How Much is Pain and Suffering Worth in New Mexico Auto Accident?

One of the most common questions I'm asked by clients is, "How much is my pain and suffering worth under New Mexico law?" 

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

My response is always that I quantify pain and suffering using the facts of each case. I have been an attorney for 33 years.  During that time I have only handled personal injury and wrongful death claims.  I worked as an insurance company attorney for part of that time.  So, I will give you my own analysis.

The purpose of  pain and suffering is to compensate you for what you have been thru because of the accident that caused your injuries. 

This not only includes the physical pain, but also includes the psychological effects, the stress, the time at the physician's office, the effect on your lifestyle and hobbies, and basically how the accident has affected you as a person.

New Mexico law allows for compensation for pain and suffering in all personal injury cases where there is evidence of pain and suffering.  We will talk about the evidence and documentation to prove pain and suffering below.

Pain and suffering is in addition to medical bills, lost earnings and permanent injury.

Many people believe that the amount of medical bills dictates the amount of pain and suffering.

 The amount of the medical bills does not always dictate the amount of pain and suffering. 

Clearly, victims with broken ribs or bones have less medical bills but have much higher pain and suffering than soft tissue cases.  Soft tissue cases usually have higher medical bills, because treatment is more intensive, while broken bones can usually be casted and left without a lot of follow up care. Also, not much can be done to treat broken ribs.

Based on my experience of 33 years of handling personal injury cases, I believe as a general rule that the pain and suffering for soft tissue cases are worth about 3 times the reasonable and necessary medical bills.   I believe as a general rule that broken bone cases are worth about 8 times the medical bills. There should be additional compensation for  lost earnings,  future medicals and permanent impairment.

So here are some examples:

EXAMPLE 1:    John suffered a whiplash and back injury after an auto accident that was not his fault.  He was taken by ambulance to the emergency room, had a follow up with his primary doctor and then began treatment with a chiropractor.  His medical bills were $10,000  He had no lost earnings and no permanent impairment.  He felt fine after his treatment was concluded.

Using the formula of 3 times the medical bills, John's case should be valued at $30,000

EXAMPLE 2:   Carol suffered a broken arm after an auto accident that was not her fault.  She was taken by ambulance to the emergency room where her arm was casted.  She had two follow up appointments with her doctor who removed the cast 60 days later.  Her medical bills were $5,000.  She had no lost earnings and no permanent impairment.  She felt fine after her treatment was concluded.

Using the formula of 8 times  the medical bills, Carol's case should be valued at $40,000

Court Appointed Arbitrators in Albuquerque have been typically awarding 3 times the medical bills in court mandated arbitrations in Bernalillo County.  Juries are much more less predictable.

 It is extremely important that injured patients communicate to their health care providers all of their pain and  suffering and carefully describe how the injuries have affected them.  If they don't communicate pain and suffering to their health care providers, they will have a much more difficult time getting 3 times the reasonable and necessary medical bills.

The insurance company adjuster, judge, arbitrator or juror will carefully review the notes written by your health care provider. They will look at your reported pain levels and symptoms associated with the injury as reported by you to your health care provider.

Health care providers won't fabricate complaints and symptoms of pain and suffering, so if there are no complaints by the injured patient they will have nothing to document.   Picture it this way.  You need to give the doctor the ammunition for your gun.  They need you to feed them the information so they can document your complaints accurately and completely.

It is more difficult for men to communicate pain and suffering to their doctor.

The reason is that most men find it more difficult to complain about their pain.  Men are macho, and it may be considered a sign of weakness to complain of pain to their health care provider.

Nevertheless, men must report the pain to their doctor to get full value for their pain and suffering.

Again, please remember......Insurance company adjusters, judges, arbitrators and jurors will carefully read the medical records written by the health care provider.  If no pain and suffering is mentioned, don't expect a large amount of  pain and suffering.

A personal diary of how the injuries have affected you is also helpful. 

The diary can track specific instances an dates of pain and suffering.  The diary should include names of people who witnessed the discomfort and the degree of discomfort.  You can include events that occurred through the day that caused increased pain or discomfort.  The diary can also be read by the decision maker in determining how the injuries affected your daily life.

The most important advice I can give you in this blog is to document your pain and suffering.

Document your pain and suffering with your health care providers.

Document your pain and suffering with your employer.

Document your pain and suffering in a pain diary.

