsibilities, and how to frame your claims.
When representing yourself, you won’t have the experience and knowledge to help you receive the best settlement or outcome. Worst yet, your case may be dismissed due to the lack of supporting information and evidence.
4. Conducting Thorough Investigations
Thoroughly investigating a case takes time and resources. Lawyers and their teams can quickly begin investigations while witnesses’ memories are still fresh and before evidence disappears.
While trying to recover from the accident, you may need help collecting the evidence and information necessary to provide a strong case. Furthermore, you may not know where to begin or what would be considered valuable to your case.
5. Paying Only if You Win or Settle
The biggest concern most people have when deciding to hire an attorney is how much it will cost.
In a car accident case, our fee is based upon a contingency fee. This means we only get paid if you win or settle your case.
If you don’t win or settle your case, you owe nothing to the lawyer. Also, reputable attorneys will always ensure transparency about what you would owe if you win or settle your case.