Leon Family Satisfied With FedEx Wrongful Death Jury Verdict of $5.5 Million

While no amount of money could ever compensate Elia Leon and her three children for the wrongful death of her husband and father, she was satisfied with the FedEx wrongful death jury verdict of $5.5 million.  An Albuquerque Federal Court jury returned the multi-million dollar verdict against FedEx on Friday afternoon.

"I hope that FedEx changes its practices and begins a truck driver safety program so that other families won't suffer personal injuries and wrongful death from FedEx drivers," said Elia Leon.  "The loss to our family when Martin was killed by the FedEx truck driver changed our lives forever."

Martin Leon was killed on November 30, 2011 while he was a passenger in the FedEx tractor-trailer on Interstate 40 near Grants, NM.  He was in the sleeper compartment of a FedEx semi truck when his co-driver Fernando Martinez-Leandro rear-ended a slower moving  semi truck operated by Puckett Transportation.  Martinez-Leandro told investigating officers that he had fallen asleep before rear-ending the Puckett truck.

Martin Leon was a 48 year old  resident of Los Angeles, CA. In addition to his wife Elia, he left three children, Juanita, Adrian and Luis.

Following the death of Martin, Elia Leon hired Mark Caruso with Caruso Law Offices to represent her in a wrongful death claim against FedEx and Puckett Transportation. The lawsuit was filed by Caruso in US District Court in New Mexico and assigned to Federal Court Judge James Browning.

Elia Leon ultimately settled her claim against Puckett Transportation and its driver, but the lawsuit against FedEx and its driver was heard by the Albuquerque jury and Judge Browning last week.   The 5 day jury trial resulted in a jury awarding $5.5 million to the Leon family.

The family argued negligence and negligence per se statutory violations in the operation of the FedEx semi truck by Martinez-Leandro.  The family also argued that FedEx  failed to provide driver safety training to Martinez-Leandro and other FedEx  drivers.

Evidence  at trial proved that the trucking industry standard is for trucking companies to provide regular on-the-road truck driver safety training and that such regular truck driver safety training results in less crashes and less injury and death to the public.

FedEx attorneys argued that neither FedEx or its driver were negligent in the operation of the semi truck.    FedEx attorneys also argued that FedEx did not need to provide regular truck driver safety training to Martinez-Leandro or other FedEx drivers.

FedEx was represented by the Rodey Law Firm from Albuquerque and FedEx national counsel from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.   Mark Caruso with Caruso Law Offices and Paul Barber represented the Leon family.

For additional information contact Mark Caruso at  (505) 883-5000  or   mark@carusolaw.com   or see the website at www.CarusoLaw.com   or    www.NMTruckAccidentAttorneys.com

Albuquerque Jury Awards Family $5.5 Million in FedEx Wrongful Death Case

By: Mark Caruso, Albuquerque Accident Attorney

An Albuquerque Federal Court jury awarded $5.5 million on Friday afternoon to the family of Martin Leon who was killed by the driver of a FedEx tractor-trailer.

Martin Leon, 48, of Los Angeles, CA was killed on November 30, 2011 leaving his wife and three children. The wrongful death lawsuit was filed by his widow, Elia Leon. The lawsuit sought personal injuries and wrongful death against FedEx and its driver.

The fatal crash happened at 11:00pm on Interstate 40 near Grants, New Mexico.  Fed Ex driver Federico Martinez-Leandro rear-ended another slower moving tractor-trailer at about 68 mph.  Martin Leon was in the sleeper compartment of the FedEx trailer. The sleeper compartment was completely demolished.

At the scene of the horrific crash the FedEx driver told officers that he had fallen asleep.  He was pulling two trailers when he suddenly changed lanes from the left lane to the right lane and collided with the rear of another tractor-trailer.

The Leon family claimed that no driver safety training was provided to its semi truck driver. The family also claimed that the FedEx driver and FedEx  itself were negligent in the operation of the semi truck.

"We asked the jury to send a strong message to FedEx that it must begin over-the-road safety training of its semi truck drivers.  FedEx officials admitted at trail that it provided no over-the-road driver safety training," said Leon's attorney Mark Caruso.

"The Leon family continues to struggle with the death of their father and husband," said attorney Caruso.  "The death has really affected his 14 year old daughter Juanita who was only 10 at the time of he father's death."

