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7 Ways Insurance Companies Interfere with Personal Injury Lawsuits

Written by bkwritingsupport on February 23, 2023. Posted in Personal Injury Case. Leave a Comment

Insurance companies interfere with personal injury lawsuits frequently. Dealing with them can further complicate the already complex process of filing a personal injury lawsuit in New Mexico. Unfortunately, insurance companies are not on the side of the victim in most personal injury cases. Their priority is to protect their bottom line, paying out as little as possible in damages.

In some extreme instances, insurance companies can interfere with resolution of a personal injury case if they feel the outcome isn’t in their best interest. In this blog, we discuss 7 ways insurance companies interfere with personal injury lawsuits and how personal injury attorneys can help.

1 – Conducting Surveillance

Insurance companies can – and do – hire private investigators to dig up any dirt they can find on the victims of a personal injury lawsuit. They can look for information that discredits the claim. Victims might be followed and photographed, or video recorded in public places.

Private detectives also might seek out witnesses and interview them in the hopes of finding an eyewitness account to discredit a personal injury claim.

Although they’re working for the defendants in the case, private investigators still must follow a code of conduct established under New Mexico statutes. If a private investigator is harassing you or engaging in other unethical behavior, you can report them to the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department.

2 – Denying or Delaying Claims

Another way insurance companies interfere with personal injury lawsuits is by denying or delaying claims. It’s a common tactic that’s intended to frustrate the victims, ultimately pressuring them into settling for less than their case is worth.

Insurance adjusters can dispute the severity of your injuries, who is at fault for the accident, and the amount in damages claimed as reasons for the hold up.

If someone else’s negligent behavior caused you serious harm, you have a right to fair compensation. Never talk to an insurance company for the at-fault party before consulting an attorney that specializes in personal injury lawsuits.

An arbitration agreement document with a judge's gavel sitting on top of it. Insurance companies try to force arbitration to settle personal injury lawsuits outside the courts. — Insurance companies can interfere with your personal injury lawsuit by trying to force arbitration.

3 – Enacting Arbitration Clauses

Some insurance companies include arbitration clauses in their policies that require binding arbitration for settling disputes. They may try to apply these clauses as a means of delaying a personal injury claim against one of their policyholders.

However, if you’re not the policyholder, you can’t be forced into arbitration instead of taking your complaint to court. Third-party insurance claims aren’t subject to arbitration clauses, so if an insurance company tries to use this as justification for denying or delaying a claim, contact a personal injury attorney right away.

4 – Hiring Defense Attorneys

Victims aren’t the only ones who hire attorneys to protect their rights. Sometimes insurance companies hire defense attorneys that specialize in representing defendants of personal injury cases. These attorneys can request depositions and subpoenas, or file motions to challenge your case.

Even if none of these defensive moves ultimately succeed, the goal is to delay a settlement or court judgment on the claim. Unfortunately, there’s not much you can do to prevent insurance companies from using this delay tactic. Just make sure you have legal representation to protect your rights.

5 – Offering Lowball Settlements

One of the reasons most personal injury lawyers tell victims to never talk to the at-fault party’s insurance company is to protect them from lowball settlements. Insurance companies try to convince you to take less than an amount that fully compensates you for your injuries and losses because it’s what’s best for them.

Sometimes if you refuse a proposed settlement, insurance companies may try to pressure you to change your mind by saying it’s a one-time offer. They may threaten that you can take it or leave it, but you won’t get another offer later if you refuse it.

Accepting a lowball offer is tempting, but don’t fall for this trick. You can end up with unpaid medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses that cause you financial hardship.

A woman in a medical gown sits on an exam table waiting for a doctor. Insurance companies can request medical exams to delay or deny personal injury lawsuits. — Defense attorneys for the at-fault party’s insurance company might request a medical examination with a doctor of their choosing.

6 – Requesting Medical Examinations

Insurance companies can request that victims undergo a medical exam by a doctor of their choosing. Even if you’ve already had medical treatment for your injuries by your primary care doctor or in an emergency room, they can still request their own evaluation.

What they’re trying to do is create reasonable doubt that the at-fault party caused your injuries, or that your injuries aren’t as severe as you’re claiming. Their medical examiner might look for a pre-existing condition they can blame on your injuries, or dispute that your injuries were caused by the accident.

7 – Using Social Media Against Victims

Insurance companies might monitor your social media accounts looking for information they can use to challenge your personal injury lawsuit. For instance, they might try to use photos they find of you engaging in certain activities that are inconsistent with your injury claims.

Even if you think your social media is set to private, insurance companies can gain access to your accounts by requesting it from the courts.

Protect Yourself from Insurance Company Interference

Protect yourself from insurance company interference by working with an experienced personal injury attorney who can protect your best interests. Schedule your free case evaluation today by calling 505-218-7844 or contacting us online.

5 Reasons New Mexico Insurance Companies Deny Claims

Written by bkwritingsupport on January 4, 2023. Posted in Personal Injury Case. Leave a Comment

New Mexico insurance companies deny claims for many reasons. Even when the accident wasn’t your fault, you may find yourself locked in a battle with your insurance company—or that of the at-fault driver—to get fair compensation for your injuries and damage to your vehicle.

Insurance companies protect their bottom lines. They go above and beyond to find ways to limit or outright deny injury and damage claims.

Accident victims need someone in their corner who knows all the tricks insurance companies deploy and can offer effective strategies to counter them.

