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

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NM Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Claims: Importance of Getting A Written Settlement Sanction By Your Own Underinsured Motorist Insurance Company Before You Settle For Policy Limits With The At-Fault Driver's Insurance Company

By: Mark Caruso

It is imperative that you get the written approval and sanction to settle from your own  underinsured motorist insurance company before you settle for policy limits with the at-fault driver's insurance company.  If you don't do so, your own underinsured motorist insurance will deny any payment of underinsured motorist coverage to you because you breached the insurance contract.

NM uninsured/underinsured motorist claims are complex. You must get a written settlement sanction by your own underinsured motorist insurance company before you settle for policy limits with the at-fault driver's insurance company.  Failure to do so will be devestating to your underinsured motorist claim.

Here's the scenario.  You have an injury claim resulting from an Albuquerque, NM auto accident. You have thousands of dollars of medical bills, and you have lost earnings and wages from your job. You haven't hired an attorney, and you are trying to settle the claim yourself.

You want to settle for $40,000

Caruso Law Offices, Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Attorneys

 

Let's say that you have State Farm Insurance on your vehicle, and the at-fault driver has Allstate Insurance on his truck that caused the collision.  You hear from the Allstate Insurance adjuster that their driver only carried minimum limits of $25,000.  The adjuster sends you a declaration page proving that the driver only carried $25,000. The adjuster offers to settle your claim for policy limits of $25,000 and asks you to sign the release of all claims.

You know that you also have underinsured motorist coverage with your own insurance, State Farm.  You have had some discussions with the State Farm adjuster about your claim against Allstate and the possibility of going against State Farm for any amounts over $25,000.

Your insurance contract (or policy) with State Farm requires you to get State Farm's  written sanction and approval of the settlement with Allstate Insurance before you sign the Release with Allstate.  If you don't do so, State Farm doesn't need to pay you anything.  The adjuster from State Farm doesn't need to tell you that there must be a written approval.  You are assumed to know what is in your contract (policy) with State Farm.

Here is what you must do to preserve your right to continue your claim against State Farm's underinsured motorist coverage:

1. The Allstate adjuster must send you a letter with the offer of policy limits in writing and a copy of the Declarations Page of the at-fault driver's policy with Allstate. This letter must state that Allstate is offering to settle for policy limits of $25,000.

2. Let the Allstate adjuster that you need a few days to get the sanction and approval of the release and settlement from State Farm, your own under-insured motorist carrier.  Do not sign the release until you get the sanction and approval from State Farm.

3. You must then immediately send the letter from the Allstate adjuster together with the Declarations Page of the at-fault driver's policy with Allstate to the State Farm adjuster.  You must request that State Farm sanction and approve a settlement between you and Allstate and its at-fault driver.

4.  The State Farm adjuster will then do an assets check on the at-fault driver to determine if the person has assets that State Farm could go after.  Once State Farm finishes the assets check, you will receive a written letter from the State Farm adjuster authorizing you to settle with Allstate and its at-fault driver and giving you the right to sign the release for Allstate and its at-fault driver.

5.  Do not accept a verbal authorization from State Farm to settle.  The authorization must be in writing, either by email or letter.

6.  You can now settle with Allstate and its at-fault driver.  You can sign the release and accept the check for $25,000

7. You can also now present your claim to State Farm for the underinsured motorist claim.  If your claim is valued at $40,000 and you have already received $25,000 from Allstate, you would now want to settle for $15,000 with State Farm Insurance.

I again want to stress the importance of getting the approval to settle from your own car insurance company before you settle with the at-fault driver's insurance company IF you intend to pursue an underinsured motorist claim.

 

If you have any questions on the process or procedure, please feel free to contact me at 505-883-5000 for a free consultation.  My firm, Caruso Law Offices, has two offices in Albuquerque--the North East Heights and the West Side--but we handle cases throughtout New Mexico and its pueblos and reservations.

