Getting a lawyer after a car accident can be a prudent decision. But is it ever too late to seek legal help?
Typically, it is only too late to seek legal help if the statute of limitations has expired or you already signed a settlement agreement. However, even this is not a hard and fast rule.
In general, it is best to seek assistance from an experienced Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyer as soon as possible. An attorney can help you throughout the personal injury claim process, providing legal advice and support.
Statute of Limitations for Car Accident
The statute of limitations is the legal deadline to file a lawsuit. In Pennsylvania, the deadline to file a claim is just two years from the date of the accident. Failing to meet the statute of limitations may mean losing your right to recover compensation.
There are some exceptions to this two year statute of limitations that may lengthen or shorten the deadline to file. For instance, the clock does not start running for an injured minor until they turn 18 years old. On the other hand, if the responsible party is a government agency, you must file a notice of claim within six months.
With such a short deadline to file, it is critical to engage with a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Your attorney can review your case and determine the filing deadline.
Why Timing Matters in Car Accident Cases
After a car crash, timing is everything. Not only does the clock start running on the filing deadline, but it also matters for efficiently and effectively resolving your claim.
- Preserving Evidence
As time goes by, evidence may be lost or forgotten. By taking quick action, you can gather and retain all relevant information to support your claim. Moreover, your car accident attorney can assist you with evidence preservation and advise you on what evidence is important. - Importance of Gathering Evidence Immediat
The cause of the crash may be determined by car accident damage and accident scene documentation. Documentation of injuries is also critical for showing your injury was caused by the incident. Therefore, it is important to begin evidence collection as soon as the crash occurs. - Risks of Delaying Investigation
Delaying an accident investigation risks evidence being lost and may make it easier for insurance adjusters to challenge aspects of your claim. Critical information like witness names, receipts, and photos could be lost over time. Memories also fade. - Witness Testimonies
Witness statements may be important to corroborating and expanding on other evidence like police reports. Taking too long to file an insurance claim may mean losing these testimonies.</li - How Memories Fade Over Time
If not regularly retrieved and reinforced, human memories fade over time. This means it is important to get witness statements in the earliest stages of the legal process. Moreover, repeated recall can distort memories. As such, it is important to get witness testimony early for accuracy. - Role of Witnesses in Strengthening Your Case
Witnesses are disinterested third-parties. Having eyewitness testimony can reinforce your claim and corroborate your version of events. These statements can also provide key details that may help prove negligence. - Dealing with Insurance Companies
Fighting the insurance company after a car accident can be challenging. Many individuals don’t understand their legal rights or their insurance policy. Besides this, it can be stressful to manage an insurance claim and physical recovery after a crash. - Timely Filing of Insurance Claims
Filing your claim is often the first event on your injury case legal timeline. Making a timely filing can be crucial to meeting legal deadlines, and swiftly entering into settlement negotiations. Getting fair compensation early can be important, especially when you are unable to work and need to recover lost wages after a car accident. - Risks of Handling Claims Without Legal Advice
While it can be tempting to deal with the insurance company on your own. It does come with risks. Many people don’t understand how insurance claims work, what to expect, and the financial compensation they deserve. Securing legal representation can put an accident victim at a greater advantage than those who choose not to.
Why It’s So Important to Talk to a Car Accident Attorney Right Away
Speaking with a trusted Personal Injury Lawyer immediately after a crash can help you avoid missteps and mistakes that may harm your claim. An attorney can provide valuable advice on how to proceed with your injury case and craft a personalized legal strategy for pursuing fair compensation.
A lawyer can get to work immediately after the initial legal consultation. This means they can handle gathering all accident documentation and start building your case from the first phone call. This can be essential for preserving evidence and quickly resolving your claim.
Contact The Law Offices of Greg Prosmushkin, P.C. Today
At The Law Offices of Greg Prosmushkin, P.C., our experienced lawyers can help you take the necessary legal action to secure your right to compensation. No matter what stage of the process, we can take on your claim and get to work advocating for your interests.
When you’ve been injured in a collision, there is no time to waste. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation at 215-799-9990.