Why you need a personal injury attorney after an accident?

If you’ve been in a crash or hurt in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, here’s something you need to know: the insurance company is not on your side. Their job is to protect their bottom line—not to help you. From the moment your accident happens, they’re building a case to pay you as little as possible.

That’s why it’s so important to talk to a personal injury attorney early on. I’ve worked with many people who could have protected themselves better—or gotten a much bigger settlement—if they had just called a lawyer first.

Let me tell you a few stories to explain why it matters.

Story #1: Settling Too Soon

A person called me after they were hit by a drunk driver. In New Mexico, getting hit by a drunk driver can mean you’re entitled to even more money. Even if you can’t find the other driver’s insurance.

But here’s the problem:

They were still getting medical treatment and had already settled their case. They took the insurance company’s first offer and signed the settlement agreement. Then they called me to try to sue for more.

It was too late at that point.

They might have been able to get a lot more if they had waited, especially since they were still hurt. Insurance companies want you to settle early, before you know how bad your injuries are. Once you sign, you can’t go back. I tell clients all the time. Ask insurance for a couple hundred dollars, they will probably take it, but you will be left without money for your injuries. They want the case to be over!

You have three years in New Mexico to file a claim (unless it involves a government agency). So don’t rush into a settlement, especially while you’re still treating your injuries.

Story #2: The Smart Client Who Almost Took Too Little

Another client came to me after the insurance company offered her $12,000–$15,000. That might sound like a lot, and she was close to being fully healed, but her medical bills alone were over $20,000.

The insurance company hadn’t even truly offered to cover all her bills.

She was a smart, capable person. But even with her background, she didn’t realize how much she was actually owed. Once I stepped in:

• I gathered her records

• I got some of her insurance liens waived

• I helped her multiply her recovery nearly tenfold

And all she had to do was talk to me and give the process a little time.

You don’t need to be an expert to get help. And even if you are knowledgeable, a personal injury attorney can help you value your pain, understand what your case is worth, and avoid settling for too little.

People Struggle to Value Their Own Pain

Here’s something I see all the time: people underestimate their own suffering.

They just want to move on. They don’t want to dwell on what happened. But when you’re building a personal injury case, your past does matter.

That’s why I ask clients to write down what they’re feeling. Keep a journal. Track what you can no longer do. Because if you forget, the insurance company certainly isn’t going to remind you. I will.

Finding Hidden Insurance Coverage

I had a client who thought the at-fault driver had only $100,000 in insurance. They were ready to demand that amount and move on.

But I did some digging and found $250,000 in available coverage.

That’s an extra $150,000 they would’ve left on the table.

A personal injury attorney can find hidden policies, umbrella coverage, or other sources of compensation that most people don’t know how to look for.

Even “Small” Injuries Can Be Worth Something

One of my clients walked away from a bad crash without major injuries. He only went to the doctor twice, and his bills were low.

Still, I was able to get him a few thousand dollars. This was money that recognized the stress, time, and impact of the accident that weren’t covered by medical bills alone.

Every case is different, and not every case is big. But almost every case benefits from an attorney looking out for you.

Don’t Take the First Offer—Especially If It’s Big

Let’s say you’re hit by a commercial vehicle or someone with a lot of insurance. The company offers you a big check, maybe even $150,000.

That sounds great. But I’ve had clients in that exact spot, and I was able to find more insurance coverage and build a stronger case.

Yes, $150,000 is a lot. But if you’re owed $400,000, settling early means giving up the chance to truly take care of yourself long-term. If insurance offers that much money, they know something else is going on. In the least a personal injury attorney can confirm that is all the coverage that is available.

So Why Hire a Personal Injury Attorney?

Here’s the truth:

✅ You only get one shot at your claim

✅ Once you settle, it’s final

✅ Personal injury attorneys know how to value your case

✅ We often find more money and coverage than you’d expect

✅ Even after our fee (usually 33.3% if we settle before trial), clients typically walk away with more than they would have on their own. We won’t take more than you do from your case!

And beyond the numbers, it’s also about peace of mind. You don’t have to argue with adjusters or worry if you’re making the right call. You can focus on getting better—we’ll handle the rest.

Final Thought: You Only Get One Chance

Don’t rush. Don’t sign anything without understanding what it means. And don’t assume the first offer is fair.

Whether or not you hire me, talk to a personal injury attorney. It might be the one decision that helps you protect your health, your future, and your peace of mind.

If you’d like to know what your case might be worth, or just want to talk through your options, reach out for a free consultation. I’m happy to help at 505-416-4150.