I have been practicing law for 31 years, and I am a former insurance company attorney who now exclusively represents the victims of collisions and accidents.  We believe that we are extremely good at what we do, because we only handle personal injury and wrongful death cases.  Whether you have a car accident, a truck accident involving an 18 wheeler, tractor trailer or semi truck, a motorcycle accident, a bicycle accident or a pedestrian accident--We Are Here To Help You!

When considering an attorney, it's important to ask the following:

1. What kind of experience does the attorney have?
2.  Is the attorney or law firm rated by other attorneys and their clients?
3.  Does the attorney or law firm have client testimonials from real clients?
4.  Is the law firm rated by the Better Business Bureau?
5. Will the law firm discount its attorneys fees to 29% if the case can be settled without a lawsuit?

The answer for our attorneys and law firm to these questions is a strong YES! 

I hope to personally hear from you for your Free Consultation with me. 

Thanks. Mark Caruso

505-883-5000
www.carusolaw.com
www.AlbuquerqueAccidentAttorney.blogspot.com

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Best Personal Injury Attorneys in Albuquerque, NM

Mark Caruso among highest rated Albuquerque personal injury and wrongful death attorneys.

 

Independent ratings from the following organizations show why Mark Caruso is among the highest rated personal injury and wrongful death attorneys in New Mexico:

 

AVVO  Attorney Rating Service:  Mark Caruso has  been ranked by the prestigious attorney  rating ranking service as a "9.9  SUPERB" on AVVO Attorney Ratings. Mark Caruso ranks extremely high in the areas of Experience, Industry Recognition and Professional Conduct. This AVVO lawyer rating of "9.9  SUPERB" makes Mark Caruso and Caruso Law Offices one of the highest and best AVVO rated personal injury attorneys and law firms in New Mexico. A perfect score is a 10.

 

Martindale-Hubbell Client Ratings:  Mark Caruso has been awarded the prestigious 2012 and 2013 Client Distinction Awards from Martindale Hubbell, a non-biased and unpaid lawyer rating and referral service. Mark Caruso was recognized by Martindale-Hubbell as an excellent personal injury attorney for his Quality of Service, Overall Value, Responsiveness and Communication Ability. The award was a result of high client ratings and reporting to Martindale Hubbell and other forums.

 

Martindale-Hubbell Attorney Peer Review Ratings: Mark Caruso is AV rated by Martindale-Hubbell as a result of the independent peer review evaluation process completed by other attorneys who are familiar with Mark Caruso.

 

Million Dollar Advocates Forum:  Mark Caruso was recently named a life member to the "Million Dollar Advocates Forum, The Top Trial Lawyers in America".  Established in 1993, the Million Dollar Advocates Forum is one of the most prestigious groups of trial lawyers in the United States.   Membership is limited to attorneys who have won several million and multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements. There are only  4000  members throughout the country. Fewer than 1% of U.S. lawyers are members.

 

Albuquerque Better Business Bureau (BBB):   Mark Caruso has been awarded an A+ rating by the Albuquerque Better Business Bureau.

 

Lead Counsel Rated in Personal Injury:   Mark Caruso has earned the Lead Counsel Rating in Plaintiff's Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Law.  The Lead Counsel Rating is awarded to peer-recommended attorneys who have demonstrated significant experience and maintain a clean disciplinary history with verified experience, peer recommendations and a spotless record. 

 

AVVO Clients' Choice Award in Personal Injury:  Mark Caruso was awarded the AVVO Clients' Choice Award for New Mexico for 2013.

 

AVVO Top Contributor Award in Personal Injury:   Mark Caruso was awarded th AVVO Top Contributor Award in Personal Injury for 2013.

 

Verified Top Merchant in Merchant Circle:

 

SuperPages SuperGuarantee Protected Law Firm:  Mark Caruso is backed by the SuperGuarantee program for personal injury and wrongful death law.