In this blog, we’ll discuss 5 of the most common reasons New Mexico insurance companies deny claims and how an experienced personal injury lawyer in Albuquerque can help you get around them.

You didn’t report any pain or injuries at the crash site.
You didn’t call the police after the accident.
You were the only one injured in the accident.
Your injuries couldn’t have been caused by the accident.
You were partially at fault for the accident.

Reason #1 – You didn’t report any pain or injuries at the crash site

Insurance companies fall back on this excuse a lot because they often get away with using it as justification to deny claims. They may refer to an official police report to substantiate their refusal.

We advise auto accident victims to always seek medical treatment after an accident, even if they aren’t sure they are injured or experiencing any immediate discomfort. If an ambulance is at the scene, ask to be evaluated on site and transported to the nearest emergency room for further evaluation.

It’s not uncommon for auto accident victims to sustain injuries that don’t fully surface until days after the crash. Some injuries that can take time to produce symptoms include:

Concussions. It can be hours, days, or even weeks before you start to experience the tell-tale signs of a concussion—concentration problems, dizziness, headaches, nausea, vision problems.
Internal bleeding. Sometimes called “seatbelt syndrome,” internal bleeding can take up to 3 days to rear its ugly head after an auto accident.
Neck and back injuries. It can take days or weeks for you to notice symptoms of back or neck injuries like herniated discs or muscle strains and sprains.
Whiplash. Symptoms of this common neck injury from auto accidents can take days or weeks to surface after the crash.

New Mexico Insurance companies deny claims police report — Calling police to the scene of an accident ensures a police report is filed that can be used to prove your claim.

Reason #2 – You didn’t call the police after the accident

Documentation is important for backing up personal injury claims. Failure to call the police to the scene of an accident signals to insurance companies that it wasn’t serious enough to warrant an investigation.

Even if you’ve just had a fender-bender and your car can be driven from the scene, we recommend calling the police to report the crash. The official police report can establish responsibility for the crash, list any witnesses, and denote any injuries or pain you’re feeling. You can use it later as evidence if you must file a personal injury claim.

While it’s important to call the police, the absence of their presence at an accident scene doesn’t justify an insurance claim denial. If you receive treatment for any injuries, you can use those medical records to support your claim.

Reason #3 – You were the only one injured in the accident

This sounds like a lame excuse because it is. Yet, insurance companies often try to use it to deny claims. Depending on the point and velocity of the impact, it’s quite possible that not everyone in a vehicle gets hurt during a crash.

For instance, if a car runs a red light and collides with the driver’s side of your vehicle, the impact can cause the airbags on your side to deploy but not the ones on the passenger side. The force of an airbag deploying can damage your eyes, jaw, and nose. In some cases, it might even break ribs or cause blunt-force trauma injuries depending on how close you were to the steering wheel at the time of deployment.

New Mexico Insurance companies deny claims injuries — Don’t let an insurance company claim your injuries weren’t caused by the accident. Get documentation from a trusted physician.

Reason #4 – Your injuries couldn’t have been caused by the accident

It’s never a good thing when insurance adjusters play the role of a medical professional. This excuse for denying a claim comes into play when accident victims suffer a unique injury. Insurance companies may try to argue it couldn’t possibly have been caused by the auto accident and refuse to cover the costs of treatment and any ongoing pain and suffering.

Receiving a medical evaluation and treatment for your injuries as soon after the accident as possible can help counter this reason for a denial of your claim. Courts recognize that medical professionals are the experts. If a doctor documents your injury as caused by the automobile accident, you have a strong case for a personal injury claim that sticks.

Reason #5 – You were partially at fault for the accident

Let’s say you were driving a little too fast and failed to see a stop sign as you rounded a bend in an unfamiliar roadway. Your quick stopping action (to avoid running the stop sign) causes the car behind you to rear-end your vehicle.

Insurance companies might try to assert that your partial responsibility for the accident negates your right to file a claim for your injuries and damages to your vehicle. An experienced personal injury attorney in New Mexico can counter this argument to ensure you receive fair compensation.

Your actions do not change the fact the driver behind you didn’t have control of their vehicle and failed to stop. They may have been following your vehicle too closely to have enough time to react. This information can be used to fight the insurance company’s initial denial.

Don’t take no for an answer

Don’t back down when an insurance company denies your initial claim for coverage. You have rights under New Mexico personal injury laws. Our experienced personal injury attorneys can fight to receive fair compensation for you.

Never agree to any settlements or sign an acknowledgement of claim denial without first consulting with an attorney from our team. Reach out today to schedule your free case evaluation.

Sources

Herniated disk. mayoclinic.org. Accessed January 4, 2023.
Injuries associated with airbag deployment. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Accessed January 4, 2023.
Seat belt syndrome: Delayed or missed intestinal injuries, a case report and review of literature. sciencedirect.com. Accessed January 4, 2023.
Traumatic Brain Injury & Concussion. cdc.gov. Accessed January 4, 2023.
Whiplash Injury. hopkinsmedicine.org. Accessed January 4, 2023.

Nothing Says Merry Christmas Like a Lawsuit

Written by bkwritingsupport on December 20, 2022. Posted in Personal Injury Case. Leave a Comment

Holiday shopping? Check.

Buying all the ingredients for a holiday feast? Check.

Inviting friends and family over to celebrate? Check.

Hiring a personal injury lawyer? Say what, now?