 Attorney Mark Caruso is a former insurance company attorney who now represents injured clients in their personal injury and wrongful death claims.    Caruso Law Offices has two locations in Albuquerque to serve its clients--Northeast Heights and Westside. Mr. Caruso will also meet you at your home, work or hospital on weekends and after-hours.

For a FREE consultation you can contact Mark Caruso at the Northeast Heights Office (Montgomery & Carlisle) at 505-883-5000 or his Westside Office (Coors NW and I-40) at 505-369-1361. You can also contact Mark Caruso directly at mark@carusolaw.com

Your consultation will be with Mark Caruso, not a legal assistant or paralegal.  He will give you a confidential and honest evaluation of your claim, discuss medical treatment and explain Caruso Law Offices'    discounted 29% contingency attorney fee on all personal injury and wrongful death claims.

Act Quickly After Your New Mexico Car Accident

By Mark J. Caruso, Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Attorney


I must stress again the importance of acting quickly after your car or truck accident claim.  If there is any question as to the fault for the accident, you need to get evidence quickly to prove that you are not at fault.
After 32 years of handling personal injury and wrongful death claims, I have seen evidence disappear on many occasions.  It's usually a defendant who does whatever they can do to keep from paying money.  Oftentimes it is an insurance company and trucking company.


I was recently hired to represent a very nice family whose husband and father was killed in an crash with a tractor-trailer.  The family hired me two weeks after the crash to represent them on a wrongful death claim against the trucking company and its driver. I immediately notified the tractor-trailer company and its attorney that the evidence on the tractor-trailer should be secured for inspection by my trucking experts. The company moved the vehicle and most all of the evidence lost just 3 days after the crash, when they moved the tractor-trailer over 150 miles away.


Spoliation of evidence is the legal term for altering or destroying physical evidence that can be used at trial.  Claims adjusters often alter or destroy evidence to favor their client. To do so is wrong and in violation of New Mexico law.


Unfortunately, the only way to beat the spoliation of evidence by claims adjusters is to quickly hire an attorney who can quickly write a letter to the adjuster demanding that the evidence be preserved.  In the case above, even though the family hired our firm two weeks after the crash and my letter was on the attorney's desk two weeks after the crash, the evidence was gone.
That's why you need to hire a personal injury or wrongful death attorney quickly after your car or truck accident claim. It's important to hire an attorney who only handles these types of claims--day in and day out.  The attorney will know what kind of evidence needs to be safeguarded and how to safeguard it quickly.
Mark Caruso has been named one of the 10 top personal injury and wrongful death attorneys in the state of New Mexico. I have trained our staff and experts to handle this evidence safely and quickly. My attitude is to cross every "t"  and dot every "i" now, because you won't be able to do it later on.  What that means is that you need to take every action immediately because it may be too late later.


I encourage you to immediately contact me or one of the attorneys at Caruso Law Offices if you have any question as to the fault in the collision.  We have an excellent group of experts that we can send to the evidence as soon as we are hired to gather the evidence to use to show that you are not at fault for the collision.


Please feel free to contact us for a free consultation at 505-883-5000 to discuss your personal injury or wrongful death claim with one of our award winning attorneys.


We have two locations in Albuquerque to serve you--Montgomery and Carlisle (Main Office) and Coors and Interstate 40 (Satellite Office).  We travel the throughout the state and represent clients in almost every county and pueblo.  We can meet you after hours and on Saturday and Sunday, and we do home, hospital and work visits.


Please see our main web site at www.carusolaw.com if you have other questions about our firm.


We look forward to hearing from you.

New Mexico Dust Storms Are Recipe for Disaster for New Mexico Drivers

NM Dust Storm Accident Attorney

This week several families suffered the extreme loss of the life of their loved ones in a horrific vehicle crash on Interstate 10 near Silver City. Others suffered personal injuries and were rushed to nearby emergency rooms. Our prayers are with all of these families.

Drivers were safely driving their vehicles when a sudden dust storm blinded all drivers and caused the crash of tractor trailers and personal vehicles. This area is notorious for sudden dust storms causing zero visibility. Caruso Law Offices currently represents victims of dust storms in this same area. They slowed their vehicle when the dust became too obstructive to see where they were going, and they wer slammed in the rear by a semi-truck going 55 mph. Fortunately, they survived the rear-end crash but suffered major injuries.


What can be done to stop these dust storms? Nothing can be done to stop the dust storm. They are a natural phenomena. More rain in the area would help reduce the threat.