The 5 day Albuquerque jury trial was held before US District Judge James Browning.  The family had already settled their case with the trucking company responsible for the slower moving tractor-trailer. 

The Leon family was represented by Albuquerque trial attorney Mark Caruso, who was also involved in last year's Santa Fe lawsuit that resulted in a $16.5 million jury verdict against FedEx.  In that case, the FedEx tractor-trailer rear-ended a passenger vehicle.
 

Truckers Often Drive At Speeds Their Tires Can't Handle

By Mark J. Caruso, Attorney

When was the last time that you were driving 70 mph on a New Mexico highway and were passed by a tractor trailer  going 75-85 mph?   The windblast of the tractor trailer may have  blown your car a little off course as it passed by.   It's probably happened more frequently than you want.

Beyond the obvious dangers of the semi truck moving at that high speed, there are hidden dangers as well from the  truck's tires on its tractor and trailer.   Most of the  commercial truck tires installed on semi trucks are designed for a maximum sustained speed of 75 mph.



"

Pushing a commercial truck tire above its rated speed is a recipe for disaster.  The constant heat generated from the friction of the tire on the asphalt or cement can cause the tire to break down and fail.  With long hours of travel on the road, it doesn't take long for the commercial truck tire to  heat up and create a dangerous situation .

You have probably seen the remnants of truck tires littering our state's roads.



Excessive speed has been linked to many truck tire blow outs and crashes causing severe injury and death.

According to trucking data maintained by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), between 2009 and 2013 there were over 14,000 crashes in the United States involving heavy commercial trucks.  These crashes resulted in  16,000 deaths.  Tractor trailer tire failure was a reported factor in almost 200 of those crashes.

The trucking industry has argued that tire blowouts are caused by tire manufacturing problems, citing a high volume of instances with certain tire brand models.  However, investigations performed by NHTSA rejected such allegations.  It concluded that the most likely cause in each instance was "driver error"--that is, semi truck truck drivers pushing the truck and trailer tires beyond their speed ratings.

The trucking industry has also argued that the problem is not "driver error" because states have high speed limits. It is true that 14 states (including New Mexico) currently have highway speed limits of 75 mph or higher.  However,  just because state law permits travel at a specific speed does not mean that it is safe for semi truck drivers to travel at this speed. 

 

A responsible tractor trailer driver is required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations(FMCSR) to know the limits of his/her equipment and is always required to take safety into consideration in operating the tractor trailer.  Further, the FMCSR requires the tractor trailer driver to regularly maintain his/her tractor and trailer, and this includes close inspection of all tires on a regular basis. The driver must check all 18 tires of the 18 wheeler.

If you or someone you know has been involved in an crash with a tractor trailer, semi truck or other commercial vehicle, it is strongly recommended that you consult with an attorney specifically knowledgeable about the handling of complicated truck accidents. Please contact NM Truck Accident Attorneys at 505-883-5000 for a free consultation. Also, see www.NMTruckAccidentAttorneys.com or www.CarusoLaw.com








 

Dangerous Road Conditions Cause Dozens of Auto Accidents in Albuquerque

By Mark Caruso, Albuquerque Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Attorney

With dozens of auto accidents in Albuquerque because of dangerous road conditions, it is important that you understand how to handle the situation with the other driver.  

Ice and snow covered roads are inherently dangerous!  

The best way to avoid an accident is to drive slowly and safely.

But what should you do when the other driver slides on ice into your lane of traffic?

First, call the police!

With so many accidents from the iced roads, Albuquerque Police Department (APD) may argue to you that they will not respond unless there are injuries.  Because you are not a medical expert, you are not in a position to diagnose whether or not you have an injury.  You may have an injury that shows up an hour after the collision.

You must have APD respond.  Don't settle on 911 telling you to just exchange information with the other driver or file a station report the next day.

The reason why you must have the police respond is to document in writing what happened in the collision. The APD officer will document it on a police report that is signed by him/her.

Caruso Law Offices, PC

It is urgent that the APD officer write down that the other vehicle slid into your vehicle while you safely operated your vehicle in your lane of traffic. The APD officer will state on the report what each driver told him and make his/her  conclusions as to the cause of the collision.

The explanation as to how the collision occurred will change after the other driver gets home and talks to others or their own insurance company.  The other driver and their insurance company may argue that the accident was your fault because you entered their driver's lane of traffic.