 

 

Mark Caruso maintains active memberships with the following organizations: 

Member, New Mexico Trial Lawyers Association

Member, American Association for Justice

 

Member, State Bar of New Mexico

 

Member, State Bar of California

 

 

See our many Client Testimonials  at  www.carusolaw.com

 

 

 

Please call Mark Caruso today at 505-883-5000 and find out more how we can help you with your personal injury or wrongful death claim.  We have two offices in Albuquerque to serve you--NorthEast Heights and West Side.  We represent clients statewide and in the pueblos and reservations of New Mexico. We offer free consultations and can meet you after hours or on Saturdays, at your home, hospital, place of employment.

 

 

 /By:  Mark J. Caruso, Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Attorney  mjc427@gmail.com

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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!

Michael Morgan, Intern for Caruso Law Offices Passes 2013 Texas Bar!

Caruso Law Offices announces that Michael Morgan, the  personal injury  and  wrongful death  law firm's  spring/summer 2013 legal intern has passed the 2013 Texas Bar Exam!

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

 

Michael Morgan is a JD/MBA candidate at Baylor University School of Law and the Hankamer School of Business.  He received his Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Alabama.  He was a finalist in Baylor School of Law's Dawson Moot Court Competition.  Mr. Morgan studied abroad in Madrid, Spain and is fluent in Spanish.

 

 

 

Michael Morgan is actively involved in assisting Caruso Law Office attorneys with personal injury and wrongful death cases including those involving auto accidents,  truck accidents and motorcycle accidents.

 

 In addition he has been a valuable asset to the firm with their Spanish speaking clients. He has also been extremely involved in several wrongful death claims handled by Mark Caruso.

 

Passage of the 2013 Texas Bar Exam permits Mr. Morgan to soon return to Texas to practice law and complete his Baylor MBA.  Mr. Morgan intends to ultimately have his own law practice where he can focus in the area of personal injury and wrongful death. 

 

After seeing first hand how a plaintiff's personal injury and wrongful death law firm operates, he is excited to help his own clients with their own  car accident,  truck accident and motorcycle accident claims.

 

Caruso Law Offices is based in Albuquerque, NM and strictly handles personal injury and wrongful death cliams involving vehicular accidents.  Mark Caruso, an attorney with 31 years experience and a former insurance company attorney, has two offices in Albuquerque and represents clients statewide in New Mexico and in the pueblos and reservations of NM.   Additional information about Caruso Law Offices can be found at  www.carusolaw.com  or from Mark Caruso directly at mark@carusolaw.com  or at  (505) 883-5000

 

Current clients and others wanting to congratulate Mr. Morgan can contact him directly at Caruso Law Office at    (505) 883-5000. 

 

 


 

Repair of Car After Albuquerque Car Accident

I Need My Car Repaired After an Albuquerque Car Accident!

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

You have been in a  car accident,  truck accident  or  motorcycle accident  in Albuquerque, and it wasn't your fault. How are you going to get your car damages repaired?

New Mexico law gives you rights against the person at fault and their insurance company.

But delays in the claims process may mean that you are driving around with a damaged car for weeks after the wreck.  What can be done to speed up this process so you can get your vehicle fixed.

Because  Caruso Law Offices  only handles  personal injury  and  wrongful death  cases, we run into this problem almost every day.  Here is my advice as a  personal injury  and  wrongful death  attorney with 31 years experience. I would be happy to give you more advice during a  free consultation.  Just call me at 505-883-5000 or email me at mark@carusolaw.com






 First, you need to understand that most of the time the officer will not give you the name of the insurance company and policy number for the at fault driver at the scene of the collision. The officer will give you a police report number and tell you that the report will be available in 7 to 10 days.  This creates the first problem of delay.

 

 

Without knowing the name of the insurance company or policy number you don't know who to contact.

If you have collision/comprehensive on your vehicle with your own insurance company, you should immediately begin the vehicle damage  claim  by reporting the accident to your own insurance company.  The phone number to the claims office and your policy number should be on your proof of insurance card you carry in your car.

