If you slip and fall at a store while shopping or someone hits your car and you get injured in the accident, you want compensation for your losses. Every day, people contact personal injury lawyers about pursuing claims when they get hurt. Below are some common questions about this legal field. 

Popular Questions About Personal Injury Law

How long do I have to file my claim?

Generally, New Mexico’s statute of limitations allows injured individuals three years from the date of the accident to file claims. The time may be extended for exceptions, such as serving military duty or for minors until they reach adulthood.    

How do I know what my case is worth?

Case value depends on several elements. Type of injury, past and future medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and reduced ability to earn future income are some of the factors your attorney considers. You lawyer will also research settlement information and trial results in cases similar to yours to give you an accurate value. 

Will I have to go to trial?

Probably not. Most claims settle before lawsuits are filed and most lawsuits end in settlements before trial. Cases go to trial when there’s no settlement offer or the one made is unreasonable, if the plaintiff or defendant wants to go to trial, or if there is a dispute about fault or damages that the parties can’t resolve.

How much will a personal injury lawyer cost?

While every case is different, most personal injury lawyers offer free consultations and take cases on a contingent fee basis. You don’t pay anything up front and you agree in writing in advance to pay your lawyer a percentage of any money you receive in a settlement or after a trial.   

After an accident, asking questions can empower you to protect your legal rights. Drawing on more than 40 years of experience, personal injury lawyer Gary C. Mitchell, P.C. helps residents in Ruidoso, NM, obtain compensation for their damages after injuries. Whether he is negotiating a settlement or trying a case before a jury, this attorney pursues the best possible outcome for your situation. Call (575) 257-3070 to schedule a consultation or visit him online for more information about how he can serve you.