Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Santa Fe

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Santa Fe, New Mexico?

  505-428-3710 is the non-emergency contact number for the Santa Fe Police Department.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Santa Fe, New Mexico?

  You can obtain a copy of the police report online at cityofsantafenm.nextrequest.com. You can also request a copy of a police report at Police Station 2515 Camino Entrada, Santa Fe Police Department.

• How long can you file a personal injury claim in Santa Fe, New Mexico?

  In Santa Fe, New Mexico, you normally have three years to start a personal injury claim. This is based on the New Mexico statute of limitations. If a government body is involved, you have two years to submit a legal claim and must provide written notice of your intention to file a claim within 90 days of the date of your accident.

• How long does an insurance company have to settle a personal injury claim in Santa Fe, New Mexico?

  Insurance companies have 60 days under New Mexico law to decide on claims. The maximum length of time an insurer has to resolve a claim without suffering fines and penalties is sixty days. Depending on the nature of the case, the extent of your injuries, and how fast the insurance company replies, you may have to wait three months or more to achieve a settlement. Hiring an experienced Santa Fe personal injury lawyer is recommended since he or she can assist you in negotiating a fair settlement.

• Does Santa Fe, New Mexico belong to a fault state?

  Santa Fe is in New Mexico, a fault state. As a result, you can make car repair and medical reimbursement claims with the at-fault party's insurance company. The party accountable for the misconduct that produced the accident will be financially liable to the injured victims. Since New Mexico is a no-fault state, you can seek reimbursement through your insurance company, submit a claim with the negligent party's insurance company, or file a personal injury lawsuit and seek compensation in court.

• Is there a cap on pain and suffering damages in Santa Fe, New Mexico?

  Except in situations involving a government entity or medical malpractice claims, there is no cap on pain and suffering damages in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Medical malpractice claims are limited to $600,000 in total damages, but claims against a government agency are limited to $750,000 in compensation. If you are dealing with these concerns, you should contact a Santa Fe injury attorney to help you evaluate how much compensation you were entitled to receive.

• Can you sue someone for emotional distress in Santa Fe, New Mexico?

  You can sue someone for emotional distress in Santa Fe, New Mexico. However, negligent infliction of emotional distress is mainly limited to emotional shock caused by witnessing a sudden traumatic incident, such as a vehicle accident or a shooting. Furthermore, New Mexico has a distinct claim for intentional infliction of emotional distress. A victim has a claim in this instance if another person participates in extreme and outrageously harmful or irresponsible behavior that is likely to cause serious emotional distress.

• How to choose a personal injury attorney?

  It's crucial to find a personal injury attorney who is experienced, but it's also important to feel comfortable. Take advantage of free consultations and ask questions about how long each candidate has been practicing, how their fee structure works, and who will be handling the majority of the casework (some big firms may hand off routine tasks to paralegals). Above all, find someone who listens well and believes they can achieve an optimal outcome. Still uncertain? Ask friends for referrals and check out online reviews.

• What does a personal injury lawyer do?

  Personal injury attorneys help those who have suffered due to the negligence of others get the compensation they deserve. That may include negotiating settlements with other people, insurance companies, or even government agencies or arguing the case in court. Some attorneys specialize in a certain type of injury, such as auto accidents or birth injuries, while others advocate for almost any injured party.

• What does personal injury law cover?

  In the legal world, "personal injury" is any kind of injury, physical or psychological, that results from the negligence of a person, business, or other entity. While visible or acute injuries such as a broken leg or concussion are among the most obvious types of personal injuries, this category also covers less tangible injuries such as emotional distress and issues such as asbestos exposure that may contribute to long-term problems.

• What are the most common types of personal injury claims?

  Personal injury claims encompass a wide variety of situations ranging from accidents on privately owned property to injuries in the line of duty to whiplash sustained during a commute. These claims may include car accidents, dog bites, slip and falls, medical malpractice, defamation, product defect accidents, premises liability, product liability, workplace accidents, food poisoning at a restaurant, and boating or aviation accidents.

• How do personal injury lawyers get paid?

  Many personal injury lawyers advertise that they don't get paid unless their client does. This is called "working on contingency," meaning the attorney is compensated only if they win their case. These payments are typically percentage based, giving attorneys a predetermined portion of the court-ordered award. Other lawyers may command an hourly rate or combine an hourly rate with a smaller contingency fee.

• How much do personal injury lawyers charge?

  Personal injury lawyer fees can differ from state to state and may be subject to local regulations. In general, personal injury attorneys work under contingency agreements entitling them to 33% of any related settlement or award. Sometimes lawyers use a sliding contingency, charging 33% for awards agreed upon during pre-trial negotiations and raising the fee to 40% once the matter goes to trial.

• When do I need to hire a personal injury lawyer?

  Anytime an injury is known or suspected to be the result of negligence, it's a good idea to consult with a personal injury attorney who can offer insight into the validity of a claim and whether or not that claim is worth pursuing legally. A consultation is particularly important if someone has suffered serious injuries that have left them disabled or otherwise impacted their financial future or quality of life.

• Can I file a personal injury claim without a lawyer?

  It's possible to pursue a personal injury claim without an attorney; however, it's best to save self-representation for cases involving minor injuries or are otherwise considered straightforward. Cases that involve serious injuries that are not completely resolved or where liability has yet to be determined are more complex. Those situations can quickly become stressful and time consuming as they require an understanding of tort law, resources for gathering medical records, and time to review photographs and evidence pertaining to the injury and scene of the accident (if applicable). Bringing on an experienced personal injury lawyer could result in a higher reward while giving the injured party more time to concentrate on their physical, mental, and emotional recovery.

• How long does a personal injury lawsuit last?

  The length of time it takes to settle a personal injury lawsuit is highly dependent on a number of factors ranging from the type of case to the length of medical treatment to whether the suit is settled before court or requires a long trial. While most personal injury cases are resolved within two years, more complicated suits could take longer.

• What are the benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer?

  It's tempting to save on lawyer's fees by pursuing self-representation, but there are many benefits to hiring a personal injury lawyer including their years of experience. A good attorney will know how to properly assess your damages, including not just medical bills but other concerns, such as lost wages and pain and suffering, to craft a demand that fully reflects the compensation to which the injured party is entitled. They also have the resources and knowledge necessary to consult with experts, negotiate effectively with insurance companies, properly navigate the legal system, and otherwise ensure the best possible outcome.