You Should Contact a Personal Injury Attorney As Soon As Possible After An Accident
No one ever expects to be in a wrongful accident, but they unfortunately do happen. If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence or carelessness, it can be difficult to know how to proceed. In such cases, seeking out a personal injury attorney is the best course of action. But when should you contact a personal injury lawyer and what should you expect from the process?
This blog post will provide answers to the question so that when you need help navigating your legal options after an accident, you are better prepared for the process ahead. Continue below to get started.
When It’s Time to Call a Personal Injury Attorney
It is important to note that not every accident requires legal action, it is always best to consult with a personal injury attorney right away. The sooner you contact one, the better. It is also important to seek legal advice from a personal injury attorney as soon as possible for multiple reasons. Some of the most critical reasons include:
▶ The possible defendant’s insurance carrier is obtaining evidence and having your claim reviewed by experienced insurance adjusters and attorneys and you should have an experienced attorney on your side at the same time;
▶ Evidence documenting your claim regarding both liability and damages needs to be obtained and preserved as quickly as possible before it is lost;
▶ As most injured persons are experiencing this for the first time, they need advice and knowledge on how a claim or lawsuit works and what to expect;
▶ There are statutes of limitations that apply. This means that you may be barred from filing a lawsuit against the responsible party if too much time passes between the date of the accident and the date you file your claim. Therefore, it is always best to contact a lawyer sooner rather than later. Moreover, claims against governmental entities have very short time limitations for filing a “tort claims notice”; and
▶ Defendant insurance claims adjusters will initially seek to appear to be working out the claim with you but make no mistake, their job is to pay as little as possible to you for your claim in the end. It is important for you to have an experienced attorney working on your behalf to obtain a full and fair settlement for you.
What You Can Expect From Your Accident Claim Lawyer
Once you have decided to contact an accident claim lawyer, there are certain things you should expect during the initial consultation process. First, any experienced personal injury attorney will likely begin by asking you what happened to understand the details of your accident and to determine if you have a valid injury claim. You should expect that your lawyer will ask for all relevant documents, including any police reports or medical records related to the incident. Your lawyer will also want to inquire about witness statements, photos of the accident site, proof of property damage, and other evidence that could help strengthen your case. If you do not have all items, do not worry. Your attorney will help to obtain the necessary evidence.
Next, after determining that there is sufficient grounds for a personal injury lawsuit or claim against the responsible party’s insurance company, your attorney can then explain the legal process and timeline moving forward. This includes helping you understand what kind of compensation might be available to you through either a settlement or jury award. Your attorney will also negotiate on your behalf with insurance companies in order to obtain the most favorable outcome for you.
Third, a skilled accident lawyer will make sure you understand your rights and obligations throughout the entire process. They can help you navigate any legal challenges that come up and ensure that all paperwork is properly filed in order to move the case along as quickly as possible.
Finally, it is important to note that speaking with an attorney right away does not necessarily mean that you need an attorney for your claim. You should talk with your potential attorney at your initial meeting and they will help guide you and determine if you need their services or not. In the end, you lose nothing by speaking with an experienced attorney as soon as possible after you are injured to determine the best course of action to take.
The Bottom Line
If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, it is important to know that help is available in the form of an Indianapolis personal injury attorney. While there is no specific timeline for when you should contact a lawyer, acting sooner rather than later is always best in order to properly document your case and avoid any potential legal issues. A seasoned lawyer will be able to explain the process step-by-step and provide guidance on navigating the legal system so that you can seek the compensation and justice you deserve.
You need help navigating your injury claim, so make sure to get in touch with us as soon as possible. Contact Craven, Hoover & Blazek, P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free personal injury consultation with a seasoned personal injury lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our services cover victims from all over the state, including Indiana residents who were injured in other states and persons from other states injured in Indiana.
Related Posts:
Will My Case Have a Better Outcome if I Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?
How Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Decide to Take a Case?
Do I Need to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer for My Accident Claim?