Let your insurance company know that you want them to begin the property repair process.  Let them know that you do not want to wait for the at fault person's insurance. Do not let your insurance company intimidate you into waiting to deal with the at fault person's insurance.

For instance you might be told that you will need to pay a deductible if you go thru your insurance company but no deductible if you go thru the at fault person's insurance.  This is true.  But as we explain below, the timing should work out that you don't need to pay the deductible.  And even if you do pay it, you will get it back almost immediately after the at fault person's insurance gets copies of the repair bills.

You might also be told that your rates will go up.  This is a lie. New Mexico law prohibits your own insurance company from raising rates or, cancelling you  so long as the accident report states that the accident was not your fault.

 The "property damage adjuster" will take a short statement of what happened in the accident and instruct you on how to proceed on getting estimates.

Some insurance companies require you to get 2 or 3 estimates, while others will want you to make an appointment with them to physically inspect your vehicle.  Regardless of the amounts of the estimates, your insurance company will be required to pay for all the repairs to your vehicle less the deductible.

Now here is where it gets interesting.  While you are getting your vehicle repaired, probably 7 to 10 days has passed and the accident report is now available.  You need to get a copy of the accident report.

The accident report will state the name and contact information of the driver and owner of the at fault vehicle and the name and policy number for the at fault driver's insurance.  You need to immediately telephone the insurance company.  They will take your statement and ask you to fax them a copy of the accident report.  Bec extremely careful what you say to the adjuster because it can be used against you later.

You need to let the property damage adjuster for this insurance company know that your vehicle is currently being repaired, where it is being repaired and the amount of the anticipated repairs.  You will need to also fax this adjuster a copy of your estimates or appraisals you received from your own insurance company.

In most instances the at fault driver's insurance company will directly pay the auto body shop the full cost of all repairs, and you will have no deductible. 

You were able to get the process started using your own insurance company, and finished the repair to your vehicle using the at fault driver's insurance.

Unfortunately, if you don't have collision/comprehensive insurance you will need to wait until you get the accident report before you have any idea who to contact about the repairs to your vehicle.

If you need any assistance on your property damage claim or personal injuries resulting from the collision, please contact  Caruso Law Offices  at (505) 883-5000. We only handle personal injury and wrongful death claims.  That's all we do.  This lets us focus our entire law firm on just one type of law--Personal Injury and Wrongful Death.

Attorney  Mark Caruso  is a former insurance company attorney who now represents individuals who have been injured  car accidents,  truck accidents,  motorcycle accidents,  bicycle accidents, bus accidents or as pedestrians.

Mark Caruso has been an attorney for 31 years.  We have  2 offices in Albuquerque to serve you...Northeast Heights (Montgomery and Carlisle) and Westside (Coors and I-40). We also represent clients statewide and in the pueblos and reservations of our state. 

Call us at (505) 883-5000 for a  free consultation  with Mark Caruso or another attorney at our  personal injury  and  wrongful death law firm.  The consultation is confidential and without obligation.  We can meet with you at either office or at your home, work or hospital.  We can also meet you after hours and on Saturdays.

We look forward to hearing from you.

 mark@carusolaw.com

Albuquerque Accident Attorney: 5 Steps You Should Take After a New Mexico Accident

Albuquerque Accident Attorney: 5 Steps You Should Take After a New Mexico Accident

Albuquerque Police Chase and Pursuit Accident Attorney

Police Pursuit and Chase

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

Albuquerque Police Pursuit and Auto Accident Attorneys Serving Albuquerque and New Mexico Statewide

Have you been injured in a car, truck, motorcycle, bicycle or pedestrian accident or collision caused as a result of a police chase.  You may be entitled to compensation from the at fault driver and even the police department involved in the chase.

 

Albuquerque Police Chase Attorneys
 

Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for bystanders and innocent motorists to suffer personal injuries nd sometimes wrongful death, during police pursuits. According to data from the FBI, there are 300 deaths each year as a result of police chases. Innocent bystanders and motorists are the victims in 40% of these chases.
 

