Is It Worth Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer?
An Albuquerque attorney can fight for the compensation you deserve
Accidents happen in a flash but can change your life forever. Whether it's a car crash, a slip and fall, or a dog bite, the aftermath often brings more than just physical pain. Medical bills start piling up. Lost wages eat into your savings. Meanwhile, insurance adjusters seem to care more about protecting their bottom line than about helping you recover.
When you’ve been in a crash, hiring a personal injury lawyer may seem like just another added stress or an unnecessary expense. But it’s actually one of the smartest decisions you can make after an accident.
At Szantho Law Firm, we understand how deeply people can suffer after a debilitating accident. We’ve seen how insurance companies scrutinize and pick apart the claims of struggling injury victims, looking for loopholes. This is why hiring a personal injury attorney is an important step to ensure your financial, physical, and emotional recovery.
Here are some of the reasons why it makes good sense to hire an attorney.
The legal landscape is complicated
Personal injury law is a complex area filled with legal jargon, strict procedures, and ever-changing statutes. Unless you have a background in law, navigating it on your own can be overwhelming. There are deadlines to meet, documents to file, and specific legal standards to prove negligence or liability.
The legal team at Szantho Law Firm understands the law inside and out. We know how to build a strong case, gather the right evidence, and interpret legal nuances that could make or break your claim. Without an experienced attorney, you may miss key details or make mistakes that reduce your chances of reaching a fair settlement – or any settlement at all.
You need an advocate—not an adversary
Insurance companies are businesses. When they call you after your accident, they may seem friendly and helpful, but remember, the insurance company’s goal is not to help you. Their goal is to minimize payouts and protect their own profits. Their job is to settle claims quickly and for as little money as possible. Some will even attempt to deny legitimate claims or pressure you into accepting an inadequate offer before you understand the full extent of your injuries.
When you hire an experienced personal injury lawyer, you level the playing field. We become your advocate, fighting to protect your rights and represent your best interests. We’ll handle all communication with the insurance company, ensuring you’re not taken advantage of or tricked into saying something that can be used against you.
Our lawyers can help you figure out what your claim is worth
It’s hard to know how much to ask for after an accident. One of the most common mistakes accident victims make is underestimating the value of their claim. It’s easy to focus only on immediate medical bills and lost wages, but a fair settlement should cover all of the damages you suffered. These may include:
- Future medical treatment and rehabilitation
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Let an experienced personal injury lawyer help determine the true value of your claim. Attorney Andras Szantho will ensure that all current and future costs are factored in, so you don’t end up settling for less than you need or deserve.
An attorney knows how to prove liability
Proving that someone else was at fault is not always straightforward. Even in seemingly clear-cut cases, the other party may dispute liability or try to shift blame onto you. Our firm has the resources and know-how to conduct thorough investigations. We will gather evidence such as:
- Police reports
- Medical records
- Eyewitness testimony
- Surveillance footage
- Expert witness statements
- Accident reconstruction analysis
By asking the right questions, gathering evidence, and building a solid case, we can establish fault and demonstrate how the other party’s negligence caused your injuries.
A contingency fee structure means no upfront costs
A major concern for many people after an accident is affordability. The good news is, like most personal injury lawyers, we work on a contingency fee basis. That means you don’t pay any legal fees unless we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of the settlement or judgment awarded.
This arrangement ensures that your lawyer is highly motivated to get you the best possible result. It also removes the financial burden of paying legal fees upfront, making legal representation accessible regardless of your current financial situation. In simple terms, if we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing.
Let us handle the paperwork and legal procedures
Legal claims involve an enormous amount of paperwork. From filing a complaint and drafting motions to responding to discovery requests and managing correspondence with insurance companies, each step comes with strict rules and timelines.
Missing a filing deadline or submitting incomplete documentation can jeopardize your entire case. Let Szantho Law Firm take this off your plate. We can help ensure your case progresses smoothly and without unnecessary delays.
Negotiation skills can make a real difference
Negotiating a settlement is both an art and a science. Attorney Szantho understands how insurance companies operate and knows when to push back or walk away from an offer that’s too low.
He also understands how to use leverage – such as strong evidence or expert testimony – to demand better compensation. With a lawyer from our firm handling negotiations, you’re far more likely to receive a settlement that reflects the true extent of your losses.
We’ll be there for you if your case goes to trial
While many personal injury cases settle out of court, some proceed to trial. If negotiations fail or the other party refuses to offer a fair settlement, having a trial-ready attorney is invaluable.
Attorney Szantho knows how to present your case effectively before a judge and jury. We’ll prepare you for testimony, present compelling evidence, and cross-examine witnesses. Without a lawyer from our firm, you may find yourself lost in the courtroom and ill-equipped to defend your rights.
Let us help preserve your peace of mind during a difficult time
Recovering from an injury is stressful enough without the added burden of legal complications. Hiring a personal injury lawyer allows you to focus on healing while they handle the legal legwork. You gain peace of mind knowing that a skilled professional is fighting for your best interests every step of the way.
We focus on moving your case forward so you can focus on getting better.
If you’ve been injured, contact an experienced personal injury attorney
Many people think they can handle a minor accident claim on their own – only to realize later that the injuries are more serious than they first appeared or that the settlement didn’t cover all expenses. By then, it’s often too late to undo the damage.
Hiring a personal injury lawyer from the beginning ensures that every aspect of your case is covered from day one. You won’t have to second-guess yourself later or wonder whether you could’ve done more.
If you’ve been injured in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, or anywhere in New Mexico, Szantho Law Firm can guide you through the legal process every step of the way. Learn more about how we can help. Contact us to schedule a free consultation.
Click here for a printable PDF of this article, “Is It Worth Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer?”