When seeking compensation from property owners or other liable parties following an accident on another’s property, there are certain critical mistakes to avoid in an Albuquerque premises liability case. Working with an experienced premises liability attorney like the team here at New Mexico Accident Firm, you could identify liable parties and seek total compensation while effectively avoiding these mistakes.
The following are some of the main mistakes to avoid before filing a premises liability case in Albuquerque:
One big mistake that accident victims can make is waiting too long to seek professional medical care. Even a seemingly minor injury in a slip and fall accident could turn out to be serious, and it will be harder to prove that the accident caused the injury the longer you wait to see a doctor.
Another critical error is leaving the scene of the accident immediately after it occurs. Instead, you should report the accident to property management, owners, or staff as soon as possible to draft an incident report, which could serve as evidence in a claim. Also, it is important to take photos and collect other evidence immediately after the accident if possible.
You should never admit fault in any capacity, as this could seriously compromise their case. Even saying I’m sorry after an accident could imply fault and make it significantly harder to prove that a property owner or another party was liable.
In addition to the above initial mistakes to avoid in premises liability cases in Albuquerque, here are some to watch for when negotiating with insurers:
Insurance adjusters may seem to be amiable and eager to help individuals get total compensation for their injuries, but the fact is that they work for the insurance company. As such, they will want to do what they can to minimize payouts or deny claims, and they will often attempt to get you to accept the first offer.
However, that initial offer is often far lower than the case’s actual worth, and accepting this offer could eliminate the chance to seek future compensation.
Generally, it is in your best interests to work with an experienced attorney to help navigate insurance claims. Our attorneys know the kinds of tactics adjusters use to get claimants to accept low offers or even incriminate themselves and make them appear liable, even if they were not.
An attorney can learn the value of a case and continually negotiate to reach a fair settlement.
Knowing the mistakes to avoid in an Albuquerque premises liability case is crucial in helping you build a strong claim or lawsuit. If you need some assistance with a case and want to find out what kind of compensation you might be able to recover, it helps to work with an experienced and knowledgeable lawyer. At NMAF, you will be able to determine what options you have and navigate a potential case.
Contact an attorney today to discuss a possible claim or lawsuit in a free consultation.
