No one anticipates getting severely hurt in an accident in New Mexico. If the worst happens, however, it is critical to know how to protect your rights. The most effective solution is to hire the right personal injury attorney to represent you during the legal process.
A personal injury lawyer can handle complicated legal matters while you focus on recovering from your injuries. Finding the best injury lawyer in New Mexico for you takes knowing what to look for and understanding your priorities. This guide can point you in the right direction.
Ask Around for Attorney Referrals
Start by asking for referrals to a personal injury lawyer near you. You may know someone who was recently involved in a personal injury case, such as a friend, coworker or family member, who can refer you to their attorney. If you have hired an attorney for other reasons, such as a family law attorney, this lawyer may also have a personal injury law firm to recommend to you.
Search Online for a Local Lawyer
If you don’t have any referrals to a personal injury lawyer in New Mexico, you can use online search engines and directories to find local lawyers. Search for “best injury lawyer near me” and browse through the top results.
It is important to keep your search local, as an attorney in your community will have in-depth knowledge of state and municipal personal injury laws. It can also make it convenient to meet with your lawyer and attend settlement meetings or hearings together.
Check for Good Standing
One of the first things you should do when narrowing down your online search results is to check that an attorney is currently in good standing with the New Mexico State Bar. Check on the Bar’s directory to see if the attorney is licensed to practice in New Mexico. This site will also show you any disciplinary actions taken against the attorney.
Look for Experience
Compare the level and type of experience among your top choices. The best injury lawyer for you in New Mexico is one with real experience in your practice area. Different types of personal injury cases involve different laws and statutes. The rules regarding premises liability (a dangerous property), for example, are very different from product liability (defective products).
Search for an attorney who offers representation in your specific type of personal injury case. Ideally, the lawyer you choose will have years of real-world experience in your practice area. You do not want to be one of your lawyer’s first cases.
Review the Attorney’s Track Record
It is a red flag if a prospective personal injury lawyer reviews your case and guarantees success if you hire them. No professional attorney will promise you a specific case outcome. However, reviewing a law firm’s past case results can make you more confident in their ability to win.
A history of achieving six-figure and seven-figure settlements and jury verdicts in personal injury law, for example, shows that the law firm has what it takes to get real results for its clients. A track record of success will also show an insurance company that your attorney has the power to take them to trial, if necessary, often improving settlement offers.
It is also worthwhile to read the law firm’s client testimonials and reviews for an idea of how they treat their clients. Positive reviews can enhance an attorney’s credibility, as can local or national awards and recognitions. Look for accolades by reputable sources such as The National Trial Lawyers, SuperLawyers, AVVO, Martindale-Hubbell and The American Board of Trial Advocates.
Confirm Trial Capabilities
The majority of personal injury cases in New Mexico reach settlements, meaning they never see the inside of a courtroom. It is still important, however, to hire a personal injury attorney with trial capabilities. An experienced litigator can strengthen your claim and add more power to negotiations with an insurance company, improving the odds of achieving a fair outcome. Plus, if your case ends up needing a trial, you won’t have to switch attorneys.
Ask About Time and Resources
The lawyer you choose to hire should have enough time to dedicate proper care, energy and attention to your case. You don’t want a mill-type law firm that passes cases off to paralegals or assistants. An actual attorney should be the one handling your case. The law firm should also have the right resources to support your claim, such as top investigators and high-quality expert witnesses.
Assess Communication
You’ve already been through a lot as the victim of a harmful accident in New Mexico. You shouldn’t also have to struggle to get case updates or return phone calls from your personal injury lawyer. The best lawyer for you will prioritize communication with clients. Look for a law firm that offers client-focused advocacy, with honest and transparent communication and frequent status updates.
Find Out About Fees
Never be afraid to ask about an attorney’s fee structure. If you want protection from any financial risks associated with pursuing your claim, look for an attorney who operates on a contingency fee basis. This means you won’t pay the lawyer unless you win your case and recover financial compensation for your losses. If your case succeeds, the fee will be deducted from the settlement or judgment award rather than out of your pocket.
Schedule Free Consultations
The final step in finding the best injury lawyer in New Mexico for you and your case is to schedule a free consultation with your top choice. The free consultation is a risk-free opportunity to get to know the attorney and law firm better, as well as to get personalized answers to your legal questions.
Prepare a list of questions to bring with you to make the most out of your free case review. Examples include:
- How long have you been practicing personal injury law?
- Does your law firm handle my type of case?
- What is your law firm’s success rate?
- Are there any notable case results I can view?
- Who will be representing me and working on my case?
- Will I be able to get in touch with my attorney throughout my case?
- Can you take my case to trial if needed?
- How long do you think my case will take?
- What are your fees and costs?
Before hiring a personal injury attorney, make sure you feel good about your choice. The lawyer you choose should treat you kindly and respectfully, with clear compassion for your situation and in-depth knowledge of your type of case. If you’re ready to speak with a top attorney in Albuquerque, contact The Fine Law Firm at (505) 494-1646 for a free case review.