The holiday season traditionally is a time for giving gifts, eating too much, and spending plenty of time with your loved ones. Sometimes, though, holidays can bring out the grinch in people. Encountering one of these individuals can bring the wrong kind of gifts to your holiday celebration – lawsuits.

Other times, you may find yourself injured because of someone else’s carelessness or negligence during the holidays. In that case, you may need to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible parties.

Here are some of the most common lawsuits filed during the holiday season and what you can do if you find yourself needing the services of an Albuquerque personal injury attorney this holiday season.

Christmas lawsuit car accident — Car crashes are one of the biggest contributors to holiday personal injury lawsuits.

Automobile accidents

AAA expects roughly 102 million Americans to drive to their holiday destinations this year. Your chances of getting into an automobile accident increase when there are more drivers on the roadways. Albuquerque is known for having some of the most dangerous roadways in the country. Whether you’re traveling 2 miles down the road to get that jar of gravy you forgot for your meal, or you’re driving 40 miles to grandma’s house, all it takes is one reckless driver to ruin your holiday.

If you become the victim of careless driving, protecting your rights is critical. Never agree to talk to insurance companies or attorneys for the at-fault party without first consulting an Albuquerque personal injury lawyer. Saying or doing the wrong thing can mean the difference between receiving fair compensation for your injuries and getting cheated by insurance and legal representatives protecting their client’s bottom line.

Christmas lawsuit office parties — Office parties can end in personal injury lawsuits, especially when alcohol is involved.

Holiday party injuries

‘Tis the season for holiday parties. Company parties can be lawsuits waiting to happen under certain conditions. Providing an open bar for employees is one of them.

Drunk individuals make poor choices that can include getting behind the wheel. If you serve alcohol as part of your holiday festivities at the office, do so knowing you’re liable if someone overindulges and causes a serious accident later while driving drunk.

Holiday party injuries don’t have to be limited to someone making the decision to drive drunk. People who have had too much alcohol become uncoordinated. It becomes more difficult for them to think and move at the same time. They may end up falling and getting seriously injured or causing injury to another party-goer. Again, your company may be liable for a personal injury lawsuit in these situations.

Eliminating or restricting alcohol at company parties is a smart move to protect yourself from personal injury lawsuits in Albuquerque.

Slips and falls

Slips and falls are other common injuries during the holidays. They can happen if the weather turns cold and a property owner fails to properly treat their sidewalks and driveway. Guests also can get hurt by tripping hazards in your home or business, including holiday decorations, cords for outdoor lights, and even toys opened and left lying around.

You can protect your home or business from personal injury lawsuits by ensuring all public areas are hazard-free. Keep outdoor areas safe by shoveling and salting (if necessary).

Unfortunately, this time of year can bring out scammers looking to cash in on slip-and-fall personal injury lawsuits. If you think you’re the victim of such a scam, it’s important to reach out to an Albuquerque personal injury lawyer who can assess the situation and help you determine the best steps to protect yourself.

Rely on experienced personal injury lawyers

If you’re the victim of someone else’s negligence this holiday season, you have recourse. Contacting an experienced personal injury attorney in Albuquerque is the first step you should take to protect your rights.

Bill Russell knows the ins and outs of personal injury law in Albuquerque. He can evaluate your case and make suggestions for the most effective strategy for receiving fair compensation. Reach out today to schedule your free consultation.

Hurt During the Holidays? We Can Help.

Written by bkwritingsupport on December 8, 2022. Posted in Personal Injury Case. Leave a Comment

Holidays are supposed to be filled with good tidings for comfort and joy. Sometimes, though, they can be filled with trips to the emergency room for treatment from holiday injuries. No one likes to think about getting hurt during the holidays, but it can happen when people engage in careless or negligent behavior.

Instead of spending time with family and friends, you can find yourself the victim in a personal injury claim. Holiday activities like decorating the exterior of your house and enjoying a family ski trip come with the risk of accidents and injuries.

Learn about some of the most common causes of personal injuries during the holidays, and what you can do to secure fair compensation if you fall victim this holiday season.

Common personal injury #1 – burns

Holidays mean spending time with family and friends. Most of the time, these get-togethers involve food. Burns from cooking accidents are one of the most common personal injuries during the holidays. Whether you’re deep-frying a turkey or retrieving roasted chestnuts from an open fire, the potential for serious burns exists.

It’s not always the host who ends up getting burned. If you’re a guest at someone’s home and you suffer burns because of improperly maintained firepits or fireplaces, you have a right to seek fair compensation for your injuries.

Hanging holiday lights without help can land you in the emergency room.

Common personal injury #2 – falls (and slips)

‘Tis the season for slips and falls. Sometimes these kinds of holiday accidents are because of your own carelessness. Maybe you climbed up a ladder to hang Christmas lights without someone there to help you and suffered a fall. It happens.

However, there are times when you can get seriously hurt on someone else’s property because they failed to properly maintain it during icy and snowy conditions. Icy driveways, sidewalks, and other walkways lead to roughly 3 million slip and fall injuries each year. You have rights if your holiday get-together is ruined because of your host’s poorly-maintained property.

Common personal injury #3 – respiratory injuries

Wintertime is a popular time for indoor fires. Who doesn’t enjoy sitting by a warm fire – natural wood or natural gas – while sipping a cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows and snacking on some holiday cookies?

