The aftermath of a car or truck accident is overwhelming emotionally and physically. Victims are usually focused on gathering the information they need from the at-fault driver and seeking medical treatment for their injuries.
Consulting a property damage lawyer likely isn’t a top priority.
However, grappling with the complexities of seeking fair compensation for your damaged property can add stress to an already traumatic experience. That’s why you need the expertise of a personal injury attorney who specializes in property damage recovery.
In this blog, we explain the nuances of property damage and answer some of the following common questions about finding a property damage lawyer:
- What is property damage liability?
- Why do you need a property damage lawyer?
- What can you include in your property damage claim?
- How do you choose a property damage lawyer?
What is property damage liability?
In New Mexico, property damage liability is required coverage. When you’re at fault in a car or truck accident, the insurance coverage kicks in to cover any damages to the other person’s property.
Property damage coverage extends beyond the vehicles involved in the accident. It also applies to any property you may damage with your vehicle, including homes, fences, and light posts. Any personal items inside cars and trucks that are broken, or otherwise left malfunctioning qualify for property damage liability as well.
New Mexico has minimum auto liability insurance amounts:
- $25,000 for bodily injury to or death of one person.
- $50,000 for bodily injury to or death of two or more persons.
- $10,000 for property damage in any one accident.
Why do you need a property damage lawyer?
While New Mexico requires auto liability insurance coverage, it’s often not enough to cover the full costs of your damaged property after an accident. A property damage lawyer can evaluate the full extent of your losses and ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible.
Some of the other ways a property damage lawyer helps include:
- Assessing property damage accurately. Determining the true value of property damage extends beyond immediate repair costs. A property damage lawyer assesses the long-term impact on the value of your vehicle, factoring in diminished resale value and potential future repairs.
- Dealing with insurance companies. Insurance companies employ tactics to minimize payouts or delay the claims process. A property damage lawyer acts as your advocate, handling communications with insurance companies to protect your rights.
- Streamlining the claims process. The sheer amount of paperwork involved in the claims process following a vehicle accident is overwhelming. Your property damage lawyer assumes these responsibilities, streamlining the process so you can focus on your recovery.
- Protecting against unfair settlements. Insurance companies often try to settle quickly and as cheaply as possible. A property damage lawyer serves as your buffer, protecting you from accepting an unfair offer that does not reflect the true extent of your property damage.
What can you include in your property damage claim?
Yes, your vehicle likely has damage that requires repair. However, it’s not the only factor to consider when preparing a car or truck accident property damage claim.
Working with an experienced personal injury lawyer who specializes in New Mexico property damage law is the most effective way to maximize your compensation.
Some of the factors you can include in your vehicle accident property damage claim include:
- Diminished value refers to the loss in market value you experience when your vehicle is involved in an accident. Any damage is reported to CARFAX as part of its history and affects resale or trade-in value.
- Loss of use costs include the amount of time your vehicle was unavailable after the accident due to repairs. The compensation you can receive extends beyond the cost of a rental car or truck.
- Repair costs aren’t always fully covered by insurance, leaving you holding the bag for the difference. An experienced property damage attorney can hold the at-fault party responsible for the balance.
- Total loss value refers to the amount insurance companies must pay if your vehicle is damaged beyond repair. However, insurance companies don’t always pay enough to allow you to afford a similar model replacement vehicle. A property damage attorney can negotiate with insurance companies for fair compensation.
How do you choose a property damage lawyer?
Choosing a property damage lawyer should never be done in a hurry. Take the time to review your options and choose a personal injury attorney with proven experience helping car and truck accident victims receive fair compensation for their injuries and their property.
Qualities to look for in a property damage lawyer
Besides a verified track record of handling property damage cases, look for some of these qualities when choosing a property damage lawyer to represent you.
- Expertise in New Mexico insurance laws and how they apply to property damage claims.
- Clear communication of complex legal concepts in a way that you understand.
- Negotiation skills are of utmost importance for a property damage lawyer when pursuing fair compensation from insurance companies.
- Reputation in the local community and verified reviews from previous clients.
- Transparency in the strengths and weaknesses of your case that point to realistic expectations for a positive outcome.
Questions to ask during the initial consultation
Asking the right questions during your initial consultation helps you determine whether the property damage lawyer is the right fit for your case.
Some of the questions we recommend asking include:
- How do you assess the strength of my property damage case?
- What challenges do you expect and how will you address them?
- What is your fee structure and are there any additional costs I can expect?
- Can you provide examples of property damage cases you’ve handled successfully?
- How do you prefer to communicate with clients?
- What approach/strategy do you plan to use to pursue my claim?
Red flags to watch out for
You can watch for tell-tale signs that a property damage lawyer isn’t the best fit for your needs before you sign a contract for their services.
Pressuring you to sign a contract without giving you time to review the terms is one of the biggest red flags. A reputable attorney gives you the time and space needed to make an informed decision.
Other red flags include:
- Lack of transparency about their strategy for your case.
- Poor communication that includes unresponsiveness and lateness in responding to your inquiries.
- Unrealistic promises that guarantee a specific favorable outcome that doesn’t align with the merits of your case.
- Unwillingness to provide references of past clients.
Property damage lawyers you can trust
Don’t let the complexities of property damage claims overwhelm you. Reach out to schedule a free case evaluation with our property damage lawyers.
During your consultation, we’ll assess the specifics of your case, address your concerns, and provide a clear understanding of how we can navigate through it to achieve a favorable outcome.