What should you do when confronted with the sudden dust storm? Slow down! Drive defensively. Turn your bright lights on. Turn your flashers on, and slowly pull over to the shoulder making sure that you are well off the road. Don't stop your vehicle on the roadway, as this is against the law even in a dust storm. I also recommend turning on the interior lights to make you as visible as possible. Don't stop your car too close to the vehicle in front of you.

The storm will be over as quickly as it started. Don't get on the road right away. Stay on the shoulder until you can see if there are any accidents in front of you. Be extremely careful as you re-enter the roadway.

Should you be involved in an accident, stay in your vehicle until the storm is over. There is the possibility of a chain reaction with other vehicles behind you, and you are safer in your vehicle than in the road during the dust storm.

If you are involved in a collision caused by a vehicle on the side or behind you, it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible. We need to immediately gather facts and evidence to determine the person or persons at fault and make sure that you have no liability for the collision. We can send an investigator to the scene and discuss the collision with the investigating authorities. It is important to gather all of the facts and statements as quickly as possible.


Because we have handled so many collisions and crashes caused by dust storms in New Mexico we have a unique way of handling these types of cases. And that is why we have been so successful for our clients, getting the full value for the repair or totaling of their damaged vehicle, a rental vehicle and full compensation for their injuries--medical bills, pain and suffering, lost earnings and permanent injury.

I used to be a former insurance company attorney, so I know the ins-and-outs of the insurance claims business. I used to represent the insurance companies, but now I exclusively represent the victims of the negligence caused by another. We use our experience to represent our clients to get them the highest compensation possible.


Please see our client reviews at our main website www.carusolaw.com There is no better way to pick an attorney than to see actual testimonials. And if you would like to see the actual written testimonials, just call and ask to see them at our office. We pride ourselves on good endorsements from our clients. That's why we have been so highly rated by the Better Business Bureau A+, AVVO and other independent rating organizations.

We offer a free consultation with our attorneys at one of our two offices in Albuquerque--the Northeast Heights or the Westside. We also will travel to meet you at any location in New Mexico, including your home, place of work, hospital or nearby coffee shop. Please call us at (505) 883-5000 to speak with me or one of the attorneys in our office. We look forward to hearing from you.

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

Importance Of An Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer In Albuquerque

How to pick the best personal injury attorney for your Albuquerque, NM

Albuquerque's Best Personal Injury Attorney

Being involved in a vehicle accident can be a frightening and devastating experience. Those injured in an accident often find themselves feeling unsure of what to do and how to get the medical help they need as well as the financial compensation they deserve. Hiring a personal injury attorney in Albuquerque is the best move a personal injury victim can make.

What Will a Personal Injury Lawyer Do?

Personal injury lawyers help clients understand the details of the law and fight to get them the money they deserve to allow them to get back on their feet after an accident. No matter what type of accident occurred (including  auto accidents, truck accidents, bicycle accidents, drunk driving accidents and motorcycle accidents), an Albuquerque personal injury lawyer can help.

An attorney will help clients file paperwork and gather all necessary information associated with the case. Additionally, an attorney will handle all communication with other insurance companies and any other involved parties. This helps to save the client time while reducing the client’s stress. If needed, an attorney will consult with medical professionals to get their expert opinions and have them testify at trial to prove the extent of your injuries to the jury.

An attorney can help the injured person get immediate medical care by providing the doctor and other health care professionals a letter of protection and physician lien.  This permits the health care professional to treat the injured person with no insurance, no up front money,deductibles or co-pays.  The health care professional is paid by the attorney at the end of the case from some of the proceeds from the settlement.

What Should Clients Look for in an Attorney?

When looking for a personal injury lawyer in Albuquerque, an injured person should look for someone with expertise and experience. Finding out how many years of experience an attorney has as well as how many clients he or she has represented will help a potential client in deciding whether or not to hire the attorney. Additional questions should include which types of cases an attorney has handled as well as what the outcome has been for each of those cases. Hiring an attorney with the necessary experience will help clients be confident that they will receive a fair settlement in their case.

Mark Caruso is one of the top rated personal injury attorneys in New Mexico.  He has received the following awards and certifications:

***10 out of 10 by AVVO lawyer rating service

***A+ Rating by Better Business Bureau (BBB) of NM,

***Top 100 Trial Lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers

***Top 100 Lawyers by the American Society of Legal Advocates

***Life Member, Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Top Trial Lawyers in America

***2013 Martindale Hubbell Client Distinction Award

***Lead Counsel Rated Trial Attorney

***2013 AVVO Clients' Choice Award in Personal Injury

***Top Merchant on Merchant Circle

***Member, American Association of Justice

***Member, NM Trial Lawyers Association

It is important to find an attorney who will discount the attorney fee to 29% rather than charge the normal 33 1/3% attorney fee.  This puts more money in the injured person's pocket where it belongs rather than the attorney's pocket.  Mark Caruso offers the 29% discounted attorney fee.