That picturesque holiday scene quickly can turn into a respiratory injury if the fireplace is improperly configured or otherwise malfunctioning. Carbon monoxide inhalation causes more than 50,000 visits to the emergency room each year in the U.S. If you end up listed among the statistics, follow up with a personal injury lawyer to discuss your rights.

Car crashes are among the most common ways people get hurt during the holidays.

Common personal injury #4 – traffic accidents

Families travel during the holidays. Whether that’s just down the road to grandma’s house, or three states away for a holiday ski trip with your immediate loved ones, chances are you’ll be among the 109 million Americans traveling this holiday season.

All it takes is one careless driver to cause life-threatening injuries. You or your loved ones can suffer temporary or permanent disability – even death – if you encounter the wrong drivers during your holiday travels.

Car accident victims have a right to file personal injury claims in New Mexico. You have up to three years from the date of the accident to pursue fair compensation for your injuries.

Common personal injury #5 – winter sports accidents

Skating, skiing, sledding, snowboarding, and snowmobiling are just a few of the winter sports people enjoy together during the holidays. It can be easy to get injured doing any of these activities if you end up the unsuspecting recipient of faulty equipment.

If you end up hurt because of third-party negligence, you should speak with a personal injury attorney right away. They can help you secure fair compensation for your injuries.

Seek help for holiday personal injury claims

When you’re injured through no fault of your own during the holidays, it’s important to protect your rights. You’re not required to speak with attorneys or insurance companies representing the at-fault party. Never agree to a settlement without first consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney.

Bill Russell vigorously defends the rights of personal injury victims in Albuquerque and throughout New Mexico. Schedule a free case evaluation with him to review your personal injury case today.

5 Tips for Safe Thanksgiving Travel

Written by bkwritingsupport on November 22, 2022. Posted in Personal Injury Case. Leave a Comment

If you’re among the nearly 55 million Americans hitting the road this Thanksgiving holiday, you’re going to experience some crowded roadways. Taking a road trip of more than 50 miles always comes with challenges. Preserving your safety (and that of your passengers) is priority number one.

America’s roadways become more dangerous every year. Americans have a 1 in 63 chance of getting into a car accident.

There are things you can do to minimize the risk. Following these 5 tips for safe Thanksgiving travel can get you to your destination so you can enjoy the holiday with your family and friends.

Eating while behind the wheel can cause you to have a serious accident.

#1 – Avoid distracted driving

Distracted driving contributes to 9 percent of all fatal automobile accidents in the U.S. Another 15 percent of distracted driving crashes cause significant injuries. From eating while driving to talking or texting on your cell phone, turning your attention away from your driving for even a few seconds can have disastrous results.

The longer your travel time before arriving at your destination, the more tempted you can be to multitask behind the wheel. However, it’s not worth the risk to your safety and of others on the roadways.

If you must use your cell phone, pull off the road in a safe place. Never try to eat while driving, even if you think it can save you time on the roadway. Even if you order takeout, pull over and take the time to eat it before getting on your way again.

#2 – Don’t speed

Speeding is the number one factor in a third of all fatal accidents each year, according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA). It can be tempting to drive above the recommended speed limit, especially if you are worried about being late for a family gathering or other holiday event.

It’s better to arrive late than not at all, so resist the temptation to go faster than is safe for the road conditions. At a speed of 60 miles per hour, it takes roughly 140 feet to come to a full stop after hitting the brake. Be sure to follow the speed limit and practice following a safe distance from the vehicle in front of yours.

“Drinksgiving” is the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, which is a popular time to drink in the U.S.

#3 – Never drive under the influence

The Wednesday before Thanksgiving has become known as “Blackout Wednesday” – or “Drinksgiving” – because of its popularity for alcohol consumption. Traveling during this period can increase the likelihood of sharing the roadways with drunk drivers.

If you plan to celebrate Wednesday evening, drink responsibly by not getting behind the wheel of your car. Also, never get into a car with someone who is planning to drive after drinking. Make alternative arrangements like hailing a cab or using a ride share service.

Avoid impaired drivers when possible if you encounter them on the roadways. Note the make and model of their vehicle (and license plate if possible) and call 911 to report them so the police can get them off the roadways.

#4 – Practice some patience

No one likes to get stuck in traffic, especially when traveling for the holidays. The likelihood of experiencing heavy traffic and delays on your journey is high during the Thanksgiving holiday. Practicing some patience can help avoid incidents of road rage.

If you encounter another driver experiencing road rage, call 911 immediately. Never try to engage with the person, especially if their anger seems directed toward you.

Take frequent breaks when driving long distances to prevent drowsiness.

#5 – Take frequent breaks

Traveling long distances can make you tired mentally and physically. Taking frequent breaks can help prevent drowsiness behind the wheel, which leads to 100,000 crashes, 71,00 injuries, and 1,500 fatalities each year on U.S. roadways.

If you’re traveling with a passenger of legal driving age, take turns behind the wheel. Never rely on caffeinated beverages to give you the stamina to keep going if you’re becoming tired. Caffeine provides a temporary energy boost but is not a long-term replacement for proper rest.

Protecting your rights in a traffic accident

If you’re the victim of a careless driver during the Thanksgiving holiday, you have rights. It’s important not to make a mistake after an accident that can limit your ability to sue for fair compensation.

Contacting a personal injury lawyer in Albuquerque is one of the first steps you should take to protect your rights after a traffic accident. Never talk to the insurance company for the at-fault driver or agree to any kind of settlement without first speaking to a personal injury attorney.

