How Soon Should I Call a Lawyer After an Accident?

After an accident, there’s many things on your mind. Between handling vehicle damage and finding temporary transportation, the thought of calling a lawyer can feel intimidating and overwhelming.

Many people are afraid to complain or not sure they can file a claim, even when they are in pain. Here’s some helpful information to help you decide how soon to call a lawyer following an accident:

 

Recommended First Steps

If you’ve been in a car accident, we recommend following three important steps. After calling the police at the scene and collecting the facts, your next priority should be seeing a doctor for your pain/possible injuries and calling an attorney. Accidents can cause visible injuries like scrapes and bruises, but also unnoticeable injuries like concussions, injuries to internal organs, neck pain, fractured bones, etc. Some injuries can take up to several months before showing symptoms.

In order to ensure eligibility for Florida’s PIP coverage, you must see a doctor within 14 days of your accident. No matter the extent of your injury or pain, it’s best to see a doctor within this timeframe and call an attorney if your accident was a result of someone’s negligence.

 

Why Timing Is Important

There are many factors that are impacted as time goes on when it comes to your accident case. Evidence and damage can disappear or be fixed, making it difficult to prove fault. Road hazards that may have been involved can be fixed, making it harder to provide proof. Injuries can heal and witnesses might begin to forget the details of the accident.

Things like medical bills and lost wages can stack up. A lawyer can help get financial relief from those as soon as possible. And, depending on your state, there are even time limits after an accident that determine if filing a claim is even possible. These factors indicate it’s essential to contact an attorney as soon as you can.

 

Top Reasons to Call an Attorney

While there are things that can be handled easily without legal assistance, there are several things that are complex and time-sensitive. Hiring a trustworthy attorney to represent you can help make matters much easier and ensure your rights are protected. Here are some top reasons to consider hiring a lawyer:

• You might not fully understand all of your potential damages
• Proving liability is often complicated
• If you miss a step or deadline, you may experience financial loss
• Your insurance company might not have your best interest in mind
• There are different laws for different states
• If you choose to sue, there’s a limited time to do so

 

How to Make Sure You Hire the Right Attorney

As a personal injury victim, you need to feel comfortable and confident that you can trust the attorney  you choose to hire. Here are three important questions to ask:

• What are your practice areas?
• If my case gets settled, how much money will you get vs. how much I’ll receive?
• How do I know if you are a lawyer I can trust?

 

The True Value of an Attorney

Until you’ve been involved in a personal injury accident, it’s hard to prepare for or know all the details that come with a case. For example, many people don’t know how to define “pain and suffering” and wouldn’t know how it applies to the damages they could receive to compensate. A personal injury attorney is there to help you understand industry terms like that and fight for the recoveries you deserve.

Having a lawyer to handle the legalities and technicalities of a personal injury makes the process go as smooth as possible, with the added benefit of 24-hour support for any questions you may have as well as emotional support.

Discover how our personal injury law firm can make dealing with an auto accident easier for you or a loved one by calling 1-800-33-COHEN or contacting us online today.