FAQs About Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer in New Mexico

When people are hurt in an accident that's taken place through no fault of their own, they have the right to seek compensation through a personal injury claim. In fact, one of the most important decisions you will have to make about your accident case is selecting an appropriate New Mexico personal injury attorney.

Having a personal injury attorney on your side can help you get the most robust compensation possible and provide you peace of mind so you can focus on getting better. If you or a loved one has been injured, you should talk to a lawyer right away. In the meantime, keep reading to find out how to select the right personal injury lawyer for your New Mexico accident claim.

Choosing a New Mexico Accident Attorney

If you've been harmed in an accident in the Land of Enchantment, you need to choose a personal injury attorney who is licensed to practice law in New Mexico. For instance, if your accident took place in a certain jurisdiction, it would be wise to retain the services of a personal injury attorney who is conversant with the rules and procedures of that jurisdiction's legal system.

However, if the event occurred in Albuquerque, you should seek the counsel of an attorney who is well-versed in the laws of that state.

It's also important to note that New Mexico has different laws for cities and counties. Take Albuquerque as an example; the city's primary metro area has a reputation for having higher average settlement amounts than the rest of the state. Nonetheless, it may be more difficult to secure a significant settlement in the area surrounding your metro due to the predominance of big business interests.

Choose a Personal Injury Lawyer Specializing in Your Type of Claim

Of course, choosing a personal injury lawyer who specializes in your type of accident claim is essential. When it comes to automobile accidents, New Mexico follows a few central laws, but there may be specialized statutes in place to deal with certain types of injuries.

After all, you probably wouldn't choose an attorney who specializes in vehicle crashes to represent you in a lawsuit involving medical malpractice in New Mexico.

Thus, finding a lawyer who has handled cases similar to yours in the past gives you the best chance of success in your case. Furthermore, your lawyer will have access to specialized resources that can aid in your rehabilitation and recuperation for your specific accident type.

Guidelines For Selecting a Personal Injury Attorney

If you've narrowed down your selection but still aren't sure which attorney you should retain, here are a few quick guidelines:

• Check online for feedback left by former clients by doing a search for the lawyer's name with "reviews."
• In-person interviews are preferred, so make sure you discuss your case with an attorney before retaining their services.
• Don't rush. Though it's important to keep New Mexico's statute of limitations for personal injury in mind, you have two years from the date of your accident to file.
• Find a lawyer in New Mexico who has a solid reputation within the court system.

You may wonder how you'll know if your attorney has a good reputation or rapport with local judges and other authorities. Thankfully, you can learn this information by doing a little research about the lawyer's past cases and various memberships. Is the lawyer active in the area's legal community? Do they donate money to certain campaigns?

Verify Your Attorney's Bar Status in New Mexico

Often overlooked but vital for moving forward with hiring your lawyer, it's important for clients to verify their lawyers' status with the bar and ask about any disciplinary actions taken against them. You can find censure and disciplinary details through the New Mexico State Bar website.

Somewhat relatedly, it's also important to review your lawyer's case and client history and find out how much experience they have in both the courtroom and in settlements. Competence in each area is recommended because you may not be sure which direction your case will take, so finding a lawyer who is comfortable in each of these areas is crucial.

Establishing a Good Relationship with Your Injury Attorney

Last but certainly not least, you should ensure you have a certain degree of comfort and ease with an attorney. Your accident attorney should be seasoned and experienced but also personable and compassionate.

In New Mexico, not all attorneys are created equal in this regard. A competent personal injury attorney will assess your case and tailor their services accordingly. For instance, you can check their listening skills during the interview process. Is your prospective lawyer hearing your needs and staying mindful of your goals for your case?

Your chances of successfully resolving your claim with the help of your accident attorney increase the more you are able to connect with him or her. Moreover, it's also essential to find out who you'll be working with directly. You shouldn't expect that a team of attorneys will be working on your case just because you're dealing with a big firm and pursuing a large claim.

While "we" is often used in advertising text, it's more likely than not that a solo attorney represents you in any upcoming negotiations or legal proceedings. So, before proceeding, it's a good idea to ask the law firm to specify the scope of their engagement.

Call a Personal Injury Attorney in New Mexico

Personal injury victims encounter a myriad of challenges and far-reaching effects. If you or a loved one have been hurt as a direct consequence of someone else's negligence, you may be eligible for compensation under New Mexico law.

If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of another person's carelessness, you should retain the services of a skilled personal injury attorney in Albuquerque to advocate for your interests.

The New Mexico personal injury attorneys at Will Ferguson & Associates will fight for your rights and ensure you get fair compensation no matter the nature of your accident. Contacting (505) 243-5566 to discuss your case and losses is a good first step toward a speedy and painless resolution.