At Caruso Law Offices our auto accident attorneys understand the devastating effect an accident can have on  victims and their family. We support law enforcement  and all of those protecting our citizens. But we will fight to protect our clients if the law enforcement officer was negligent in the operation of his/her vehicle.
 

Unfortunately, there are instances when chases are unnecessary or when they are not performed in accordance with written police procedures. In these cases, only a lawyer who is experienced in bringing a claims on behalf of victims of a negligent police officers can successfully pursue a claim on behalf of an injured  victim.



 In these instances, Caruso Law Offices  with our proven track record of representing injured pedestrians and motorists in Albuquerque and other counties throughout  New Mexico can help you fight for compensation for medical expenses and other losses related to the accident. Call us at (505) 883-5000 if you have any questions.  We offer a free consultation with an attorney to confidentially discuss your claim.
 

Negligent Pursuit and Police Chases

Over the years Caruso Law Offices has  represented many families who have been affected by negligent police officers. Written policies provided to every officer set out specific procedures regarding safe pursuit. Often, either acting alone or as a result of a department's approach to chases, individual officers will disregard these procedures.
 

 

The officers then continue the chase well beyond the point when it is clear that the danger to the public outweighs the need to catch the suspect.

 

Often, the police can obtain a license tag number and use other investigative techniques to determine the identity of the driver without putting the public in danger. Avoiding pursuit at high speeds helps to avoid endangering innocent third parties.
 

If you received  personal injuries  or a family member suffered a  wrongful death  as a result of  a police chase or pursuit or any  vehicular accident  caused by a police officer, contact  Caruso Law Offices  today at (505) 883-5000.  Because of New Mexico's strict Tort Claims Act you are required to give written notice to the government  entity and file a lawsuit by specific deadlines.  Failure to do so will void your entire claim.  That's why it is so important to call us today.
 

 A lawyer with our office can help you hold the negligent or reckless police officer accountable for your injuries and accountable for his or her decisions and actions whether it be in Albuquerque, Bernalillo County or throughout New Mexico.  Our attorneys have recovered millions of dollars in settlements and awards on behalf of our injury victims. We can help you, too.
 

Taking on law enforcement officers who refuse to follow procedure and injure or kill someone is something that many lawyers refuse to do.  At  Caruso Law Offices  we believe that no one - law enforcement officers included - are above the law.  Good officers agree with us. Negligent ones who injure or kill innocent victims in police pursuits must be held accountable.
 

Call us today for a free consultation with an attorney at (505) 883-5000 or email us at mark@carusolaw.com   Also, please visit our web site at www.carusolaw.com    We offer statewide representation, and can meet with you at our office, your home or other location that is convenient for you.   

Albuquerque Car Accident Attorney, Rear End Accidents

Highest cause of auto, truck and motorcycle accidents and collisions in Albuquerque is from rear end collisions.

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

Rear End Collision, Mark Caruso--Albuquerque Auto Accident Attorney

Rear End Collision in Albuquerque Auto Accident

Rear-end  car accidents,  truck accidents  and  motorcycle accidents  in Albuquerque are a common occurrence, as they are throughout New Mexico.  Congested roads, older roads not build for high traffic volume, and the presence of red light cameras or other traffic control devices have all increased your risk of being involved in a rear-end collision.  Caruso Law Offices handle rear end accidents every day, because personal injury claims is all we do.  Call us at (505)883-5000 or e-mail us at mark@carusolaw.com or visit our web site at www.carusolaw.com

The Albuquerque Personal Injury Attorneys at the Caruso Law Offices are dedicated to helping accident victims recover losses through personal injury  and  wrongful death  litigation. Rear-end collisions are often described as whiplash claims. The fact of the matter is that they can lead to very serious, debilitating injuries.

With many types of accidents and collisions, a driver has some warning, and may even be able to take evasive action to avoid some of a collision's blunt force. With a rear-end collision, a vehicle's occupants typically have no such warning.

