How a Deming, NM Car Accident Lawyer From Harmonson Law Firm Can Help
When you have been involved in a car accident, you may be uncertain of what you need to do in order to protect your rights and your future. Often, the insurance company of the at-fault driver will offer you a quick, low settlement. The insurer knows that you may be financially strapped as a result of the accident, and perhaps even unable to work and make a living. The goal of all insurance companies is always a healthy financial bottom line. To this end, insurers go out of their way to convince those injured in a car accident to accept a low settlement.
When you have a strong, experienced Deming, NM car accident lawyer from Harmonson Law Firm by your side, we will ensure that the insurance company respects you and fully understands the losses you have suffered. Attorneys Clark Harmonson and Hadley Huchton will aggressively fight for you and your family because we truly care about every client. Our first goal will be to ensure that your medical needs are taken care of, through our wide network of provider relationships across the El Paso and Las Cruces areas. Once your medical needs have been attended to, we will put together a dynamic settlement package on your behalf.
Our law firm, founded in 2012 by Clark Harmonson, offers small firm benefits like highly personalized attention and service, while also providing the experience, exceptional skills, and client resources of a larger firm. This means that you are never forced to choose between a smaller, less experienced law firm and a larger, more impersonal one. When you become a Harmonson Law Firm client, you will never be just a number in someone’s marketing budget. We get to know our clients and have a real relationship with them throughout the accident process.
Explanation of Potential Damages Following a Deming Car Accident
Your actual damages will depend on the circumstances surrounding your car accident as well as the extent of your injuries. Medical expenses—current and future—are known as economic damages, because an actual financial cost can be attached. Other economic damages include lost wages and lost future wages. Lost wages include what you would have earned had you not been injured and can include regular salary, normal overtime, and bonuses.
Pain and suffering damages are considered non-economic damages because they are more subjective, meaning it is difficult to put an actual number on your quality of life and how your injuries have affected your ability to engage in your typical daily activities. An extremely skilled Deming, NM car accident lawyer from Harmonson Law Firm will use every resource at our disposal to accurately calculate your damages.
New Mexico Car Accident Laws That Could Potentially Affect Your Claim
There are several laws specific to the state of New Mexico that can affect your car accident claim. The first is the statute of limitations. Each state sets its own statutes of limitations that govern the amount of time that you have to file a claim. In the state of New Mexico, that time is three years from the date of the accident. It is imperative that your claim be filed within those three years or you will be barred from ever filing the claim. Claims against the government shorten the amount of time to file a claim, so it is imperative that you immediately talk to a lawyer after an accident with a government vehicle. While you do have some time, the sooner you file the claim the easier it will be for your attorney to make your case.
In addition, New Mexico is considered a “fault” state, meaning that the at-fault driver is responsible for the damages he or she causes to others involved in the accident. As a pure comparative negligence state, you can still file a claim against the other driver, even if you were partially at fault as well. However, your settlement or award will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
What Should You Do Following Deming Car Accident Injuries?
After dialing 911 for the police and EMS, you should exchange information with the other driver. Aside from exchanging basic information (addresses and insurance information), it’s better to limit your conversation with the other driver. Saying something as simple as “I’m sorry,” (meaning you’re sorry the accident occurred) can be misconstrued as an admission of liability.
If you are physically able, snap a few photos of the scene of the accident with your cell phone and obtain contact information from anyone who may have witnessed the accident. After you and everyone involved in the accident have received medical attention and you are home, you should contact your own insurance company as well as a knowledgeable Deming, NM car accident lawyer from Harmonson Law Firm. The following Deming resources can be helpful following a car accident.
- Deming Fire Department—309 South Gold Avenue, Deming, NM 88030/ (575) 546-2701
- Deming Police Department—700 East Pine Street, Deming, NM 88030/ (575) 546-3011
- Mimbres Memorial Hospital—900 West Ash Street, Deming, NM 88030/ (575) 546-5800
- Deming Urgent Care—1411 Columbus Road, Deming, NM 88030/ (575) 936-4353
What Are the Most Common Types of Car Accident Injuries?