Also, remember that the APD officer's lapel cam will be running from the moment he/she exits the vehicle up until they re-enter their vehicle.  Everything you and the other driver say will be recorded by the officer.

Because of the recording, please remember that you are being recorded.  Be respectful, don't use cuss words, and just give a concise explanation of exactly what happened.

Our law firm always requests a copy of the APD officer lapel cam, and it is amazing what people say to the officer following the accident. Remember, you are on camera!!!!

Second, use your cell phone to photograph the scene and make a recording of the other driver stating that the accident was their fault.

Photograph the damage to the vehicles, the roadway, the ice on the roadway, the direction of the slide, etc.  You can't take too many photos.

Video or voice record the other driver stating that the accident was their fault or that they are sorry for what happened. Generally, people are more honest immediately after the accident when their adreneline is flowing.

Their story may change when they leave the accident scene and try to find an excuse as to why the accident happened.

It is very important that you consult with an attorney following an accident on ice and snow.... LIABILITY WILL BE QUESTIONED 

The liability claim (who is at fault) is much more complicated in accidents occurring on ice or snow. Insurance companies usually try to argue that an accident on ice and snow is 50-50 split. Half their driver's fault and half your fault.  Expect the insurance adjuster to claim that you slid as well and that you failed to stay in your lane of traffic.

Don't fall for this argument. Don't agree to a 50-50 split. This means that you were half at fault for the accident that you really didn't cause.  Talk to an attorney before you agree to any such division of liability.

These cases become even more complicated if you slide after putting on your brakes because the other driver is sliding into you or if the impact forces you to slide into another vehicle.

Caruso Law Offices exclusively handles motor vehicle accidents.  It's all we do, and we are good at it.  Please see our testimonials published on our web site www.carusolaw.com

My name is Mark Caruso.  I have 33 years of legal experience.  I was an insurance company attorney before I began helping people being ripped off by insurance companies.  Now my staff of attorneys and I exclusively represents the victims of auto accidents.  We know the ins and outs of the insurance claims practice.

Please call me at 505-883-5000 or contact me personally at mark@carusolaw.com to arrange for an in person or telephonic appointment with me, not a paralegal, to discuss your car accident.  Again, it is urgent that you speak with an attorney before talking with the other person's insurance company.

Remember, we handle cases on a contingency fee basis.  That means we are only paid if we win money for you.  It costs you nothing up front to talk with me.  We are paid at the end of the case only if you are successful.

Hit and Run Accidents Increasing in Albuquerque and New Mexico

Albuquerque, NM Hit and Run Accident Attorney Blog  505-883-5000

Hit and run accidents have been steadily increasing in Albuquerque and New Mexico. There are probably two causes for this increase--tougher DWI laws and failure to purchase liability insurance coverage.

Mark Caruso, Personal Injury Attorney

Tougher DWI laws have resulted severe consequences for the drunk driver with very high attorneys fees and court costs as well as the installation of expensive breathalizers. In most instances it will cost about $4,000 to $5,000 if you are charged with a DWI.

As a result, drunk drivers who cause car crashes will often leave the scene of the crash to avoid being convicted of the DWI.  The cost of a citation for a Hit and Run is so much less expensive than a charge of DWI.

Also, as the economy is affecting NM poor, one of the first expenses that have been eliminated from the budget is the automobile liability insurance.  To them  it is more important to put a home over your head and pay for groceries than it is to pay for automobile insurance.  Unfortunately they continue to operate their vehicle on NM roadways without the state's mandatory insurance coverage.

As a result, uninsured drivers who cause car crashes will often leave the scene of the crash to avoid paying for the property damage and personal injuries caused by their negligence.

Our personal injury law firm has clearly seen increased Hit and Run cases.  Our research has shown that it is an economic decision made by the person who caused the crash to avoid responsibility for their actions.  Unfortunately,  their negligence and intentional act of leaving the scene of the crash causes harm to others.

If the hit and run driver is later caught by Albuquerque's Hit and Run Division, the driver's insurance will pay the damages caused by their insured. The individual who was injured  by the hit and run driver may also be able to collect punitive damages as  additional punishment money.  However, the net cost to the hit and run driver may only be a citation and higher insurance rates.  The hit and run driver escapes the financial and criminal cost of the DWI.

This is not true for the uninsured driver who has no insurance to pay for the damages he/she caused. Instead the individual who was injured by the hit and run driver must bring a claim against his/her own uninsured motorist coverage.  The uninsured motorist coverage will pay for the property damages and personal injuries to the innocent driver.