5 Hidden Injuries from Car Accidents

Written by bkwritingsupport on October 20, 2022. Posted in Personal Injury Case. Leave a Comment

Hidden injuries from car accidents can cause debilitating symptoms for crash victims. It’s one of the many reasons why you should get checked by a medical practitioner following an auto collision. Self-checks – including medical evaluations by emergency medical technicians at the scene – can miss these hidden injuries.

You may be lulled into a false sense of security, thinking you’re fine when you have concealed trauma. Those injuries might not become physically obvious for hours, days, or even weeks after an accident.

Even after a minor fender-bender, consider visiting a local emergency room or your primary care doctor for a thorough examination. It may seem like an overreaction, but a medical professional familiar with hidden injuries from car accidents is more likely to spot any of these serious conditions.

1 – Internal injuries

Airbags and seatbelts save lives during car accidents. However, they can cause some hidden injuries in the process. These safety devices accomplish the greater task of preserving your life by holding you in your seat. Depending on the force of impact during the collision, the restraint can cause extensive trauma to your internal organs.

The pressure from your seatbelt can cause internal bleeding, which is life-threatening. You may not have any immediate symptoms, so it can be easy to think you’re fine when you’re not.

Some of the warning signs of internal bleeding include:

Abdominal pain.
Chest pain.
Dizziness.
Low blood pressure.
Numbness in the extremities.
Severe headache.
Weakness on one side of your body.
Vision problems.

Get to an emergency room immediately if you have any of these symptoms in the hours or days after a car crash. You could be dealing with a hidden injury.

hidden injuries car accidents neck injury — Whiplash can be a common hidden injury in car accidents. It can take days to surface sometimes.

2 – Neck injuries

Whiplash can be common among car crash victims. During a collision, the force of impact creates a whipping action between your head and neck. Whiplash causes soft tissue damage that might not be immediately detected.

If in the days following a car crash you begin to experience these signs or symptoms, it’s a good idea to get checked by a medical practitioner:

Dizziness.
Headaches.
Neck pain and stiffness.
Tenderness in your arms, shoulders, or upper back.
Loss of range of motion in your neck.

Treatment can include physical therapy and pain management techniques to resolve whiplash sooner.

3 – Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

While not a physical injury, posttraumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, can happen after a car accident. It’s a hidden psychological injury that can sometimes get overlooked.

Depending on the severity of the crash, victims can be left traumatized by what they’ve witnessed. PTSD can be more common in automobile accidents with fatalities.

It can take days or weeks for PTSD to surface. If you begin to experience any of these symptoms after a car crash, it’s time to see a mental health expert:

Anxiety
Depression
Flashbacks
Nightmares
Phobias

4 – Soft tissue damage

You may not be thinking about your ankles, back, feet, or knees after a car accident, but they can be the location of soft tissue damage that cause pain or mobility issues later. Other places that can experience soft tissue injuries are your elbows, shoulders, and wrists.

It might take a few days for soft tissue damage from a car accident to surface, but when it does, you can experience any of the following symptoms:

You can’t bear weight on the injured area.
You experience joint instability.
You have knots or lumps at the injury site.
You have limited range of motion.
You have muscle cramps or spasms.
You have swelling at the injury site.

Call your doctor right away if any of these signs surface after a car accident. They may prescribe pain management strategies that include medications and physical therapy.

TBI hidden injuries car accidents — TBIs are among hidden injuries from car accidents. TBI can only be detected with a CT scan or MRI.

5 – Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Brain injuries can be scary. They also can be common after a serious car crash. Whiplash, which we mentioned earlier, can cause concussions and TBIs that go unnoticed at first. If you lose consciousness during a crash, you should automatically be evaluated for brain injuries.

However, it’s possible to get a concussion or a TBI without losing consciousness. Symptoms of concussion and TBI that signal it’s time to get a medical evaluation include:

Confusion
Dizziness
Headache
Memory loss
Nausea
Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

It can be difficult to tell the difference between a concussion and TBI because they share some common symptoms. TBI has lasting cognitive effects that impact daily living. If you start to have any of these symptoms, it could be a warning that you’re suffering from a hidden TBI:

A decreased awareness of yourself and others.
A failure to follow multiple-step directions.
An inability to understand abstract concepts.
A shortened attention span.

CT scans and MRIs are the only way to determine if you have hidden brain injuries from a car accident.

How to handle hidden injuries from car accidents

Seeking medical attention right after a car accident can help identify hidden injuries. It also can provide valuable documentation needed if you decide to file a personal injury claim against the at-fault party.

Car crash victims should consult with a personal injury attorney experienced in handling hidden injuries from car accidents to ensure their rights are protected.

Avoid These 5 Mistakes After an Accident

Written by bkwritingsupport on October 4, 2022. Posted in Personal Injury Case. Leave a Comment

No one starts their day off expecting to get into an automobile accident. Most people go to great lengths to avoid it by practicing safe driving techniques behind the wheel. Despite your best laid plans, all it takes is one careless driver to turn an otherwise pleasant outing into a serious crash.

Albuquerque has a lot of busy roadways, including the infamous “Big I” intersection of I-25 and I-40. It’s one of the most dangerous intersections in the country because of the amount of traffic that travels through there each day.

