Answer:
Your actions after a slip and fall accident will influence the outcome of your injury settlement. Ensure you take the following five steps after a slip and fall accident in New Mexico to protect your case:
- Step 1. Report the slip and fall accident injury to the owner or manager
- Step 2. Document your injuries if possible
- Step 3. Avoid making self-incriminating statements
- Step 4. Seek immediate medical attention
- Step 5. Contact a New Mexico slip and fall accident injury attorney
In This Article
A slip and fall accident injury lawyer in New Mexico describes each of the above-referenced steps in detail and offers helpful tips that could help you protect your case. We also share tips for getting more personalized advice at no cost to you.
Step 1. Report the Slip and Fall Accident to the Owner or Manager
It is most likely that the property owner or manager is aware that you suffered from injuries on site. However, this is not always the case, necessitating formal notification to their offices. You must report the accident to the owner, manager, or landlord as soon as possible.
If you are well enough to do so, request a copy of the final accident report for your records. You may need to reference it later when dealing with the insurance company. It could also reveal conflicting evidence, which makes this document essential to retain for your records.
Related Article: What to Do If You Slip and Fall in a Store
Step 2. Document Your Injuries If Possible
Depending upon the injuries, you may or may not be in a position to collect evidence, such as photographs, videos, and witness information. However, it is vital to keep a journal of your injuries and accident at a minimum if you are able.
Try to write down:
- The date
- Site conditions
- What your remember
- Where the accident occurred
- How it happened
- Who was there
- How you felt
- Injuries you suffered
- Other relevant details and memories
Your written recollections are admissible as evidence later on during the claims process. This information is also something that you may need to reference later if conflicting stories and details arise.
Related Article: Can You Sue a Restaurant for a Slip & Fall Accident?
Step 3. Avoid Making Self-Incriminating Statements
You have a legal right to avoid issuing formal statements about your accident injuries. In many cases, it is wise to exercise this right. Even if you think it was your fault, you might have missed specific acts, conditions, or situations that resulted in your injuries stemming from someone else’s careless or reckless behavior.
We also recommend that you not post anything about your case to social media about your accident whatsoever. Your posts are also admissible as evidence in civil court by the opposing party. While friends and family members may want updates on your condition, try to keep the details of your case on a need-to-know basis (at least until things resolve) and only communicate necessary information in one-to-one communications, such as text, talk, or email.
Related Article: Can You File a Lawsuit for Injuries Caused by Poor Lighting?
Step 4. Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Even if you think you are not injured, it is essential to obtain confirmation from a physician. Doing so ensures that you receive the medical care you need while establishing a paper trail of your injuries if you file a claim. Plus, some injuries take time to reveal their impact, and you want to show that you are doing everything to mitigate further harm.
If you do not seek help fast enough, the insurance company will try to deny your claim because you did not follow through on the terms established in its policy or under New Mexico statutes. Most personal injury lawyers in New Mexico generally advise people to visit a doctor within the first 72 hours of a slip and fall accident.
Related Article: Can I File a Slip and Fall on Ice Claim?
Step 5. Contact a New Mexico Slip and Fall Accident Attorney
The stress of handling insurance companies and a potential lawsuit is often too arduous for slip and fall accident injury victims to endure. Hiring a slip and fall attorney takes the legal stress off of your plate to focus on taking medications, resting, and getting to doctor’s appointments.
We will start by preserving case evidence and reviewing the facts while issuing a letter of representation to the insurance company (if you choose to hire us). This step directs all communications toward our office so that the insurer leaves you alone. However, you won’t be left in the dark; our office will keep you aware of new developments throughout the entire process.
There are legal deadlines on your ability to file a claim per NMSA § 37-1-8. Act as soon as possible to avoid missing your chance to receive compensation.
Call Us for a Free Case Evaluation Now
Grano Law Offices, P.C. offers injured parties and surviving family members the opportunity to discuss their options. You are welcome to contact our office for a Free Case Evaluation at (505) 426-8711 or send us a completely confidential message through our secure contact form below. We don’t get paid for our legal services and resources until you get paid for your slip and fall accident injuries.