The insurance company which pays will then seek direct compensation from the uninsured driver.  This means that the uninsured driver must not only pay the citation for the hit and run but also pay for all the damages out of his/her own pocket because they didn't have liability insurance.

Because we represent victims of hit and run accidents on a daily basis we are uniquely qualified to handle these types of cases.  Mark Caruso is a former insurance company attorney with 32 years of experience, and his staff has been specifically trained to handle all types of personal injury cases.  Our firm only handles personal injury claims.

If you would like more information please contact Mark Caruso directly at 505-883-5000 or visit our website at http://www.carusolaw.com   We will give you an in person appointment with an attorney at no obligation.

Blog by Mark Caruso,  Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Attorney (Albuquerque, NM)

Mark Caruso Named Top 100 Trial Lawyers in New Mexico by the National Trial Lawyers Association

Albuquerque Best Personal Injury Attorneys

Albuquerque personal injury and wrongful death attorney Mark   Caruso has been named to Top 100 Trial Lawyers by the National  Trial Lawyers Association.  The selection was made from all plaintiff and defense lawyers in the State of New Mexico.



Mark Caruso, Attorney

The National Trial Lawyers Association is a professional organization of America's top trial lawyers.  Membership into the organization is by invitation only and is extended to to those attorneys who exemplify superior qualifications, trial results and leadership in their respective state.  Mark Caruso was determined by the NTLA to be an exceptional trial lawyer in the practice area of Civil Plaintiff Litigation.


Caruso Law Offices was founded in 1982 in Los Angeles and in 1987 in Albuquerque.  Mark Caruso is licensed and authorized to practice in all state and federal courts in both New Mexico and California. After graduating Pepperdine University School of Law Mark Caruso primarily represented insurance companies, but since 1987 his practice has been exclusively limited to representing injured clients against insurance companies and large self-insured corporations.

Mark Caruso named Top 100 Trial Lawyers by The National Trial Lawyers Association

Mark Caruso offers a free and confidential appointment to personally discuss your personal injury or wrongful death claim.  Call Mark at 505-883-5000.  We have two offices in Albuquerque to serve our clients--the North East Heights Main Office (Montgomery & Carlisle) or the West Side Office (Interstate 40 and Coors NW).  You can find out more about Caruso Law Offices at www.carusolaw.com or www.AlbuquerqueAccidentAttorney.blogspot.com

By Mark Caruso, Albuquerque, NM Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Attorney

   top injury attorney, best injury attorney, auto accident, truck accident, motorcycle accident, bicycle accident, vehicle accident, injured, medical help, personal injury attorney in Albuquerque, personal injury attorney, personal injury victim, personal injury lawyer, money deserved, insurance company, medical professionals, letter of protection, physician lien, injured person with no insurance, expertise, experience, AVVO, Better Business Bureau, BBB, Top 100 trial lawyers, National Trial lawyers, American Society of Legal Advocates, Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Top trial lawyer in america, top trial lawyer in new mexico, top trial lawyer in albuquerque, American Association of justice, new mexico trial lawyers association, nm trial lawyers association, 29% fee, 29% discounted fee, contingency fee, former insurance company lawyer, former insurance company attorney, testimonials, cleint testimonials, client satisfaction, client ratings, mark caruso, lawyer, attorney, Albuquerque, New Mexico, Bernalillo County, www.carusolaw.com, www.AlbuquerqueAccidentAttorney.blogspot.com, highly rated Albuquerque personal injury attorney, 505-883-5000, Caruso Law Offices, personal injury case, personal injury, injury case, mjc427@gmail.com, Mark J. Caruso

How Can Chiropractic Care Help With Your Injuries From a Car Accident or Collision?

By Julie Bowen

If you have been injured in an Albuquerque car wreck or some other accident, you know that you need to seek immediate medical attention at the Emergency Room and follow-up care from your primary care doctor. Chiropractors have an important role to play as part of the health care team treating accident victims as well. They can help to evaluate the full extent of your injuries from the accident, and provide treatment to mitigate worsening of symptoms. 