If you’re unfortunate enough to be in an accident anywhere in New Mexico, it’s important not to make these 5 common mistakes as a car crash victim. If you do, it can affect the outcome of a future personal injury lawsuit should you suffer long-term effects from the accident.

mistakes after accident call police — Calling the police ensures you get an accident report that lists the at-fault party.

Mistake #1: Not calling the police

When an accident is serious enough to cause injuries and disrupt the normal flow of traffic, the police must be called to conduct an official report and direct traffic if necessary. Even if you aren’t seriously injured (or don’t think you are at the time), it’s important to still contact the police to come and provide a written report of the accident.

The police can conduct an official investigation and create an accident report that details who was at fault in the accident. Official police reports can be valuable supporting evidence if you later file a personal injury lawsuit in Albuquerque or anywhere else in New Mexico.

accident mistakes witness information — Failing to get witnesses’ contact information can hurt your personal injury claim.

Mistake #2: Not getting witness information

Getting the contact information for any witnesses to an accident is another reason to call the police to the scene. Police officers can talk to witnesses and make note of how to find them in the future should they need further information.

Your personal injury attorney can use crash witnesses to pursue a personal injury claim in Albuquerque. Witness statements and testimony can be particularly useful if there is a question about who was at fault. Without witnesses to back up your claims, the at-fault party’s insurance company can create a narrative that puts you fully or partially at fault for the accident.

Mistake #3: Failing to get a crash report

Remember when we said it was a good idea to call the police to the scene of an accident, even if you don’t think you’re seriously hurt? It doesn’t do you much good to have the police investigate and file a report if you forget to get a copy of that report.

Most police departments provide both parties with a summary of the accident report on the scene. At the very least, they’ll give you their card so you can contact them or their department later.

If you’ve forgotten to get a police report for your accident, let your personal injury attorney know right away. They can reach out to the police to review the report and ensure all information contained in it is correct.

Mistake #4: Failing to seek immediate medical attention

Even if you think you’re OK after an accident, it’s important to be checked out by a medical professional. You could have a hidden injury that takes a few days to surface. Among the most common include:

Concussions.
Herniated disks.
Internal bleeding or damage to internal organs.
Soft tissue injuries to ankles, elbows, feet, knees, and shoulders.
Whiplash.

If you have a serious hidden injury like a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) or internal bleeding, those conditions can become life-threatening if misdiagnosed or ignored.

Getting a medical evaluation right after the accident also can help in a personal injury claim. It provides supporting evidence of your physical trauma that can be used by a personal injury attorney to seek fair compensation for your injuries.

car accident victim personal injury attorney call — Calling a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after an accident can help crash victims protect their rights.

Mistake #5: Failing to call a personal injury attorney immediately

Accident victims can sometimes make the mistake of trusting the insurance companies – theirs and the at-fault party’s – of doing the right thing after an accident. Insurance companies sometimes lowball accident victims with settlement offers that require you to sign away your rights to pursue additional compensation later.

Never talk to an insurance company or agree to a settlement without first talking to an experienced personal injury attorney. Your attorney serves as your official negotiator and can determine if it’s in your best interest to accept a settlement or push for additional compensation.

How a personal injury attorney can help

Consulting with a personal injury attorney in Albuquerque can help crash victims avoid these five common mistakes. Bill Russell has represented injured people and their families for years throughout the state of New Mexico. He goes the extra mile to stand up for automobile accident victims, ensuring they receive fair compensation for their injuries.

Book a free case evaluation with Bill and the team at Cameron & Russell Law today to get started.

Driverless Trucks Increase the Risk of Crashes

Written by bkwritingsupport on July 5, 2022. Posted in Personal Injury Case. Leave a Comment

Driverless trucks are part of the push toward automation in the United States. With the truck driver shortage continuing, some companies have developed autonomous trucks that can handle the task without a human behind the wheel. While most people are familiar with other kinds of self-driving vehicles, many may be uncomfortable with the idea of an 80,000 pound fully loaded tractor trailer driving itself.

Yet, in the U.S., it’s estimated that 90 percent of all long-haul trucking may soon be done without drivers. One company, TuSimple, already has an autonomous truck performing depot-to-depot runs in Arizona and Texas. The San Diego-based company said it plans to use driverless trucks to improve safety and efficiency in the trucking industry.

How safe are you on the roadways with self-driving trucks? Considering self-driving cars caused nearly 400 crashes in less than a year in the U.S., it’s understandable that you might be concerned about autonomous trucks.

Drivers who are injured because of autonomous trucking technology have rights. You can speak with a personal injury attorney in Albuquerque, who can help you receive fair compensation for your injuries and property damage.

Driverless trucks are on the nation’s highways, increasing the risk of truck crashes.

How safe are autonomous trucks?

The answer to this question is still relatively unknown, as most companies pursuing the technology are still testing their autonomous trucks. During the testing phase, a human driver is behind the wheel, ready to take over if there is an issue with the automated system.

Torq Robotics, an autonomous vehicle company in Albuquerque, said that its goal is to reduce trucking accidents by eliminating the human error component. The company has an advisory council that oversees working relationships with fleets and logistics suppliers.

At the moment, self-driving trucks and their testing are limited to the Sun Belt states because the technology doesn’t perform well in bad weather like snowstorms and fog.

What are the risks to other drivers?

Tech companies working to develop and market autonomous trucks claim they have many benefits. What are the risks to other drivers? One of the biggest downfalls is software failure. Driverless trucks are controlled by complicated software programs designed to replace a human behind the wheel. If that software fails, the truck can malfunction, losing the ability to brake or steer.