Back injuries, whiplash, broken bones, and cuts and bruises are the injuries most commonly seen in car accidents. In more serious accidents, catastrophic injuries like traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injuries, loss of vision or hearing, severe internal organ damage, and loss of a limb can occur. These catastrophic injuries alter a person’s life forever, often preventing the victim from returning to work or ever getting back to their daily life as it was before the accident.
In the case of traumatic brain injuries, cognitive losses can even result in the necessity of the victim having to relearn to perform basic tasks such as speaking. It can be difficult for the individual to regain their ability to understand conversation, and in some cases, the victim’s basic personality can be significantly altered. These catastrophic injuries can be extremely expensive. Spinal cord injuries that cause paralysis can cost a million dollars or more over a lifetime. Few people have insurance limits that high and, without a full settlement, the cost could financially bankrupt the victim. Therefore, in order to get the care you need, you must have a highly experienced Deming, NM car accident lawyer from the Harmonson Law Firm on your side.
What Is the Car Accident Claims Process?
After gathering all necessary evidence, your Deming, NM car accident lawyer will begin building a solid case on your behalf. Your damages will be comprehensively calculated and a demand letter will be sent to the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Negotiations will begin, with your attorney working hard for a fair settlement amount that fully covers all of your damages. If negotiations are unsuccessful, your attorney will file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver’s insurance company. This is often enough to convince the insurer to pay you what your claim is worth, rather than paying attorneys to argue in court. However, if the insurer still refuses to pay a settlement, a jury will determine your damages in court.
The determination of fault is crucial in the process. In some cases, while at the scene of the accident, an at-fault driver will clearly state that he or she caused the accident. The police report may note this or, if fault is clear to the police, then that will be stated in the report. If there were video cameras at the scene, they may be able to shed some light on which driver was at fault. If fault is uncertain, both insurance companies may investigate. Your attorney will be investigating the accident on your behalf. If no one is able to determine which driver was at fault, then the jury may be responsible for doing so.
How to Choose the Best Deming, NM Car Accident Lawyer for Your Needs
Choosing a Deming, NM car accident lawyer following an accident that caused you severe injuries can seem like an overwhelming task. It is, however, an extremely important step in ensuring that you receive a settlement that fully covers all of your damages. It takes a Deming, NM car accident lawyer with significant experience, knowledge of New Mexico’s car accident laws, and the negotiation and litigation skills necessary to see the case through.
The attorneys at Harmonson Law Firm can accurately calculate your damages and then expertly negotiate a full and fair settlement with the insurance company. We will also ensure that you receive the medical treatments you need in order to recover from your injuries. While there are many car accident lawyers out there, if you are searching for a law firm with heart—one that will advocate tirelessly on your behalf—then Harmonson Law Firm is the right firm for you.
The Harmonson Law Firm Helps Good People Injured in Bad Accidents
At Harmonson Law Firm, our practice centers around serious auto and truck accidents and medical malpractice claims that result in severe or catastrophic injury or death. Although we do handle other personal injury claims like slip and fall premise liability claims, our expertise lies in helping those with severe or catastrophic injuries get the medical treatments and financial compensation that they need and deserve.
Our highly skilled attorneys—Clark Harmonson and Hadley Huchton—have offices in El Paso, TX, and Las Cruces, NM, helping clients in these cities, as well as in the surrounding areas. At the Harmonson Law Firm, we like to say that we are “small but mighty”—we are able to offer you every advantage of a large law firm, while still providing highly personalized services and care. Contact a Deming, NM car accident lawyer from Harmonson Law Firm today—we are ready to fight for you and your future.
Clark Harmonson is licensed in New Mexico and Texas. Hadley Huchton is licensed in Texas.