Whiplash Injuries from Car Accidents

Chiropractors can treat injuries from car accidents, commonly known as whiplash, which is caused during a rear-impact collision. The impact from the collision can result in a number of health problems, including:

Loss of resiliency in the spine or limbs

herniated discs

difficulty with movement

chronic pain

difficulty concentrating

Chiropractic Consultation

During a consultation, the chiropractor will meet with you to discuss your injuries, get a description of your symptoms and take a case history. Be prepared to discuss any other treatments you have undergone with your family doctor and other specialists during this part of the visit. Don't hesitate to mention the emotional symptoms you are dealing with following the accident to the chiropractor, such as difficulty concentrating, irritability, and trouble sleeping. It's important to raise any existing conditions you may have, too, as these may affect your tratment.

According to the results of a new study, for example, there is a link between Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and chronic whiplash symptoms. Patients who are living with PTSD have higher levels of pain than whiplash patients who do not have this disorder. Learning how to deal with PTSD following a car accident will require seeking treatment from other professionals, and needs to be diagnosed appropriately so that you can get the right type of treatment, which may include medications, psychotherapy, or both.

Chiropractic Care for Soft Tissue Injuries

The type of soft-tissue injury which presents following a car accident may need more than just pain relievers and muscle relaxers to heal properly. These measure provide symptom relief but don't really do anything to get to the root of the problem.

The damage caused to soft tissues will not necessarily heal within four to eight weeks. It does not simply get better on its own with time and rest. This type of injury requires specific treatment if you are going to be restored to the state you were in before the accident.

Drug-free Treatment 

Chiropractors can offer a safe, drug-free treatment option to accident victims. Their approach is non-invasive. These trained professionals can focus on the following types of injuries:

• Back pain
• Headache
• Neck pain

Once the whiplash has been diagnosed, the chiropractor has a number of treatment options available to offer you. The first thing you may think of when considering visiting a chiropractor is manipulation, "cracking" the neck. This is not the only means of treatment available. The chiropractor can also offer muscle relaxation or stimulation therapy or suggest exercises which may help. He or she may also be able to suggest some ergonomic or lifestyle changes which can help to lessen the neck pain and promote healing. 

The first phase of the injury lasts for approximately 72 hours, during which time the damaged tissue bleeds continuously. During this phase, the injured body part should be treated with ice.

At the 72-96 hour mark, the damaged blood vessels repair themselves. This step marks the beginning of the regeneration phase of treatment, which lasts for between six and eight weeks. At the end of this stage, the gap between the torn tissues is bridged.

The third, or remodeling, phase is where the tissues become stronger and change to become more like the original, undamaged tissue. Proper treatment from a chiropractor can help to ensure that they heal properly to avoid developing into a chronic problem. Experts say that it takes about one year for damaged soft tissues to heal properly.

Compensation for New Mexico Accident Victims

If you have been injured in a New Mexico motor vehicle, truck, motorcycle, bus or pedestrian accident or collision and the other driver was at fault, you may be able to recover money for your injuries and your reasonable medical expenses resulting from the accident, including the cost of doctor's and chiropractor's bills. You can make a claim for pain and suffering.  You may also be able to make a claim for compensation for loss of income (past and future), which is why you and your legal team need to understand the full picture regarding your injuries and the impact they will have on your life. 

The Albuquerque law firm of Caruso Law Offices is well prepared to assist you with your claims against the insurance company.  Mark Caruso, the owner of Caruso Law Offices, is a former insurance company attorney, and he will explain your right to compensation and what you are entitled to be paid for from the insurance company. 

You can contact Mark Caruso directly at 505-883-5000 or their web site at www.carusolaw.com  They have some great YouTube videos describing your rights following a car accident at http://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1CfFrQ5rMb3eegwRl_S3aQ

 

 

At Fault Driver Uninsured? Don't Give Up On Your Claim Without Speaking to an Attorney!

Former Insurance Company Attorney Mark Caruso Gives Honest Answers to Your Questions.

By:  Mark Caruso, Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Attorney (Albuquerque, NM)



At Caruso Law Offices, we deal with people who have been hurt in car accidents every day. Having auto insurance in place is a legal requirement in New Mexico, and our clients are shocked to discover that there are many people who get behind the wheel without this necessary coverage in place. When an accident occurs, they are at a loss to understand exactly what happens to their right to be compensated in a fair manner for their injuries and expenses. 

