If you’ve been involved in a car accident where the other driver was under the influence of alcohol, you should be confident about receiving compensation for any injuries they’ve caused. You can file a personal injury lawsuit with an accident attorney in Albuquerque, but before you do so, there are a few things you need to do to prepare.
Get a Copy of the Police Report
Written evidence from the authorities is important as they corroborate details expressed in court . If you can’t find an accident report, ensure one is filed immediately by calling your local police department. Be sure to check that all relevant details, such as the fact that the other driver was drunk at the wheel, are recorded.
Claim On Your Insurance First
Due to the potential costs involved, the courthouse should be your final port of call. Always attempt to reach a settlement through your insurance companies first. All drivers must carry a minimum amount when it comes to auto insurance, in New Mexico, the minimum amount for bodily injury to one person is $25,000. This may not cover the severity of your injuries and the time off work you’ve had to take as a result, but it’s worth filing a claim against the drunk driver’s insurance, for you may receive a reasonable settlement offer.
Check if the Driver has Been Convicted
If the driver has received a conviction for driving under the influence, it’s highly unlikely that their insurance company is going to put in the effort required to fight a lawsuit – if a jury is responsible for settling on a fee, they’ll usually side with the victim, and the insurance company will be hit with an exorbitant amount to pay in compensation. It’s best to check if the driver has been convicted before you act, and, if they have, you’re more likely to get a pre-court settlement out of the insurance company.
Here at Parnall Law Firm, we’ve helped thousands of DWI car accident victims get the compensation they deserve after they were harmed by drunk drivers. If you or someone you love has suffered because of the selfish and careless act of a drunk driver, we encourage you to contact us for your free initial consultation.