Another potential risk is autonomous vehicles can be susceptible to hacking. Cyberattacks could focus on the truck’s software, which controls the navigation system. If an unauthorized person gained control of the program running the truck, they could disable it or cause disruptions that compromise the safety of everyone and everything in the truck’s path.

Lastly, another danger of autonomous trucks is the artificial intelligence that runs them lacks the ability to predict human error on the roadways. So, while a human truck driver might anticipate the car in front of him not using a turn signal correctly, a driverless truck might misinterpret the signs, causing a rear-end collision.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is one of the most serious kinds of injuries autonomous trucks can cause if you’re involved in a crash with one.

What kinds of injuries can autonomous trucks cause?

Driverless trucks can cause the same kinds of injuries to other drivers as those experienced when a truck crash happens when a human is in the truck’s cab. Due to the size and weight of most tractor trailers, they can cause significant bodily harm and damage to your property.

The most serious physical injuries you can suffer include brain and head injuries which can leave you permanently disabled or, in a worst-case scenario, dead. Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) physically damage the brain. You can suffer from headaches, memory and mood problems, and sleep disturbances after suffering a brain injury.

Some other devastating physical injuries from truck accidents include:

Back and neck trauma that can lead to whiplash, bulging discs, and other painful injuries.
Broken bones that can cause lifelong pain and suffering.
Burns that can be challenging to treat or require plastic surgery.
Lacerations and puncture wounds to the face or body that can cause disfigurement.
Spinal cord injuries that can leave you with paraplegia or quadriplegia.

It’s not uncommon for wrongful death lawsuits to happen after accidents with trucks. If you or someone you love dies because of a malfunctioning autonomous truck, there is legal recourse.

Can you sue a driverless trucking company?

As with any kind of personal injury because of someone else’s negligence or carelessness, you can sue a driverless trucking company if you’re involved in a serious crash with one of their trucks. The knowledgeable personal injury attorneys at Cameron & Russell understand the devastation that trucking accidents can cause. They’re here to help you receive fair compensation for your injuries.

You can request a free consultation to discuss your case by calling 505-218-7844 or requesting a free consultation online.

I Can’t Drive My Car. Now What?

Written by bkwritingsupport on June 27, 2022. Posted in Uncategorized. Leave a Comment

Getting into an automobile accident can leave you with debilitating injuries. It’s easy to focus on receiving compensation for lost wages and your pain and suffering since they are immediate needs. Don’t forget about recouping the loss of your vehicle.

It may be weeks or even months before you can drive again, so the condition of your vehicle (and whether it’s a complete loss or can be repaired) may be the furthest thing from your mind. Waiting to act can leave you stranded without transportation.

Property damage liability for car accidents

Automobile insurance providers require property damage liability coverage. It pays for any damages to another person’s property when you’re involved in an accident. Other vehicles, homes, fences, and any personal property inside the vehicle at the time of the accident are included under property damage liability insurance.

Sometimes the insurance payout doesn’t adequately cover all damage costs. When that happens, you can sue for the balance.

rear-end car crash with two cars on the highway — When the at-fault party’s property damage liability coverage falls short of covering your damages, a property damage liability claim can help recoup the balance.

Property damage liability vs. collision coverage

There’s a difference between property damage liability and collision coverage for automobiles. Property damage liability pays for repairs when you destroy someone else’s property. Collison coverage pays to repair your vehicle (after the deductible) if you’re the at-fault party or the other driver doesn’t have insurance coverage.

Auto insurance requirements in New Mexico dictate that all drivers must carry insurance coverage while behind the wheel. 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.

Additional coverage for physical damage is available and advisable if you have a newer vehicle. Insurance agents can best advise on how much coverage is needed. Keep in mind that just because you’re well-insured doesn’t mean the at-fault driver in the crash carries the same coverage. That’s when it’s time to consult an attorney skilled in property damage liability cases.

Property damage claims vs. personal injury claims

Some accident victims mistakenly assume that a personal injury claim covers the loss of their vehicle. Not true. The only commonality between personal injury and property damage claims is that they often come from the same incident. However, they require very different courses of legal action to recoup your losses.

Personal injury claims address things like medical treatment for your injuries and any ongoing care required to fully recover. They also can seek reimbursement for lost wages and fair compensation for your pain and suffering.

Property damage claims strictly cover damage to your property, including your vehicle and any personal effects inside that were destroyed during the accident.

Not all attorneys handle property damage claims. At Cameron & Russell, our attorneys are skilled in both personal injury and property damage lawsuits. We can ensure you’re fully covered on both fronts if a lawsuit becomes necessary.

Finding a replacement vehicle can be a nightmare in today’s market. Used cars are going for 40% more than just two years ago.

Property damage claims: four factors

If you’ve decided to consult with an attorney about recouping the difference between the damage amount and what the insurance pays, there are four factors your attorney considers when preparing your car accident property damage claim.

Your vehicle’s diminished value

When you’re involved in an accident – even when someone else is at fault – your vehicle loses value. All accidents reported to insurance companies and police departments are added to your CARFAX history report. Your vehicle is worth less at resale or trade-in time thanks to someone else’s carelessness. You can recoup those costs as part of a property damage claim.

