If you have been injured in an 18-wheeler crash near Roswell, New Mexico, you are likely wondering what your next steps should be. In addition to dealing with your injuries, you may be facing a number of unforeseen financial stresses. You could be considering legal action to help recover these costs, but where should you start?
New Mexico attorney James Shaw can help. Mr. Shaw has thirty years of experience assisting clients like yourself in attaining the compensation that they deserve for their injuries, and it all starts with knowing what to do after an 18-wheeler crash in Roswell.
Seek Medical AttentionA truck accident can cause serious injuries that, left untreated, will significantly affect your health. While some injuries may be obvious, such as deep cuts or broken bones, spinal and musculoskeletal injuries such as whiplash, CTE, or concussion may occur without you even realizing and can cause ongoing complications. Even if you feel okay, seek medical attention immediately to make sure that these injuries are treated as soon as possible.
Schedule Free Consultations with Roswell injury lawyersWhile it may seem early in the process, an experienced 18 wheeler accident lawyer in Roswell will be crucial for helping you through the rest of your legal process. To make an informed hiring decision, try scheduling free consultations. In these meetings, you can talk to an attorney and inquire about their level of experience and how they might approach your case.
Make sure to hire someone with experience representing clients after 18-wheeler accidents and who explains why they believe your case to be viable. You might also consider hiring someone who works on contingency, as you will not be responsible for legal fees if your claim is unsuccessful.
Gather EvidenceYour lawyer will assist you in collecting the evidence that you need to argue that the other party was guilty of negligence and thus owes compensation for your injuries. This will include filling out an accident report and cataloguing the extent of your injuries and damage to your vehicle. This is a major step of the process, as it will help you to determine how much you will claim in damages. At this step, having experienced legal counsel will be helpful.
File Your Claim
Presenting your claim to your opposition and their insurer will open up negotiations. It will be necessary to have a knowledgeable Roswell injury lawyer by your side for this step, as they will be able to compellingly present your evidence and use it to negotiate. A good lawyer will also know whether a settlement is reasonable or whether you are likely to be entitled to more, and can advise you on whether or not to settle. Most claims are settled out of court, but if you are not able to do so, you may have to move onto the next step.
File a LawsuitA lawsuit turns your claim into an official legal action to be decided upon in court. However, most personal injury lawsuits are still settled outside of court, so you might think of the act of filing as a further negotiation technique to show that you are serious about your claim. The process of filing a lawsuit is long and involved, and the assistance of an 18 wheeler accident lawyer in Roswell will make it much easier for you to navigate.
Selecting the Right 18 Wheeler Accident AttorneyNew Mexico attorney James Shaw is here to help you through the difficult legal process. Mr. Shaw works on commission, and his record shows his dedication to his clients. To begin your process of financial recovery after an 18-wheeler crash in Roswell, call 1-800-555-0101 for your free consultation today.