 

Caruso Law Offices has probably seen every type of possible rear end accident in the 31 years that we have been handling car accident claims. 

Common causes of rear-end crashes in New Mexico include:

• Tailgating
• Panick stopping
• Sudden stop by the first car
• Rapid acceleration by the second car
• Red-light cameras or other intersection technologies
• Congested streets
• Cell phone use
• Inattention

In many cases, the risk of serious or fatal injury is compounded by the size of the vehicles. Being struck from behind by a larger vehicle can be devastating, and may even force you into the vehicle in front of you. Conversely, hitting the rear of a larger vehicle, particularly a large truck, can result in an underride accident, in which your car is forced beneath the leading vehicle.

The rear driver is typically cited in such accidents.

 

A 2011 investigation by local Police Department found tailgating was the leading cause of injury crashes in the city - sending more people to the hospital than drunk driving or speeding.

In some cases, a defective vehicle claim may arise from a rear-end collision. Perhaps the brakes were defective.  In other cases, large commercial trucks without mandatory override guards or other protective equipment can result in a higher chance of serious or fatal injury.

Neck, Back and Whiplash Injuries From Rear End Collision in Albuquerque

Whiplash  is not a medical term. And unfortunately, it has become synonymous with injury lawsuits. Whiplash  is used to describe "Cervical Acceleration-Deceleration" injuries, which is the rapid movement of the neck.

It is very important to understand that the neck is a very delicate structure of tendon and bone. Neck, back, or shoulder injury as a result of a rear-end collision may include headaches, pain in the arms and legs and numbness. A  whiplash  injury may be the result of the stretching of the spine's anterior longitudinal ligament, which stretches or tears as the head snaps forward and then back.

We can refer you to local health care providers to treat your neck and back injuries. 

 

Most of these doctors will wait until you settle your case before any money is due them.  We work with orthopedic doctors, neurologists, chiropractors, dentists, internists, physical therapists, medical massage therapists, radiologists and other health care providers. 

You need to be evaluated if you are having any discomfort whatsoever.  We can arrange for a consultation with a doctor  if you have no health insurance or prefer not to pay a deductible or co-pay with your current health insurance.

Rear-end collisions can cause very serious neck and back injuries, which should not be dismissed and should not be taken lightly.

Victims should understand the long-term implications of such injuries. You should take injuries into consideration when determining whether to pursue a  personal injury  claim against an at-fault driver.

Remember that we offer a  29% discounted attorney fee.  Call personal injury and wrongful death attorney Mark Caruso today at (505)883-5000, e-mail us at mark@carusolaw.com or visit our web site at  www.carusolaw.com  to schedule a free confidential appointment with one of our attorneys. 

If your family is dealing with a New Mexico  car accident,  truck accident or motorcycle accident contact the Albuquerque personal injury and wrongful death attorney Mark Caruso at Caruso Law Offices today for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your rights. Ask about our discounted contingency fee.

Albuqueque Injury Lawyer - 505-883-5000 -- Free Consultation

Statewide Representation

New Mexico Christian Lawyers, Personal Injury and Wrongful Death

 

New Mexico Christian  Lawyers:

Personal Injury, Wrongful Death and  Vehicular Accidents 

Primarily focusing on car accidents, truck accidents, semi-truck accidents, 18 wheeler accidents, tractor trailer accidents, motorcycle accidents, bicycle accidents, bus accidents and pedestrian accidents.