Your loss of use costs

Losing the use of your vehicle might be the furthest thing from your mind after an accident, especially if you have serious injuries. You’re unlikely to think about it until you need reliable transportation and don’t have it. Some families only have one vehicle, so loss of use can be devastating.

A competent property damage attorney can include loss of use costs into a claim against the at-fault driver. The sooner action is taken, the better the outcome.

Your total repair costs

If the insurance company doesn’t deem your vehicle a total loss, it may offer a settlement amount for making repairs. Oftentimes, the sum they suggest doesn’t cover the cost of all repairs. The last thing you need is to pay the balance when someone else was at fault for the damages.

Never pay out of pocket when this happens. Experienced property damage liability attorneys know how to go after the responsible party for the difference.

Your total loss value

One of the worst things that can happen is to have a vehicle end up a total loss after an accident. Then, you’re stuck trying to find a replacement. Insurance companies may not pay for the full value of your car. Even if they do, it still may not be enough to find a suitable replacement in today’s marketplace, where the value of used cars has jumped more than 40 percent.

Filing a car accident property damage claim is your best recourse. Your attorney can negotiate a higher settlement to ensure you don’t have to pay out of pocket to replace your damaged property.

Rely on the personal injury experts

Not many personal injury law attorneys bother with advising their clients about the importance of addressing the damage to their vehicles during case consultations. Some don’t see it as worth their effort because it’s not a money-making service.

Bill Russell cares about his clients and wants to ensure they have all the help they need following a car accident.

Picnic fun without the lawsuits

Written by bkwritingsupport on June 8, 2022. Posted in Personal Injury Case. Leave a Comment

June 11 is national corn on the cob day. It’s not the only food-themed national holiday this month. There are days for German chocolate cake, peanut butter cookies, and even strawberry shortcake. All of these are perfect picnic foods.

Picnics are part of summertime fun for many people. Avoiding the personal injury and premises liability lawsuits that can come with them isn’t difficult when you practice some basic safety guidelines.

Backyard parties and premises liability

Premises liability is the legal term for a property owner’s responsibility to take reasonable precautions to ensure the safety of guests and other visitors. If you ignore an issue, hazard, or danger that leads to the serious injury or death of someone on your property, you’ll be accountable under premises liability laws in New Mexico.

While it may make you feel like a Debbie Downer, it’s important to establish rules and make sure you guests follow them to ensure everyone’s safety. Here are some other things you can do to reduce your liability risk.

Choose physical activities wisely

Outdoor picnics lend themselves to games and other physical activities. Some are more dangerous than others and should be avoided if you want to avoid the possibility of accidents and injuries. Watersports and other swimming pool games can be fun, but they also increase the risk of someone getting hurt. It’s best to avoid these types of activities, especially if alcohol is involved.

Establish a safety perimeter

Most outdoor parties involve grilling food or having some kind of bonfire for roasting hotdogs and marshmallows. Establishing a safety perimeter around your grill can keep your guests safe and you free from lawsuits. Outdoor grilling accidents send thousands of Americans to the emergency room each summer. The numbers increase when those in charge of grilling indulge in alcoholic beverages until they’re drunk.

Whether your party guests are adults, children, or a mix of both, make sure you keep people away from the grill – or a bonfire – when it’s in operation. Make the grill or bonfire a “no-kid zone” and don’t make any exceptions. Lastly, keep people from horsing around near the grill or bonfire.

Install extra lighting

If your party extends into the evening hours, installing extra lighting can help prevent slip-and-fall accidents that lead to serious injuries. This precaution is especially important if you have a swimming pool on your property that guests can use during the festivities.

Lighting along areas that can be tripping hazards – patio pavers, sidewalks, stairways – should be a priority.

Limit guests to no more than 2 alcoholic beverages an hour and cut off anyone who appears visibly drunk.

Limit alcoholic beverages

Any time you introduce alcohol at a party, you open yourself up to liability issues. Guests who don’t know when to stop drinking can become belligerent and injure themselves or others. If you own a swimming pool, drinking at picnics and other gatherings can increase the risks of one of your guests drowning, or slipping and falling poolside.

Limiting or completely excluding alcoholic beverages from your party can reduce your liability risks. If you just can’t go without alcohol, be willing to cut off your guests if they run the risk of becoming so drunk it affects their judgment and everyone’s safety.

Practice food safety guidelines

Swimming pools and other outdoor hazards aren’t the only things you must monitor closely when hosting a summer picnic or outdoor party. If you plan to serve food, you’ll want to make sure you follow food safety guidelines to avoid giving any of your guests food poisoning. As a rule, you should:

Avoid cross-contamination when preparing foods, especially foods on the grill. Never use the same utensils for cutting or priming meats and other food products.
Keep cold foods cold by placing them in a cooler with ice. Store it at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower to prevent bacteria growth. Make sure cooler lids stay closed to maintain ideal temperatures.
Keep hot foods hot by wrapping them well and placing them in an insulated container. Hot food must be kept at around 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Never let it sit out for more than 2 hours (1 hour if the temperature is 90 degrees or higher) without refrigerating.
Use a food thermometer to ensure you’re cooking meats and other raw foods to a safe temperature for consumption.

How to handle negligent party hosts

If you attend a backyard party or picnic and the hosts fail in their duty to provide a reasonably secure environment, you can discuss your legal options with one of our experienced premises liability lawyers. Give us a call at 505-218-7844 or request your free case evaluation online.

Tag: personal injury claim