New Mexico statutes require drivers to carry liability insurance coverage on their motor vehicles. When you are injured in an accident, and the other driver is at fault, you file a claim with his or her liability insurance company. However, if they do not have insurance, you must file a claim through your uninsured (UI) or underinsured motorist (UIM) policy. If you do not have this form of coverage, you may seek compensation through a civil lawsuit against the driver.
In This Post
In this blog post, I help you understand what to do when an uninsured motorist injures you in New Mexico, how a car accident lawyer will help, and how you can get legal help with your case.
Steps to Take After an Uninsured Motorist Injures You
In the aftermath of a car accident, it is challenging to think about anything else that does not relate to your personal safety and well-being. That is the right way to look at things, in fact. However, if you are able, you should take a few added measures to provide added security and gather evidence against the uninsured driver.
Here are five actions that you may want to take after an accident with a UM/UIM driver:
- Contact local law enforcement immediately and await their arrival at the accident scene
- Exchange insurance and contact information with the at-fault driver
- Take photographs of the accident scene, including injuries and damage to your vehicle
- Seek immediate medical treatment
- Talk with an experienced car accident lawyer to find out more about your legal options
Taking these steps will ensure that you are compliant with the law and that you have fresh evidence that depicts the result of the driver’s reckless or careless actions. Unfortunately, UM/UIM cases are rarely straightforward and may require the advice and guidance of a lawyer.
When the At-Fault Driver Leaves the Scene
One way that the at-fault driver can complicate the accident is by leaving the scene. If there is no one to ID, then there is no way to file an insurance claim anyway. This situation makes a bad one even worse by placing the financial burden on you unless the police can catch the individual.
Your attorney will also help you work with law enforcement to find the person who caused your accident and keep you aware of new developments. We will also help you work through your insurer’s insurance claim under your UM/UIM policy if you have one available.
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Will Help You
Filing a claim through your insurance company for benefits is one option available to you after an accident. However, if you can identify the driver and verify that he or she has assets, then you may also have the opportunity to pursue a civil claim in court against him or her. Your personal injury lawyer will help you confirm which options you have and what challenges you may face.
Experience with Uninsured Motorist Claims
An experienced attorney will help you recover financial compensation for the harm you suffered, including medical costs, lost wages at work, pain and suffering, and more as recoverable by law. The insurer may try to fight you tooth and nail when it comes to negotiating a fair settlement, so be prepared to hold them accountable to the policy’s terms.
Keep in mind that insurance companies are a “for-profit” business, and their primary concern lies within profiting. While laws protect people from unsavory tactics, they will still try to pay you as little as possible while remaining compliant with relevant codes and statutes. In many cases, a personal injury attorney will help you investigate your accident, preserve evidence, and hold your detractors accountable for their actions.
Related Article: Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage Required in New Mexico?
Hire Grano Law Offices, P.C. to Help You Navigate an Uninsured Motorist Claim
If you find out that the driver who injured you is uninsured or underinsured, make sure you speak with a personal injury law firm. Grano Law Offices, P.C. will navigate your claim while uncovering every opportunity for compensation possible under New Mexico and federal laws.
Get in touch right away with our legal team for your Free Consultation now by calling (505) 426-8711 or messaging us about your case through our online contact form. If you decide to hire us to handle your UM/UIM case, we will not charge you any attorneys’ or legal fees until we win your case.
