When you sustain harm because of a negligent doctor, driver, pharmaceutical company, manufacturer, or any other person or entity, you may qualify to take legal action against them. If you choose to go this route, knowing when to hire a personal injury lawyer could help you understand your rights and ensure you get the assistance you need to increase your chance of success. Contacting an attorney as soon as possible after the incident or when you become aware of your damages will give you a better opportunity to recoup your losses; however, calling a lawyer even if you think you missed the deadline is still beneficial.
Our law firm firmly believes in helping the injured recover the compensation they need to rebuild and put the accident behind them. We appreciate the vulnerability of those who meet with us, and we treat everyone who walks through our door with respect and compassion. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your situation and determine if we can help protect your rights and seek a fair settlement.
How Soon After an Accident Should an Injured Party Talk to a Lawyer?
Ideally, the injured person would contact or hire an attorney shortly after they get hurt or realize they might have a legal claim against someone else. Seeing a personal injury lawyer early on in the case helps to limit the chance that critical legal deadlines pass. Likewise, filing a lawsuit soon after the event occurs increases the likelihood that essential evidence is fresh and available for the casualty to use in court.
If someone did not realize they were hurt or potentially had a claim against another right away, they can still benefit from talking to a lawyer. There are many exceptions to the filing deadlines that may give the casualty more time to file suit than the standard guidelines. An experienced attorney can help them understand their options and meet their legal obligations by identifying these dates and taking steps to meet them.
Should an Injured Person See an Attorney Before Signing a Settlement?
The injured person is responsible for deciding whether to agree to an offer sent by the insurance company, or at-fault person, to try to renegotiate the terms. However, seeking legal guidance before signing these documents or cashing the insurer’s check has potential benefits.
The fine print of an offer may say that, by signing the contract, the injured party waives their right to file a lawsuit or ask for more money later. In other words, the document may limit the injured person’s options to recoup compensation if they have second thoughts about the agreement and how they would like to proceed. Additionally, the insurer may use persuasive and misleading tactics to get the injured person to accept an immediate payout that—contrary to what the agents say—is far less than what the person deserves or could get in court.
A seasoned legal professional will see through the legal jargon and deceptive practices employed by the insurance company or at-fault person or business. For example, they will review the evidence, the injured party’s concerns, and the applicable law to understand if the settlement is in the injured person’s best interests. Because of this, an injured person can benefit from hiring a trusted personal injury lawyer early on to help them figure out how best to proceed.
Call a Personal Injury Attorney for Legal Help After Getting Hurt
The exact time for when to hire a personal injury lawyer can change from one situation to the next; however, it is usually a good idea to consult an attorney shortly after an accident. Many deadlines arise during the court or claims process, and a knowledgeable legal team can help you identify and meet these. They can also review and, if necessary, renegotiate the settlement offer sent by the insurance company or the person or business that caused you harm.
Price Benowitz strives to provide comprehensive services to those who hire us to handle their legal claims in the wake of an injuring event like an auto collision or dog bite. We understand that you may be in pain, have trouble paying your bills, or be in psychological distress because of what happened to you. We can lend a compassionate ear while using our experience to strategize the next steps. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation to learn more about us and how we can help you.
