Car, Motorcycle & Trucking Accidents

04/11/17

Car, Motorcycle, and Trucking Accidents

A car accident can happen in a matter of seconds, but an injury from a car accident can last a lifetime. At the Branch Law Firm, our Albuquerque car accident lawyers understand the needs of people who suffer from injuries. We know the difficulty of dealing with a loss and at the same time, having to fight the insurance adjuster for what you need.

Do Not Retain a Law Firm Who Does Not Have Their Own Investigator.

The Branch Law Firm believes in the early investigation of all car, trucking, and motorcycle accidents. We have an investigator on our staff who was a police officer and accident reconstruction expert with the Albuquerque Police Department for several years. Not only will he go to the scene of the accident, but he will also go to the wrecking yard to inspect the cars, trucks, or motorcycles involved in the accident. In one example, our investigator was able to capture photos of an illegal substance that had been overlooked in the cab of a truck that had caused the accident.  Our investigator can communicate with the officers who investigated the initial accident. He will also take the time to personally interview any and all witnesses to the accident early on while the accident is still fresh on their minds. His experience and expertise enable him to reconstruct the accident independently.

The Process:

When an accident occurs, it is very critical that you call the Branch Law Firm, so we may take the steps necessary to preserve the evidence. As soon as you decide to hire us, we will schedule a time to do an in-person or telephone conference to discuss the details of the accident. The Branch Law Firm can and will obtain a copy of the police report. It takes approximately a week for the police report to be available.

The two most important sections of the police report are the citation section and the section outlining the contributing causes. Our attorneys will explain to you in detail the importance of the two sections.

The following details are examples of what will be discussed about the accident:

  1. Who was driving?
  2. Who were the passengers?
  3. Where were you going?
  4. How long had you been driving?
  5. What speed were you traveling?
  6. When did the driver first see the other vehicle?
  7. What steps did you/driver take to avoid the accident?

If you have photos of the scene of the accident or the vehicles involved, make sure to mention that and bring them with you to the meeting. If you have auto insurance, please be ready to provide proof to your attorney.

DO NOT GIVE ANY STATEMENTS TO AN INSURANCE ADJUSTER WITHOUT YOUR ATTORNEY PRESENT.

At the initial meeting with one of our attorneys, they will discuss the fee agreement between you and the Branch Law Firm. Most law firms will charge you a one-third contingency fee agreement. This means that if there is a settlement or verdict you will receive two-thirds of the amount rewarded, minus costs. We do not charge hourly rates or any upfront cost. We don’t get paid unless you get paid. If any other attorney out there attempts to take more than a one-third fee division, find another attorney.

Our attorneys will provide you with a questionnaire which needs to be filled out by you or with your assistance. Additionally, you will be asked to sign some HIPPA compliant medical authorizations, so the attorney may obtain your medical records.

YOU MUST FOLLOW YOUR DOCTORS ADVICE. YOU MUST NOT MISS ANY DOCTOR APPOINTMENTS.

If your injuries require chiropractic care or physical therapy, you must attend your appointments. It is important that you do everything you can to improve your condition.

Our attorneys will work with the insurance adjuster to resolve issues concerning property damage and payment of medical bills. After you received your MMI (Maximum Medical Improvements) status, your attorney will prepare a settlement demand. Your attorney will negotiate with the insurance adjuster to try and settle your accident case. The negotiations can sometimes take months to complete. In the event the insurance company will not offer you a fair settlement, your attorney will then file a lawsuit. Filing a lawsuit does not mean that the case will not reach a settlement. Typically auto accident cases reach a settlement before going to trial.

The Branch Law Firm will represent you and stand by you through every step of the process.

If you or someone you love was injured in a car accident due to someone else’s carelessness, call the Branch Law Firm for a free consultation. Our experienced Albuquerque personal injury attorney will help you get the compensation you deserve.

Call 505-243-3500 or visit BranchLawFirm.com