Mark Caruso is a former insurance company attorney.  He knows the "ins-and-outs" of the insurance claims process to get you the highest settlement possible for your car accident claim.

Make sure that you carefully read the testimonials of former clients.  These testimonials are the best source to find the top rated and best attorneys in Albuquerque.  Mark Caruso consistently receives excellent testimonials.  All client testimonials are available at www.carusolaw.com or www.AlbuquerqueAccidentAttorney.blogspot.com

By hiring an experienced and highly rated Albuquerque personal injury attorney, those injured in accidents can leave the legal concerns to the attorney while focusing their energy on healing, both physically and emotionally. Attorneys will see that their clients are treated fairly and are awarded  the appropriate compensation in their case. Free Consultations are available at either of our two Albuquerque locations. Call Mark Caruso at Caruso Law Offices, PC at 505-883-5000 for a free consultation regarding your personal injury case.

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

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Mark Caruso Named Top 100 New Mexico Litigation Attorneys by American Society of Legal Advocates

Best Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Attorneys in New Mexico

       Albuquerque Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Attorney Mark Caruso was named a top 100 litigation attorney in New Mexico.  The American Society of Legal Advocates is an invitation-only, nationwide organization of elite lawyers in practice today who combine stellar legal credentials with a proven commitment to community engagement and the highest professional standards. A team of lawyers spent six months researching tens of thousands of lawyers across the country and manually selecting less than 1.5% of all lawyers based on an array of criteria. ASLA’s Top 100 Lawyers listings recognize exceptional legal talent.

 ASLA strives for practical diversity and rich experience in order to offer the best resources to those seeking counsel. ASLA’s easy-to-search directory enables those seeking representation to choose among a carefully-selected, highly-qualified community of lawyers with experience in wide-ranging practice areas in virtually any jurisdiction.

 With membership limited to less than 1.5% of of all licensed lawyers nationwide, ASLA selects outstanding lawyers in all states, with specialties varying per state depending on the number of practicing lawyers. ASLA aims to serve as a go-to source of exceptional legal advocacy, and, in turn, to strengthen professional relationships and best practices among member lawyers.

Mark Caruso is a 1982 graduate of Pepperdine University School of Law.  He is licensed in both California (1982) and New Mexico (1987) and exclusively represents victims of personal injury and wrongful death.  Caruso Law Offices offers two offices in Albuquerque for its clients--the North East Heights and the West Side. However, Caruso represents clients statewide throughout New Mexico and its reservations and pueblos.

Please visit our website at www.carusolaw.com or contact us directly at 505-883-5000 for a free and confidential appointment with Mark Caruso to discuss your personal injury or wrongful death claim.

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


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Wrongful Death Claims Under New Mexico Law

WHAT RIGHTS DOES YOUR FAMILY HAVE AFTER A FAMILY MEMBER WAS KILLED AS THE RESULT OF THE WRONGFUL ACT OF ANOTHER PERSON?

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

First, if you have recently lost a loved one as the result of the wrongful death of another, let me express my condolences to you and your family on the death of your family member. I know that no words can console you for what you have gone thru. But as a wrongful deawth attorney  I promise you the satisfaction of knowing that those responsible for the wrongful act that caused the  death will be held accountable for their actions.

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. We know that you need immediate answers, and we will get the answers for you.

HOW A NEW MEXICO WRONGFUL DEATH ATTORNEY 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 32 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 NEW MEXICO 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 person, company 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 NEW MEXICO WRONGFUL DEATH 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, company and insurance companies.

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 MONEY DAMAGES IN NEW MEXICO 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 deserve for your loss.

 

SEE  OUR VIDEO BELOW.  MARK CARUSO WILL EXPLAIN WRONGFUL DEATH CASES UNDER NEW MEXICO LAW

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While a video can be informative, only a confidential appointment with Mark Caruso will be able to address all of your questions regarding your wrongful death claim. Mark Caruso will give you a free no obligation and completely confidential consultation to discuss the facts and details of your family's claim. He can visit you at your home or after hours and weekends. Just call 505.883.5000 to schedule a time to meet with Mark Caruso.

We promise to leave no stone unturned in investigating every asset available to your family. It is our job to find all insurance coverage and assets to get you the most money possible.