New Mexico is a Tort State

New Mexico operates under the tort system for car insurance purposes. The driver who is found legally at fault is responsible for paying for the damages he or she caused. People who have been injured have the right to sue to recover damages. Drivers are required to buy a minimum level of liability coverage, which pays for the injuries and damages they cause in an accident. The minimum requirements are as follows:

·  $25,000 in bodily injury coverage for a single accident victim

·  $50,000 in bodily injury coverage for all injuries caused in the same accident, regardless of the number of victims

·  $10,000 in property damage coverage

If You are Injured in a Car Accident

Caruso Law Offices, (505) 883-5000

In a situation where a car accident occurs and the other driver is at fault, you would be looking to him or her to compensate you for your injuries and damages. The first thing you would need to do is make sure that your health is looked after by getting appropriate emergency medical treatment, as well as any follow-up care recommended by the doctor. You will still need to continue paying off your car, since you are responsible for this expense even if your vehicle is in the shop. In the normal course of events, the at-fault driver's insurance company would pay your claim for damages. You may be asked to get more than one estimate before starting the work on your car, but you also have the option of having your own insurer pay for the damage, less your deductible. This could get you on the road more quickly than waiting to get estimates or have the damage inspected.

 

Getting Compensation for Your Injuries from an Uninsured Driver

The Insurance Research Council estimates that one in seven drivers is uninsured (2011). If you have been injured in an accident where the at-fault driver does not have insurance, the first place you should look to seek compensation for your injuries and damages is whether you have coverage under your own insurance policy through uninsured driver coverage. If you have this type of insurance, your own insurer will pay your claim for damages.

If you don't have any insurance coverage in place and the at-fault driver does not have insurance, you still have the right to sue and get a judgment against him or her. Don't assume that it is not worth your while to make a claim against someone who does not have auto insurance coverage before speaking with an attorney about your situation. 

The last thing you want to do is assume that the person responsible for causing your injuries has no assets that can be recovered to pay for your damages simply because his or her auto insurance coverage may have lapsed at the time of the accident. Being involved in a motor vehicle accident is a high-stress situation and you need someone on your side to can provide advice about the best way to continue. 

Your attorney can look at the facts of the accident, as well as the damages you have incurred and provide you with an expert opinion about your case. You can get the facts you need about preserving your right to sue by acting within the time limits set out by law as well. The worst thing you can do in a situation where you have been injured in an accident with an uninsured driver is to do nothing. Get the facts from an expert who is on your side, and that means speaking with a licensed attorney as soon as possible, even if you don't know the full extent of your injuries after the accident.

Call Mark Caruso, personal injury and wrongful death attorney, at Caruso Law Offices for a free consultation at (505) 883-5000 or visit www.carusolaw.com


By:  Julie Bradgate

Discounted Attorney Fee, NM Car, Truck and Motorcycle Accidents and Collisions

Discounted 29% attorney fee  for personal injury and wrongful death cases that settle prior to a lawsuit, including auto, car, truck, motorcycle, bicycle and pedestrian accidents and collisions

By: Mark Caruso, Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Attorney (Albuquerque, NM) 

 

Discounted 29% attorney fee for personal injury and wrongful death cases that settle prior to a lawsuit is offered by Caruso Law Offices.  This includes personal injury and wrongful death cases resulting from auto, car, truck, motorcycle, bus, bicycle and pedestrian accidents and collisions.

This  29% discounted attorney fee  is unprecedented in New Mexico, and Mark Caruso was the first Albuquerque Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Attorney to give such a discount to his clients. Most every other  personal injury  and  wrongful death  attorney still charges the full 33 1/3% attorney fee.



This discounted attorney fee applies to all  personal injury  and  wrongful death  cases handled by Mark  Caruso including accidents, collisions, crashes and wrecks involving a  car,  truck,  semi-truck, 18 wheeler, tractor trailer, commercial vehicle,  motorcycle,  bicycle, bus,  pedestrian  and to all types of injuries and wrongful death including head trauma,  brain injury,  spinal cord injury,  broken bones, soft tissue injury, psychological injury including PTSD.

**The FORMULA  for the discounted attorney fee for all personal injury and wrongful death cases  is simple.

At the conclusion of the pre-litigation settlement of your personal injury or wrongful death claim only 29% is deducted for attorney fees, not 33 1/3%.

 

The math is simple, but the additional pocket money for the client can be enormous!

**The RATIONALE for the discounted attorney fee for all personal injury and wrongful death cases  is simple.

Caruso Law Offices  spends less money on expensive advertising than those other personal injury and wrongful death attorneys charging the   33 1/3% fee.