Mark J. Caruso
Caruso Law Offices, PC

Northeast Heights Office:

4302 Carlisle NE
Albuquerque, NM  87107
(505) 883-5000

Westside Office:
2929 Coors NW, Suite 310-E
Albuquerque, NM  87120
(505) 369-1361


mark@carusolaw.com
www.carusolaw.com
www.AlbuquerqueAccidentAttorney.blogspot.com

Law firm only handles  personal injury,  wrongful death, vehicular accidents, malpractice

Licensed attorney since 1982 in CA and 1987 in NM

Pepperdine University School of Law

Attends Legacy Church, Albuquerque



 

Albuquerque Christian Lawyers, Personal Injury and Wrongful Death

Albuquerque  Christian  Lawyers:

Personal Injury and Wrongful Death, Vehicular Accidents 

Mark J. Caruso

Caruso Law Offices, PC

4302 Carlisle NE, Albuquerque, NM  87107
505-883-5000
mark@carusolaw.com
www.carusolaw.com
www.AlbuquerqueAccidentAttorney.blogspot.com
licensed since 1982 in CA and 1987 in NM

Albuquerque, NM Wrongful Death Lawyers

WRONGFUL  DEATH  CLAIMS UNDER NEW MEXICO LAW

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

When you lose a loved one due to an accident caused by the careless actions of another, you want and need answers quickly. The New Mexico wrongful death attorneys at Caruso Law Offices can help you find out why the accident happened and help your family gain closure. 

 

The challenge of facing life without your loved one combined with funeral costs, loss of wages and support, and medical bills can be too much to handle alone. While no amount of compensation could ever make up for your loss, it’s our goal to help alleviate some of the financial responsibilities related to your loved one’s death, so that you can grieve with your family.
 

We can help you find out the real reason why your loved one’s death happened, and we can work with you to hold those who caused the death responsible.
 

How a N.M. Wrongful Death Lawyer Can Help

 

A wrongful death claim can help provide your family with the financial support needed to cover expenses associated with your loved one’s death. It may be difficult to receive compensation without an experienced New Mexico wrongful death lawyer who can help prove the party responsible for your loved one’s accident. Investigating the fault of all possible individuals and their various levels of insurance coverage can be complex.
 

Mark Caruso and his staff at Caruso Law Offices have been assisting families like yours in overcoming personal tragedies for more than 31 years. It’s our passion to help take care of your family’s needs during this difficult time.  You’re not alone—call us today at (505) 883-5000 or visit our web site at www.carusolaw.com
 

WHAT IS A WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM?

 

Wrongful death claims are different than other personal injury cases. If you’re filing a wrongful death claim on behalf of your loved one, you’re not only facing outstanding medical bills and treatment costs; you’re dealing with grief, funeral preparations, and the difficulty of facing life without your family member.
 

In its simplest terms, a wrongful death claim is seeking compensation or money damages from the at fault people and their various insurance companies to pay for the loss of your loved one. Often there are several different layers of insurance that must be looked into before settlement can be made with any one particular insurance company.
 

 Mark Caruso and his staff at Caruso Law Offices will approach the legal process with compassion and understanding to get your family the legal support it needs. For more than 31 years, our legal team has helped the victims of tragedy receive the compensation necessary to rebuild their lives.
 

Who Can File a Claim?

 

Although many family members may be considered beneficiaries—or recipients—of wrongful death damages, only one family representative, who has been appointed by the District Court, can file the claim. We begin our involvement in the claim by talking to all family members who have any interest in becoming the lead person to handle the claim. Once a family decision is made on who this person will be, we file the appropriate court documents in the  court to name this person as  the representative (also known as the Administrator or Executor) of the estate.After the court appointment, we file a wrongful death claim against the at fault person.
 

Some of the family members who have traditionally been appointed by the Court to act on behalf of your loved one include a spouse, a child, an heir or heiress, a chosen beneficiary or a parent.
 

One of your duties as a representative of the estate is to hire a law firm to represent the estate. If you’re unsure if you’re eligible to file for wrongful death damages, a Mark Caruso can answer your questions and explain your family’s options.
 

Types of Damages in NM Wrongful Death Claims

 

In New Mexico, depending on the details surrounding your family member’s death, you may be able to recover damages for:
 

• funeral expenses,
• pain and suffering following the trauma causing the death,
• medical expenses resulting from the trauma leading to death,
• lost wages and future lost wages,
• lost benefits and future lost benefits,
• loss of support,
• loss of inheritance,
• loss of your loved one’s medical bills,
• mental anguish suffered by surviving family members.