We have settled many cases for over one million dollars.  We have been recognized by the Million Dollar Advocates Forum for our achievements in getting several million dollar settlements for families who have suffered the wrongful death of their loved one.

 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. Visit our web site at www.carusolaw.com or contact Mark Caruso confidentially at mark@carusolaw.com

 

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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

Neck Pain and Back Pain After NM Car or Truck Accident? Answers by Former Insurance Company Attorney.

I have neck pain and back pain after my New Mexico car accident... Who will pay for my injuries?
By:  Mark Caruso, Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Attorney (Albuquerque, NM)

 

Will the insurance company for person who caused accident pay for my exam and treatment by a doctor or chiropractor?

 

Will the ambulance, hospital or doctor agree to directly bill the insurance company for person who caused accident?

 

These are some of the most common questions we are asked at Caruso Law Offices by people who were just involved in a auto, car,  truck, motorcycle, bicycle or pedestrian accident or collision. They may have been taken away by an ambulance to the emergency room and sent home with medications.  They may have begun treatment with an orthopedic doctor, their primary care doctor or a  chiropractor.

 

But it is usually the same question....

 

Who will pay for my injuries?

 

 

If you have health insurance, you have less problems.  Most New Mexico health insurance companies such as Lovelace, Presbyterian and Blue Cross Blue Shield will immediately pay the ambulance and emergency room bills.  You may still have a deductible or co-pay.

However, many insurance companies now have a provision in the health insurance policy stating that they do not pay for injuries resulting from auto and truck accidents caused by another.

Where can you get the care that you need to treat your neck and back injuries from the car accident?

 

I personally believe that hands on exercise and therapy are the best ways to treat any soft tissue injury to your back or neck such as whiplash or back strains.

 

This type of treatment can be by chiropractors, physical therapists and medical massage therapists. Most of these health care providers will agree to directly bill the insurance company for the person who caused the accident.  Most will also accept a letter of protection and lien by a personal injury attorney.

 

 

You need to be very careful about who you chose to treat your injuries. 

 

Chiropractors, physical therapists and medical massage therapists have good and bad reputations among the insurance company for the person who caused the collision.  Chiropractors must follow the Croft Guidelines which limit the duration of treatment and number of total treatments.  If they fail to do so, your claim could be severely jeopardized.  Physical therapists and medical massage therapists need to be working with a doctor of some type to justify their bills to the insurance company.

Personal injury attorney Mark Caruso can help you select a credible chiropractor, physical therapist and medical massage therapist.

 

 Because Caruso Law Offices only handles personal injury and wrongful death cases we know the reputations of local doctors and health care providers. 

 

We listen to our clients, but we also listen to the comments of the insurance adjusters we fight daily. We know which health care providers to avoid, and we know which have the best reputations. 

 

Getting the health care provider paid

 

Once you make your selection on which health provider you want to treat your injuries, we can offer the medical doctor, chiropractor, physical therapist or medical massage therapist a letter or protection or medical lien on your claim.  That means the health care provider knows that we will submit their bills and records for payment from the insurance company for the person who caused the accident.  It also means that they know that they will get paid at the end of your case. 

 

Caruso Law Offices has worked with several hundred of New Mexico's health care providers over the past 27 years that Mark Caruso has had his personal injury and wrongful death law firm in Albuquerque.  We have an excellent reputation among health care providers because we get them paid from the insurance company for the person who caused the accident or collision. We can help you with your referral and letter of protection. 

 

Call personal injury attorney Mark Caruso at 505-883-5000 to get more information about how to treat your neck pain and back pain and other spinal injuries after your New Mexico car or truck accident.  You can also visit our website at www.carusolaw.com  Please read our client testimonials and reviews.

 

We have received the 2013 Client Distinction Award from Martindale Hubbell and are rated a 9.6/10.0 by AVVO lawyer ratings.  We also have an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

 

Mark Caruso will give you a FREE consultation at one of our Albuquerque offices--Northeast Heights or Westside--or at your home, work or other location during the day or in the evenings or weekends.  We handle cases statewide throughout New Mexico and in the pueblos and reservations throughout our state. 

 

Mark Caruso will also explain our 29% discounted attorney fee for all personal injury and wrongful death claims resulting from auto, car, truck, motorcycle, bus, bicycle or pedestrian accidents and collisions. Why would you ever want to pay the higher 33 1/3% attorney fee that most personal injury and wrongful death attorneys charge.

 

Call us today at (505) 883-5000  

 

 

 

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.