 

Caruso Law Offices  doesn't spend tens of thousands of dollars per month on television, radio, billboard and bus advertising. Because of the reduced advertising overhead, Mark Caruso can discount the attorney fee and put more money in the client's pocket. You don't really benefit from their advertising.

In fact, some jury polls indicate that juries don't like personal injury and wrongful death lawyers who advertise on television, radio, billboards and sides of buses. There is some evidence that they will award you less money because of who you have representing you in the courtroom.

Mark Caruso cites the NM Lawyers' Rules of Professional Responsibility which requires personal injury and wrongful death attorney to charge only a reasonable attorney fee based on the amount and kind of work performed. If the amount of work is less, why shouldn't the fees to the attorney be less. All personal injury and wrongful death attorneys should be following  Caruso Law Offices  example of the discounted fee. Fortunately, some attorneys have now begun copying Caruso's discounted fees.

**The  RESULT of the discounted attorney fee for all personal injury and wrongful death cases is simple.

A discounted attorney fee means more money in the client's pocket and less money in the attorney's pocket at the end of the case.

 

At the settlement of your case you are happier with our firm because you see more money going into your pocket with the  29% discounted attorney fee.

Mark Caruso continues to handle the property damage settlements and rental car for free.

A discounted fee does not mean discounted service!

 

Mark Caruso  has been practicing law since 1982--that's 31 years. An honors graduate of Pepperdine University School of Law, Mark is licensed in both California and New Mexico. He has been successfully handling personal injury and wrongful death cases for 31 years.

As a former insurance company attorney,  Mark Caruso  knows the ins-and-outs of the insurance claims business to get his personal injury and wrongful death clients the most money possible. He now uses that experience to help his clients against the same insurance companies. The lawyers and staff at  Caruso Law Offices  have been expertly trained by one of the most experienced and best personal injury and wrongful death attorneys in New Mexico.

There is no sacrafice in quality legal representation just because of the discounted attorney fee.

 

A discounted fee just means more money in your pocket when you settle your case.

Caruso Law Offices  gets new client referrals from prior clients, other non-personal injury attorneys, out of state attorneys, doctors, body shops and even insurance agents. These make up the majority of Mark Caruso's clients.

Some clients are attracted to the  discounted 29%  attorney fee.  Others are attracted to his experience as a former insurance company attorney who now works for the victims against these same insurance companies. Still others look at the high client ratings and testimonials as evidence of good work for their clients.

The attorney does less work in getting your case settled before a lawsuit is even filed,  and you should get a discounted fee since no lawsuit was required.

The discount applies to all  car accidents,  truck accidents,  motorcycle accidents, bus accidents, bicycle accidents  and  pedestrian accidents.  It applies to all personal injury claims and all wrongful death claims.

The people benefiting from this discounted fee are the clients of Caruso Law Offices. Call 505-883-5000 for a free consultation with Mark Caruso and find out why his  personal injury  and  wrongful death  law firm is so highly rated by clients and other attorneys. You can also see our website at www.carusolaw.com

Mark Caruso  is available NOW to discuss your  personal injury  or  wrongful death  case. Call him today at 505-883-5000
 

Call  Mark Caruso  for a FREE CONSULTATION to discuss your case by telephone or in person.
Once you personally talk to  Mark Caruso  you will understand why you need his history of experience and  skills in your personal injury and wrongful death claim.

Your consultation is FREE, so you have absolutely nothing to lose--and everything to GAIN!

Attorney Fees for Albuquerque Car Accident

Don't Pay the Higher 33 1/3% Contingency Attorney Fee in your Albuquerque Car Accident, Truck Accident or Motorcycle Accident

By: Mark Caruso, Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Attorney (Albuquerque, NM)

You have probably seen all the personal injury attorneys advertising on television, billboards and the sides of buses offering to represent you in your Albuquerque  personal injury or  wrongful death claim on a percentage fee basis.  This is called a contingency fee.

A contingency fee means that you pay the personal injury attorney no hourly fee, but instead pay a "percentage fee" at the conclusion of the claim.  If the lawyer recovers no money on the claim, the attorney gets no attorney fee.

The New Mexico Rules of Professional Conduct for Attorneys set the ethical rules for  New Mexico attorneys to follow when charging personal injury clients a contingency fee for their  car accident,  truck accident  or  motorcycle accident. The Rules require the contingent fee to be reasonable and that the contingent fee agreement be in writing and signed by the client and attorney.