•                                                                                                                                                          Mark Caruso and his staff of attorneys, paralegals, legal assistants, investigators and experts will use every resource possible to recover the full amount of compensation you need.

•  

We promise to leave no stone unturned in investigating every asset available to your family.

 

Mark Caruso can meet with you at either of his Albuquerque offices--Northeast Heights or Westside.  Consultations with Mark Caruso are FREE and without obligation.  He can meet you at your home, work, hospital on weekends and after-hours.  We represent wrongful death clients statewide New Mexico and in the Indian Pueblos and Navajo Reservation. Contact us at (505) 883-5000

 

 

New Mexico Car Accidents Prompt Parents to Regret Lack of Oversight

New Mexico Car Accidents Caused by Minors

 

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

 

The Albuquerque Personal Injury Lawyers at Caruso Law Offices understand that what's more, some two-thirds said they wished they had spent more time practicing with their teen about what to do, and how to react, in a high-risk situation.

The fact is, motor vehicle crashes are the No. 1 cause of death for teenagers in this country. These incidents claim more lives than drugs, alcohol, sporting injuries, gun violence and other dangers.

Yet, 40 percent of parents don't know this, so it's unsurprising that few take the time to really drive home to their teens the important of the safety knowledge with which they should be armed before getting behind the wheel.

Researchers with Allstate Foundation have teamed up with the National Safety Council to launch a program called Drive It Home, aimed specifically at parents of newly-licensed or soon-to-be licensed drivers. The idea is to not only educate parents about the potential dangers new drivers face, but also to provide tools for how to educate, establish guidelines and enforce rules.

The program uses a combination of graphic images and videos to drive home the message.

Researchers say that parents are the top source of information for teen drivers. They can lead by example and also by setting up clear expectations and consequences for failure to meet those expectations. Still, many parents are reluctant to take on this role. They perhaps have some poor behind-the-wheel habits themselves or don't feel qualified to teach road safety. They leave it up to the driving instructors.

But even with graduated driver's license programs, which are now in place in most states throughout the country, driving instructors are only going to have a limited amount of time with each pupil. It's up to you to ensure your teen is getting enough practice and that he knows what to do when encountering things like ice or aggressive drivers. He also needs to truly understand the potentially devastating and deadly consequences for things like speeding and driving while intoxicated.

It's a parent's job - or both parents' job - to underscore those points.

Some of the additional findings discovered by the Allstate Foundation's research include:

• Many parents simply don't understand how dangerous it is for their teenager behind the wheel. Inexperience is the top cause of crashes involving teenagers. And yet, three-fourths of parents think that the leading cause is unnecessary risk taking. That may lead parents to assume that because their child isn't a risk taker, he doesn't need additional guidance. But that's not he case.


• Although 90 percent of parents say it's critical for teenagers to learn how to drive at night and with other passengers, one-third of parents concede they haven't gone over these skills thoroughly with their child. In the end, this does a new driver a great disservice.


• About a third of parents of new drivers don't set any rules at all with regard to the teen's access or use of a vehicle. In fact, many aren't requiring their child to get permission before taking the vehicle somewhere. This leads to a perception that driving is a right, rather than a privilege. This kind of thinking can lead to more careless behavior.

The NSC recommends making it a priority to ride at least a half an hour each week in the vehicle with your teen driving.
Some things you can work on specifically with your teen include:

• Carefully watching the road ahead and learning to recognize certain hazards and how to react to them;


• Being mindful to control speed, turning, stopping and following distance;


• Becoming more skilled in judging the gap between vehicles in traffic;


• Managing high risk situation, such as driving at night and with passengers.

If you are injured in an auto accident in New Mexico, call Caruso Law Offices for a free and confidential appointment -- (505) 883-5000-- or visit our web site at wwwcarusolaw.com.
Statewide Representation.