What to Do After a Car Accident

Why You Need to Speak with a Las Cruces Car Accident Attorney

If you are involved in a car accident in Las Cruces, New Mexico, there are several steps that you should take to protect yourself and your claim. It is essential to act quickly, as you only have a limited amount of time to ensure a report is properly filed and a cause of action is initiated.

Working with a Las Cruces car accident attorney can help ensure you meet all legal requirements regarding your case. From the statute of limitations to ensure you file against all potentially liable parties, a personal injury lawyer will work with you to help secure the largest possible recovery in your case. Aranda Law Firm is ready to fight for you in your case. Contact us online or call (575) 386-5100 to schedule a consultation.

Steps to take if you are involved in a Las Cruces car accident:

Get to safety. The most important thing to do in the immediate aftermath of a collision is to get to safety. If you are able, move to the side of the road out of the way of traffic. Call 9-1-1 from the scene and let them know what has occurred.

Report the accident. New Mexico law requires that any accident involving bodily injury, death, or property damage costing $500 or more be reported to local law enforcement. Failure to report the accident can negatively impact your case and may result in additional penalties.

Gather evidence. Evidence often proves critical in car accident claims. If you are able, begin collecting evidence at the scene. Take pictures and videos of the crash. Document any conditions that may have contributed to the accident, such as the road or weather. This can better help a car accident lawyer in Las Cruces fight for you.

Seek medical treatment. Many car accident victims assume they are not seriously injured after a crash. They wait to get evaluated by a medical professional until the symptoms are severe. This delay in treatment can affect your recovery, making your treatment plan more challenging. Even if you are unsure about the severity of your injuries, you still need to seek medical treatment as soon as possible.

Speak to an attorney. The best way to ensure you receive a favorable outcome in your case is by speaking with a Las Cruces car accident attorney. An attorney can help determine whether you meet the eligibility requirements for filing a claim and will help you navigate the process.

The steps you take in the days and weeks following your accident may prove critical to your case. It is strongly recommended that you do not make any statements or accept a settlement without first consulting with a Las Cruces car accident attorney.

What Not to Do After a Car Accident

While there are several things that you should do after a car accident, there are also several things that you should avoid. First, you should not speak about your injuries until you have consulted with an attorney. What you say about your injuries (and what you post on social media) could affect your right to recovery. A potentially liable party or their insurer may try to use your statements or pictures as evidence that you are not seriously injured.

Second, you should not admit fault. It is not your responsibility to determine who or what caused the accident. An investigation will be initiated to determine fault and who should be held liable for the collision. Making statements indicating that you may be to blame for the crash may result in your claim for damages being denied.

Finally, you should not wait to seek medical attention. Any delay in treatment may serve as an indication that your injuries are not serious. Make sure you receive a prompt medical evaluation and follow all of your physician’s treatment recommendations. The amount you receive in damages is often determined by whether you can prove the extent of the harm caused by the accident. Without a diagnosis and proof of treatment, it may be difficult to prove actual damages.

When to Talk to an Attorney

Some people assume that if liability is not questioned or they are not severely injured, then they do not need to speak to a car accident attorney. Unfortunately, insurance companies may deny a valid claim or attempt to pay less than the case is worth. This happens more often with unrepresented injury victims compared to those who have retained legal counsel.

Regardless of the circumstances of your case, consulting with legal representation is strongly advised. Due to the three-year statute of limitations, it is recommended that you act immediately after the crash to ensure timely filing. Call Aranda Law Firm today at (575) 386-5100 to work with our Las Cruces car accident attorneys.