Most every auto accident and personal injury  attorneys in Albuquerque, NM  charges a contingency fee of  33 1/3% for all personal injury or wrongful death cases that are settled prior to a lawsuit being filed. This seems a little steep, especially because so little work is done by the personal injury attorney before the lawsuit is filed. Most of the initial proof of liability against the at fault driver and gathering of medical records and bills for treatment of personal injuries are done by a paralegal or legal assistant supervised by the attorney.

The personal injury attorney becomes much more involved in the preparation of the settlement demand to the insurance company adjuster,  the negotiation of settlement and the conclusion of the claim with the client.

It's only if the insurance adjuster won't settle with the attorney and client that a lawsuit may be required.  The majority of our cases at Caruso Law Offices do in fact settle without a lawsuit.    If a lawsuit is filed because the case could not be settled, then the attorney has much more involvement and expenses in the claim.

Beginning in 2009  Mark Caruso  and  Caruso Law Offices  pioneered a new approach to contingent  attorneys fees in Albuquerque, NM. 

Caruso began discounting the attorney fee to 29% contingency fee in cases that settled before the filing of a lawsuit. Caruso believed that to be in compliance with the "reasonable fee" requirement of the Rules and knowing that less work was required to settle a case if no lawsuit was yet filed, that a discounted fee was warranted.

We currently discount the contingency fee to only 29% if a case is settled before a lawsuit is filed.

The result is that more money goes into our  client's pocket in every case that we settle before a lawsuit! We also believe  it also means quicker settlements for clients. As an example, using a settlement of a $50,000 case, the attorney fee would be $14,500 rather than $16,666.  That's $2,100 more into the client's pocket rather than the attorney's pocket.

The response from clients to the discounted contingency fee has been amazing. 

Caruso Law Offices  receives most of its personal injury client referrals from word of mouth, and little advertising is really needed. Today, most of our clients with  car accident claims,  truck accident claims  and  motorcycle claims  are by word of mouth and referrals.

Lawyers insisting on the 33 1/3% fee try to argue that a discounted 29% fee means a lesser qualified attorney or law firm.   Not so with Caruso Law Offices!

Mark Caruso, the senior attorney at Caruso Law Offices, has 31 years experience and is a former insurance company attorney who now helps injured victims.   He is also licensed in both New Mexico and California, and he is a member of the New Mexico Trial Lawyers Association, the American Association of Justice and the prestigious Million Dollar Advocates Forum.  Caruso has been awarded Martindale-Hubbell's Client Distinction Award, AVVO Lawyer Ratings Superb 9.6/10.0 rating and Better Business Bureau's A+ rating.

Because Caruso Law Offices does not do television, radio, billboard or bus advertising, its law firm advertising overhead is much lower.  It doen't need to justify the higher 33 1/3% fee to pay for this expensive advertising. More importantly, the discounted fee of 29% helps who it supposed to help--clients of Caruso Law Offices.  It puts more money in the client's pocket, and less money in the attorney's pocket.

Helping the clients should be the number one priority of every attorney, and it is the priority at Caruso Law Offices.

Caruso Law Offices isn't spending lots of money on advertising and can afford to pass the savings to his clients.  Advertising is an expensive overhead.  Freeway billboards can cost $8,000 a month, and some attorney television budgets are $20,000 monthly.  This attorney advertising does not mean that the particular attorney is a better attorney, only that he is spending more on advertising and probably charging the higher 33 1/3% fee rather than the discounted 29% fee.

Mark Caruso would like to personally meet with you to confidentially discuss your car accident, truck accident or motorcycle accident. The consultation will be FREE and without any obligation whatsoever. We will discuss the facts of the accident, medical care you have received and future medical care that you may require.  We will discuss what to expect from the claims process and the "personality" of the automobile insurance company your claim is against.  We promise to answer all of your questions and give you honest and truthful answers.

 You can call Mark Caruso at 505-883-5000 or toll free at 800-657-9292.  We have two locations in Albuquerque-our Northeast Heights office and our  Westside office. Mark Caruso can also meet you at your home, work or hospital and on weekends and after hours.

We represent personal injury clients with vehicular accidents throughout the state of New Mexico and in the pueblos and reservations of our state.

You can also visit our web site at   www.carusolaw.com  or contact Mark Caruso at mark@carusolaw.com   We look forward to hearing from you.